Кислород
1 Oxygen is referred to as O2. It is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas, slightly heavier
than air. The atmosphere normally contains 21 % oxygen. An increase above this figure is
known as enrichment ; a decrease below this figure is known as deficiency.
2 Oxygen is essential for life : if a person enters an oxygen deficient atmosphere he/she could
collapse immediately and die if not rescued.
2.1. When liquid oxygen evaporates the gas produced is very cold and so is much heavier
than air. Thus it can collect in areas below ground level such as pits and trenches
where it may be slow to disperse.
2.2. Before entering areas and enclosed spaces in which an oxygen deficiency or
enrichment could occur, make sure that the atmosphere has been tested to ensure
that the oxygen content is 21 % (+/- uncertainty of measurement) and that causes for
deviations from 21 % are identified and controlled.
Read the Work Permit - see leaflet 22 – and make sure it is valid (date, signature).
3 Oxygen is not flammable but is essential for combustion. Even a slight enrichment of the
atmosphere may cause rapid combustion, while a high concentration of oxygen can cause
burning at explosive rates. Conversely, if there is not enough oxygen combustion will stop or
not start.
3.1. In areas where oxygen enrichment can occur, do not smoke and do not use naked
flames. If hot work (welding, flame cutting, soldering, grinding, etc...) has to be carried
out, ensure that the atmosphere has been checked and confirmed as safe and obtain
a Work Permit - see Leaflet 22 -.
3.2. Do not use oxygen for applications for which it is not intended. Do not use oxygen as
a substitute for air, such as; for operating pneumatic tools, inflating tyres, starting
diesel engines.
3.3. Make sure that all items such as tools, cleaning rags and clothes which may come
into contact with oxygen are free from oil and grease. Clean them with approved
solvents and remove all traces of solvents before exposing them to oxygen - see
Leaflet 21 -.
3.4. If you have been in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere, ventilate your clothing in the
open air for at least 15 minutes before smoking or going near to a source of ignition.
4 Only certain materials are suitable for use in oxygen service. Most materials will burn in pure
oxygen, even if they cannot be ignited in air. Some organic materials, in particular oils, grease
and materials contaminated with these substances can catch fire spontaneously in an
enriched atmosphere. When ignited, metals burn in oxygen.
4.1. Check with your supervisor that the materials or substances which you use are
approved for oxygen service.
5 Parts used for oxygen service must be labelled accordingly and preserved with adequate
packaging.
6 Oxygen cylinder filling specific hazards and prevention measures :
6.1. Contamination of oxygen cylinders with moisture is hazardous as it causes corrosion
which in turn may cause cylinders to burst when pressurized.
6.2. You must know how to stop the cylinder filling process in case of an emergency.
6.3. When not connected to the filling rack, cylinders must be capped and secured.
6.4. You must know the cylinder filling diagram (pressure, time, temperature) and the
maximum allowed temperature of oxygen cylinders during filling.
6.5. Oxygen cylinders used for medical service are subject to specific rules that you must
be instructed in.
7 Liquid oxygen storage specific hazards and prevention measures
7.1. Liquid oxygen is stored in registered pressure vessels ; there is an identification plate,
you must know what the engraved information means. Tank pressure monitoring and
control is critical, overpressure protections must be kept in good condition, operating
instructions must be known, uncontrolled deviations must be reported.
7.2. Liquid oxygen storage requires specific regulations to be known and respected.
7.3. Storage area must be clean and free from oil and grease.
7.4. It is hazardous to overfill liquid storage tanks; level in the tank must be monitored.
7.5. A liquid oxygen release in the atmosphere generates a thick cloud made of
condensed moisture. Do not expose yourself to the cloud.
