1. Gases and Reactions

2. Hydrogen
Nitrogen

3.  Properties
◦ Flammable
◦ Small molecule - will leak
◦ Diffuses quickly
◦ Low spark ignition energy
◦ Not easily detectable (Colourless, odourless, tasteless)
◦ Asphyxiant

4.  LEL 4% ; UEL 74.5%
◦ flammable at wide range
◦ eliminate ignition sources (0.000019 J)
◦ ventilate well to avoid LEL
 Flames are invisible
◦ train workers
◦ check for leaks

5.  Use your vendor
◦ safety information and training
 Design your system well
◦ Outside!
◦ Eliminate ignition sources
◦ Follow piping and vessel industry standards
◦ Barricades against explosion

6.  Colorless, Odorless, Tasteless
 Makes up majority of air (78%)
 ASPHYXIANT

7. O2 % N2 % Consequence
21 % 79 % Normal air
14 % 86 % Loss of ability to keep attention, to think clearly, some loss
of muscular co-ordination. Pulse and respiration increase.
10 % 90 % Faulty judgement; no pain nor serious injury; rapid fatigue;
very short temper, etc.
6 % 94 % Nausea; vomiting; legs give way. This may be the first and
only warning and it is too late. No pain. Resuscitation, even
if possible, may give permanent brain damage
< 6 % > 94 % Respiration by gasps, etc. RAPID DEATH.

8.  Do not:
◦ enter enclosed spaces
◦ assume atmosphere in any tank, drain or other enclosed
space is safe to breath until it has been tested
◦ follow a fallen/distressed colleague into such a space
◦ even take a look!

9.  Well trained and alert personnel
 Well designed systems
 Adequate ventilation
 Leak Prevention & Detection
 Elimination of Ignition sources
 Proper maintenance and inspection
 Proper process control
ref; A. Stout, CFPA

10.  National Fire Protection Association, NFPA
 Chemical Engineering Institutes (AIChE,
IChemE, etc)
 American Petroleum Institute (API)
 Occupational Safety and Health Authority
 DIN, BSI, etc.