Taylor-Wharton KeepFull Telemetry System - Manual (Page 3)

The following safety precautions are for your protec-
tion. Before performing installation, operating, or main-
tenance procedures read and follow all safety precau-
tions in this section and in reference publications. Fail-
ure to observe all safety precautions can result in prop-
erty damage, personal injury, or possible death. It is
the responsibility of the purchasers of this equipment
to adequately warn the user of the precautions and safe
practices for the use of this equipment and cryogenic
fluids.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR LIQUID OXYGEN
Oxygen is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can
be condensed into a liquid at the low temperature of -297°F
(-183°C) under normal atmospheric pressure. Approximately
one-fifth of normal air is oxygen. As a liquid, oxygen is pale
blue in color. Oxygen is non-flammable but vigorously ac-
celerates the burning of combustible materials.
Keep Combustibles Away from
Oxygen and Eliminate Ignition Sources
Many substances which do not normally burn in air require
only a slight spark or moderate heat to set them aflame in
the presence of concentrated oxygen. Other substances
which are only moderately combustible in air can burn vio-
lently when a high percentage of oxygen is present.
Do not permit smoking or open flame in any area where
liquid oxygen is stored, handled, or used. Keep all organic
materials and other flammable substances away from pos-
sible contact with liquid oxygen. Some of the materials that
can react violently with oxygen are oil, grease, kerosene,
cloth, wood, paint, tar, and dirt which contains oil or grease.
Under certain conditions flammable materials which have
become permeated with liquid oxygen are impact sensitive
and can detonate if subjected to shock.
Keep Area and Exterior Surfaces Clean
to Prevent Ignition
As normal industrial soot and dirt can constitute a combus-
tion hazard, all equipment surfaces must be kept very clean.
Do not place oxygen equipment on asphalt surfaces, or al-
low grease or oil deposits to remain on benches or concrete
surfaces in the vicinity of the oxygen equipment. Use clean-
ing agents which will not leave organic deposits on the
cleaned surfaces. Equipment to be used in contact with
liquid oxygen should be handled only with clean gloves or
hands washed clean of oil.
Maintain Adequate Ventilation
Enclosed areas containing oxygen equipment should be ven-
tilated to prevent accumulations of oxygen and thereby mini-
mize combustion hazards.
Extreme Cold - Cover Eyes and Exposed Skin
Accidental contact of liquid oxygen or cold issuing gas with
the skin or eyes may cause a freezing injury similar to frost-
bite. Handle the liquid so that it won’t splash or spill. Protect
your eyes and cover the skin where the possibility of contact
with the liquid, cold pipes and cold equipment, or the cold
gas exists. Safety goggles or a face shield should be worn if
liquid ejection or splashing may occur or cold gas may issue
forcefully from equipment. Clean, insulated gloves that can
be easily removed and long sleeves are recommended for
arm protection. Cuffless trousers should be worn outside
boots or over the shoes to shed spilled liquid. If clothing
should be splashed with liquid oxygen or otherwise saturated
with the gas, air out the clothing immediately, removing it if
possible. Such clothing will be highly flammable and easily
ignited while the concentrated oxygen remains, and should
not be considered safe for at least 30 minutes.
Replacement Parts
Must be Suitable for Oxygen Service
Many materials, especially some non-metallic gaskets and
seals, constitute a combustion hazard when in oxygen ser-
vice, although they may be acceptable for use with other cryo-
genic liquids. Make no substitutions for recommended spare
parts. Also, be sure all replacement parts are thoroughly
“Cleaned For Oxygen Service” in accordance with Com-
pressed Gas Association (CGA) Pamphlet G-4.1 “Cleaning
for Oxygen Service” or equivalent industrial cleaning specifi-
cations.
Observe Safety Codes When
Locating Oxygen Equipment
Before locating oxygen equipment, become thoroughly fa-
miliar with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Stan-
dard No. 50, “Bulk Oxygen Systems”, and with all federal,
state and local safety codes. The NFPA Standard covers the
general principles recommended for the installation of bulk
oxygen systems on industrial and institutional consumer pre-
mises.
CAUTION: When installing field fabricated piping,
make certain a suitable safety valve is in-
stalled in each section of piping between
shut-off valves.
For more detailed information concerning safety precautions
and safe practices to be observed when handling cryogenic
liquids consult CGA pamphlet P-12 “Handling Cryogenic Liq-
uids” available from the Compressed Gas Association, 1235
Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Va. 22202.
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