Taylor-Wharton VJ Bulk Tank - Manual (Page 4)

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR NITROUS OXIDED
WARNING:
The following safety precautions are for your protection. Before performing
installation, operation, or maintenance procedures, read and follow all safety
precautions in this section and in reference publications. Failure to observe
all safety precautions can result in property damage, personal injury, or
possibly death. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to adequately warn
the user of the precautions and safe practices for the use of this equipment
and the cryogenic fluid stored in it.
Nitrous oxide is a gas, which has no color, taste, and practically no odor. It is obtained by the thermal
decomposition of ammonium nitrate, which yields nitrous oxide and water. Due to the toxic
impurities produced in this process, the water is condensed out and the gas is passed through
scrubbing towers to remove impurities.
EXTREME COLD – COVER EYES AN EXPOSED SKIN
Accidental exposure or contact with skin or eyes can cause severe frostbite. Avoid contact with cold
piping and equipment. Protect eyes with goggles or shield, especially if there is a possibility of liquid
ejection or if cold gas may issue forcefully from equipment. Keep skin covered at all times.
KEEP WORK AREA WELL VENTILATED
Due to the difficulty of detecting nitrous oxide's presence, there is eminent danger of loss of
consciousness and physical inability to function if exposed to low levels of this gas, and death by
asphyxiation if exposed to medium or high levels. Since nitrous oxide is a non-toxic gas, these hazards
are created when life-supporting oxygen is displaced. The American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH) in it's "Threshold Limit Valves & Biological Exposure Indices for 1989-
1990" recommends a 50 ppm threshold limit value - Time Weighted Exposure Limit (TLV-TWA). It is
imperative to maintain a well-ventilated work environment to minimize the danger from a leaking
system or activated safety relief device.
DANGER OF EXPLOSION
Nitrous oxide is non-flammable but, as with oxygen, ignition of combustible materials may occur
more readily in a nitrous oxide-enriched atmosphere. Nitrous Oxide decomposes exothermically
under conditions of high temperature and pressure. If sufficient heat is added, the decomposition can
be self-sustaining and, with high temperature and pressure, nitrous oxide can explode. Open flame
and smoking are strictly prohibited.
NOTE:
For more detailed information concerning safety precautions and safe handling of
nitrous oxide, consult CGA pamphlet G-8.1, "Standard for Nitrous Oxide at Consumer
Sites", and CGA pamphlet G-8.2 "Commodity specification for Nitrous Oxide". These
publications are available from the Compressed Gas Association, 1235 Jefferson Davis
Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.
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