Attach 9 - DLAI 4145.25.pdf

DLAI 4145.25

AR 700-68

NAVSUPINST

4440.128D

AFJMAN 23-227(I)

MCO 10330.2D

16 Jun 00

Storage and Handling of Liquefied and Gaseous Compressed Gasses and Their Full and Empty Cylinders

[This publication has been revised significantly and must be reviewed in its entirety.]

A. REFERENCES

1. DLAR 4145.25/AR-700-68/NAVSUPINST 4440.128C/MCO 10330.2C/AFR 67-12, 16 JAN

90.

2. DoD 4140.1-R, DOD Material Management Regulation

B. PURPOSE. This instruction:

1. Supersedes DLAR 4145.25/AR-700-68/NAVSUPINST 4440.128C/MCO 0330.2C/AFR67-12

2. Prescribes procedures and responsibilities for the receipt, storage, use, inspection, transportation, and handling of compressed gases and their cylinders for all DoD components, installations and activities. These procedures are designed to assure optimum use of both the gases and the cylinders by all DoD and DLA activities.

C. APPLICABILITY AND SCOPE

1. The provisions of this Instruction are applicable to the Department of the Army (DA), the Department of the Air Force, the Department of the Navy, the Marine Corps, and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) which will be referred to collectively as “DoD Components”. This instruction applies to all world wide DoD locations that receive, store, issue, use, maintain, recondition, and perform associated services with or on the compressed gases and their cylinders managed by the Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR) and the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP). When there is a conflict between the provisions of this instruction and the host nation, the more stringent requirements shall apply.

2. Aerosol-type containers currently in the supply system are not considered in this Instruction.

When transporting aerosol containers refer to Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

Flammable aerosols should be stored as Class 1 flammable liquids as stated in NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.

3. DLAI 4145.25/ AR 700-68/NAVSUPINST 4440.128D/AFJMAN 23-227(I)/MCO 10330.2D

has been coordinated with, and approved by, the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.

ATTACHMENT 9 Solicitation - SP4520-18-R-0001

4. This Instruction may be supplemented at the major command, installation, and activity levels.

D. DEFINITIONS

1. Compressed Gas. The term “compressed gas” is described as follows:

a. Any material or mixture having, in the container, an absolute pressure exceeding 40 pounds per square inch (40 PSIA)(25 pounds per square inch gauge (25 PSIG)) at 70 deg F.

b. Regardless of the pressure at 70 deg F, having an absolute pressure exceeding 104 PSIA (89 PSIG) at 130 deg F.

c. Any liquid flammable material having a vapor pressure exceeding 40 PSIA (25 PSIG at 100 deg F as determined by American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) D-323, Test for Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Products (Reid Method), latest edition.

2. Cylinder. A compressed gas cylinder is a pressure vessel designed for the storage and transportation of a compressed gas at pressures higher than 40 PSIA (25 PSIG), with a tubular shape and circular cross section. This does not include a portable tank, a multi-unit tank car tank, a cargo tank, or a tank car (Title 49 CFR, Section 171.8).

3. 3. Additional definitions are provided in enclosure 1 of this Instruction.

E. PROCEDURES

1. The compressed gases used by DLA and DoD activities are manufactured by both commercial production plants and military field activities. The manufacturing and quality requirements for each gas product are provided in Military, Federal, and commercial specifications. All DLA and DoD activities located in the continental United States (CONUS) are required to purchase their gas products from commercial sources. Each contractor is to provide the desired gas product and the necessary services to retest and recondition the applicable cylinders to ensure they remain in safe and serviceable condition. Overseas military requirements are satisfied by shipment of the desired products from CONUS, by local manufacture of the product onsite by the military activity, or by purchasing the desired products and services from the host country commercial suppliers.

2. Verification of the quality of the purchased or manufactured product is conducted at the site of manufacture or at the product distributor's warehouse. Necessary testing is performed by the supplier's personnel under the surveillance of a Government representative, or records of the examination and tests are maintained by the supplier and made available to the Government upon request. Inspection and/or supplier verification testing is conducted under the surveillance of a Government Quality Assurance Representative (QAR). The quality of the gas product contained under pressure in a compressed gas cylinder will not change under normal storage and handling conditions; however, the condition of the cylinder may deteriorate and render the cylinder unsafe for further use. Procedures for the prevention and/or detection of these conditions are provided and defined in enclosures 1 and 2 to this document.

3. Gas cylinders purchased for the storage and shipment of compressed gas products for DLA and DoD activities are procured in accordance with Military and/or Federal specifications. These specifications supplement United States Department of Transportation (DOT) manufacturing requirements with the necessary military design and marking requirements. The basic cylinder is manufactured to the desired DOT specification (e.g., 3AA, 4BA, 8A), then assembled into a complete cylinder with the desired Mil Spec valve, color code, and product identification designating its specific use. The fabrication of the cylinder by the manufacturer and the initial hydrostatic testing and recording of data by an independent inspection agency are under the surveillance of a Government QAR. Cylinders may be purchased and sent directly to a compressed gas filling installation for immediate use, or they may be shipped directly to a stock or depot storage facility where they may remain for an undetermined length of time. During any storage period, whether the cylinder is full or empty, its condition may deteriorate, causing it to become unsafe for further use. All persons who handle, use, and fill cylinders must be able to recognize these deteriorating conditions and initiate action to have the cylinders reconditioned or removed from service. Any person offering a compressed gas for shipment must assure that the cylinder being used for that shipment meets all design and manufacturing requirements of the applicable Federal, Military, and DOT specifications and that it has been requalified (retested) and reconditioned in accordance with MIL-STD-1411, Inspection and Maintenance of Compressed Gas Cylinders, and DOT Title 49 CFR, Transportation. These documents and procedures are discussed in detail in enclosure 1 of this Instruction.

4. Certain safety precautions must be exercised in the storage, handling, and use of compressed gases and of the cylinders in which they are contained. The primary precautions for compressed gases used by DoD activities are provided in enclosure 1 of this document. In addition to written precautions, the DoD has established a color-coding system that identifies the primary and secondary safety hazards presented by each compressed gas or mixture of compressed gases. This system is outlined in MIL-STD-101B, Color Codes for Pipelines and Compressed Gas Cylinders. The system enables the gas user or cylinder handler to immediately identify the type of gas and the hazardous nature of the material contained in each cylinder (e.g., flammable, nonflammable, corrosive, poisonous, oxidizing). Additional information and further guidance may be obtained from the preparing and coordinating activities of this regulation, the local safety office or fire department, the manufacturer of the specific compressed gas, the Compressed Gas Association, the Hazardous Materials Technical Center (HMTC), or the DOT.

5. Cleaning, internal and external, is performed by the commercial supplier and/or vendor at the time of retesting and reconditioning or at the time the cylinder is filled. Should external cleaning become necessary during storage, materials used to clean the cylinders must be compatible with the gas or liquid to be put into the cylinders, or the gas previously in the empty cylinders. For instance, 1,1, trichloroethylene can explode.

F. RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Headquarters Defense Logistics Agency, Defense Logistics Support Command (DLSC-LD) will be responsible for monitoring and staff supervision of the DLA program for storage, handling, and use of compressed gases (liquefied and non-liquefied) in cylinders and for the overseas program for hydrostatic testing and reconditioning of U. S. Government-owned cylinder at locations throughout the world.

2. Field Activities

a. The Commanders of DGSC and DSCP will:

(1) Ensure the quality of the compressed gases and gas cylinders that are procured or managed.

(2) Provide guidance as needed to all DLA and DoD activities that use, handle, maintain, retest, recondition, and or store compressed gases to maintain an adequate and constant safety and quality control program.

(3) Review the quality control and related technical aspects of this Instruction and it’s 2 enclosures annually and, in collaboration with HQ DLA, maintain appropriate constituent parts current.

b. The Commanders of DLA and DoD Storage and Using Activities that Furnish Special Support to DLA will:

(1) Implement the requirements of this Instruction and it’s 2 enclosures.

(2) Ensure that all persons who use, handle, maintain, recondition, and/or store compressed gases (liquefied and non-liquefied) contained in cylinders are aware of and comply with the provisions of this joint Instruction and its 2 enclosures.

(3) Conduct inspections as required herein, and maintain concise records of such inspections.

(4) Assign condition codes, and report in accordance with the requirements of this Instruction and its 2 enclosures.

(5) Maintain and segregate all full and empty serviceable, Supply Condition Code A cylinders in a safe and usable condition and ensure that all cylinders coded other than Supply Condition Code A are handled properly according to their condition.

(6) Assure the use of Government-owned cylinders for the purchase of all compressed gases when a an approved dedicated government owned cylinder can be identified and can be made available.

(7) Develop and maintain an accountability system for all commercially-owned cylinders used to supply compressed gases from local distributors using their ownership symbols and serial numbers.

(8) Identify and return all non-Government-owned cylinders to their rightful owners, and ensure they are not returned to a Defense Depot or DoD storage activity or reported to a DLA Supply Center as excess personal property. Assistance in identifying the commercial ownership symbols found on the shoulders of commercially-owned cylinders will be provided by the DSCR, DSCR-JDTA, upon request. When ownership of a non-Government-owned cylinder cannot be determined, it shall be processed by the holder as lost, abandoned, or unclaimed privately-owned personal property in accordance with DoD 4160.21-M, Defense Materiel Disposition Manual, and section 8 of enclosure 1 of this Instruction.

c. The Commanders of Department of Defense (DoD) Using Activities will:

(1) Ensure that all personnel who use, handle, maintain, recondition, and/or store compressed gases (liquefied or non-liquefied) contained in cylinders are aware of and comply with the provisions of this joint Instruction and it’s 2 enclosures.

(2) Maintain all Condition Code A compressed gas cylinders in a safe and usable condition and ensure that all compressed gas cylinders coded other than Condition Code A are handled properly according to their condition.

(3) Report by the correct National Stock Number (NSN) which will provide the DOT Spec (3AA), the service pressure (2265), the capacity (252 CF), the dimensions (9 by 51 inches) and the product (oxygen), and the correct Condition Code all excess Government-owned industrial compressed gas cylinders to DSCR and all excess Government-owned medical compressed gas cylinders to DPSC for disposition instructions.

(4) Identify and return all contractor-owned, leased, or rented cylinders to their rightful owners and ensure they are not reported to a DLA Center as excess. When a cylinder cannot be identified to a valid NSN or its ownership cannot be determined, disposition instructions shall be requested from the appropriate managing activity.

d. The Commander, Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service (DRMS) will:

(1) Receive serviceable, unserviceable and condemned, compressed gas cylinders from authorized activities in accordance with DoD 4160.21-M, and section 8 of enclosure 1 of this Instruction.

(2) Maintain all fully serviceable cylinders (Supply Condition Code A) in a safe and usable condition.

(3) Dispose of serviceable, unserviceable, and condemned compressed gas cylinders in accordance with DoD 4160.21-M.

(4) Ensure that all DRMS personnel who use, handle, maintain, and/or store gas cylinders are aware of and comply with the provisions of this joint Instruction and its 2 enclosures.

G. EFFECTIVE DATE. This publication is effective immediately.

H. INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS. (Reserved for future use.)

BY ORDER OF THE DIRECTOR, DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY, AND THE SECRETARIES

OF THE ARMY, THE AIR FORCE, THE NAVY, AND THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE

CORPS

R.B. FREDERICK

Acting, Headquarters Complex Commandant

KEITH W. LIPPERT

Rear Admiral, SC, United States Navy Commander Naval Supply Systems Command

JOHN W. HANDY, Lt General, USAF DCS/Installations and Logistics

G.S. MCKISSOCK

Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps Deputy Chief of Staff for Installations and Logistics

Louis Caldera Secretary of the Army

ENCL 1

DLAI 4145.25

AR 700-68

NAVSUPINST 4440.128D

AFJMAN 23-227(I)

MCO 10330.2D

SECTION 1

DEFINITIONS

1-1. GENERAL. This document and its two enclosures have been developed to provide guidance and direction in the storage and handling of compressed gas cylinders and their contents, normally procured, stocked, and used within the Department of Defense (DoD). There are several more compressed gases used in the commercial industry that are not addressed in this document. Some of those may find their way into the military system, some of which may be extremely hazardous. Should cylinders of such gases be identified, they should be isolated in a protected location away from any noncompatible materials until specific direction on their safe handling and storage can be established. The Department of Transportation (DOT), in 1967, assumed from the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) all regulatory functions for compressed gases and gas cylinders. Reference is made to DOT with the understanding that ICC cylinders with their markings now in the DoD system will retain their ICC identification.

1-2. DEFINITIONS

A. Compressed Gas. Class 2, Divisions 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3

1. Division 2.1, Flammable Gas. Flammable gas means any material which is a gas at 20 C (68 F) or less and 101.3 kPa

(14.7 psia) of presssure (a material which has a boiling point of 20 C (68 F) or less at 101.3 kPa (14.7 psia)) which—

a. Is ignitabale at 101.3 kPa (14.7 psia) when in a mixture of 13 percent or less by volume:

b. Has a flammable range at 101.3 kPa (14.7 psia) with air of at least 12 percent regardless of the lower limit. The limits specified in A1a and b shall be determined at 101.3 KPa (14.7 psia) of pressure and 20 C (68 F) in accordance with ASTM E681-85, Standard Test Method for Concentration Limits of Flammability of Chemicals. Other methods of determination approved be the Associate Administrator for Hazardouis Materials Safety, U.S. Department of Transoprtation as acceptable.

2. Division 2.2, Non-Flammable, Non-poisonous compressed gas, (including compressed gas, liquefied gas, pressurized cryogenic gas, compressed gas in solution, asphyriant gas and oxidizing gas). A non-flammable, non-poisonous compressed gas means any material which—

a. exerts in the packaging an absolute presssure of 180 kPa (40.6 psia) or greater at 20 C (68 F), and

b. Does not meet the definition of Division 2.1 or 2.3.

3. Division 2.3, Gas Poisonous by Inhalation. A gas poisonous by inhalation means a material which is a gas at 20 C (68 F) or less and 101.3 kPa (14.7 psia) of pressure (a material which has a boiling point af 20 C (68 F) or less at 101.3 kPa (14.7 psia) which

a. Is known to be so toxic to humans as to pose a hazard to health during transportation, or

b. In the abscence of adequate data on human toxicity, is presumed to be toxic to humans because when tested on laboratory animals it has an LC50 value of not more than 5000 ml per cubic meter. LC50 values may be determined using the formula found in CFR 49, 173.133(b)(1)(i).

4. Compressed Gas In Solution. The term @compressed gas in solution" identifies a nonliquefied compressed gas that is dissolved in a solvent. In this case we are speaking of acetylene which is dissolved into acetone.

5. Cryogenic Liquid. A cryogenic liquid means a refrigerated liquefied gas having a boiling point colder that –90 C (- 130 F) at 101.3 kPa (14.7 psia). It must be super cooled (refrigerated) for it to condense into the liquid state. It is therefore sometimes referred to as a refrigerated liquid. A material meeting this definition is subject to the requirements of Title 49 CFR, regardless of whether it meets the definition of a compressed gas in subparagraph 1 above. An example of this type of material is partially described as "oxygen, refrigerated liquid" (cryogenic liquid) in Title 49 CFR, Paragraph 172.101. Gases meeting these characteristics would be gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, argon, helium, and hydrogen.

6. Liquefied Compressed Gas. The term "liquefied compressed gas" means a gas which in a packaging under the charged pressure, is partially liquid at a temperature of 20 C (68 F). Gases meeting these characteristics would be the Liquefied Petroleum Gases (Butane and Propane), all of the refrigerant gases, ammonia, chlorine, and the fire fighting halons 1202, 1211, and 1301.

7. Non-liquefied Compressed Gas. The term "non-liquefied compressed gas" means a gas, other than in solution, which in a packaging under the charged pressure is entirely gaseous at a temperature of 20 C (68 F). These are sometimes referred to as the permanent gases. They will also (when super cooled or refrigerated) meet the characteristics of a cryogenic liquid or a refrigerated gas. Gases meeting these characteristics would be oxygen, nitrogen, argon, helium, and hydrogen.

B. Cylinder. A compressed gas cylinder is a pressure vessel designed for the storage and transportation of a compressed gas at pressures higher than 40 pounds per square inch absolute (psia), 25 pounds per square inch gage (psig) with a tubular shape and circular cross section. This does not include a portable tank, a multi-unit tank car tank, a cargo tank, or a tank car.

(Title 49 CFR, Section 171.8).

1. Empty Cylinder. A cylinder may be considered empty by the user at any time when the remaining contents (usually pressure) in the cylinder is below an acceptable level for the designated application however under all circumstances the following regulatory requirements apply:

a. Any cylinder containing the residue of a DOT regulated hazardous material (HAZMAT) must be offered for transportation and transported in the same manner as when it contained a greater quantity of that HAZMAT. This includes classification, marking, labeling, identification, shipping papers etc.

b. A cylinder is not subject to the requirements of the hazardous materials regulations if it:

(1). Is unused;

(2). Is sufficiently cleaned of residue and purged of vapors to remove any potential hazard;

(3). Contains only the residue of a non-flammable gas with no subsidiary hazard at an absolute pressure less than

280 kPa (40.6 psia) at 20 C (68F) and any material in the cylinder does not meet the definition for a hazardous substance, hazardous waste, or a marine pollutant.

c. Empty New Procurement - Except for DOT 8 or 8AL cylinders, cylinders received as a result of procurement action should be pressurized with not less than 5 psi of nitrogen and should be tagged "PRESERVED WITH NITROGEN GAS." A DOT "Empty" label is not required.

d. Acetylene New Procurement - DOT 8 or 8AL cylinders received as a result of procurement action will have a flammable solvent in its porous core. These cylinders are not required to be labeled "Flammable" or "Empty" by the U.S.

DOT.

2. Cleaned and Purged Cylinder. Any cylinder cleaned and purged of all hazardous residue in accordance with Title 49 CFR, Paragraph 173.29, and charged with a positive pressure of an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen), or dry, oil-free air, not to exceed 24 psig (39 psia) at 70øF and properly tagged "cleaned and purged." Under no circumstances shall standard oil tolerant shop air (air that has been compressed with an oil lubricated compressor without adequate filtration and cleaning be used to purge and pressurize a "cleaned and purged" cylinder.

C. Flammable Range. As defined in Paragraph 173.115 of Title 49 CFR, the term "flammable range" shall be used to describe the values of the volume percentage of the material in air between the minimum, Lower Flammable Limit (LFL), and the maximum, Upper Flammable Limit (UFL), which forms a flammable compressed gas.

D. Explosive Range. The term "explosive range" shall be used to describe the values of the volume percentage of the material in air between the minimum, Lower Explosive Limit (LEL), and the maximum, Upper Explosive Limit (UEL), which can be detonated.

E. Inert. Inert defines the type of a compressed gas that is not flammable, corrosive, oxidizable, or poisonous and is essentially chemically inactive. Gases such as helium, neon, argon, and nitrogen are considered inert.

F. Mixture. Mixture defines a material that is composed of more than one compound or element. (Title 49 CFR, Paragraph 171.8)

G. Oil Free. For applications that cannot tolerate hydrocarbon contamination, the term "oil free" shall be used to identify use restrictions when applied to air, helium, and nitrogen. Applications that cannot tolerate hydrocarbon contamination include the purging of oxygen systems or components, delicate instruments, human respiration systems and equipment, heavy artillery recoil mechanisms, etc. Such gases shall not be used on or with any system in which feedback of oil or other hydrocarbon contaminants into the cylinder is possible. This term has replaced the term "water pumped," which originally indicated that the gas was charged into the cylinder with the use of a water-and-soap lubricated compressor. This type of compression, no longer in general use, has been replaced with systems using a diaphragm-type compressor or a system by which the gas is pumped as a cryogenic liquid, then passed through a vaporizer to convert it into a gas as it is charged into cylinders. The need to identify the type of compression has thus changed to a need to identify the type of application. It has been found that hydrocarbon contamination can migrate back into a cylinder from a system with which it is used by pressure feedback. It is, therefore, necessary to continue the distinct separate applications of inert gases with systems that demand a hydrocarbon free gas and systems that can tolerate, or that do contain, hydrocarbon products such as oil or hydraulic fluids.

The purpose in making a distinction between these two applications was to enhance user safety. Consequently, different cylinder valve outlet connections are now employed, and adaptors are not authorized for noncompatible applications.

H. Oil Tolerant. The term, "oil tolerant," when applied to air, helium, and nitrogen, indicates that the gas can be used in applications that can tolerate or contain a hydrocarbon material such as oil or similar fluids. Such applications would be for purging or pressurizing hydraulic or pneumatic systems, leak testing of refrigerant systems, pressurizing aircraft struts, and general use by maintenance and automotive shops, etc. This term has replaced the term "oil pumped," which originally designated that the gas was charged into the cylinder with the use of an oil-lubricated compressor. This type of compression system is still available and is still used for some gases; however, some gas systems are using a diaphragm compressor, and still others, such as nitrogen systems, are now charging nitrogen into cylinders by pumping the gas as a cryogenic liquid and then passing it through a vaporizer to convert it to a gas as it is charged into cylinders. Even though the gas is now charged from an "oil free" source from the cryogenic fluid, it has been found that the cylinders can become contaminated with feedback from a system using hydrocarbon products such as oil or other hydraulic fluids. It was, therefore, necessary to continue the separate and distinct application of certain inert gases (air, helium, nitrogen). The term "oil tolerant" is now used to designate the type of applications with which the gases shall be used. The separation of this type of application has been further enhanced by the use of a specific cylinder valve outlet connection. Inert gases identified as oil tolerant must not be used to purge or pressurize oxygen or air for human respiration systems. They shall only be used with systems that do or can tolerate hydrocarbon contamination. Contamination of an oxygen system with an oil-tolerant gas could result in a fire or explosion with loss of life or of a complete weapons system.

I. Oxidizer. The term oxidizer defines a compressed gas that readily yields oxygen to stimulate the combustion of organic matter and when contained in a cylinder, the cylinder will be so labeled in accordance with Title 49 CFR Section 173.127.

J. Pressure-Relief Device. This is a device that is employed to prevent the rupture of a charged compressed gas cylinder under abnormal conditions(over filling, over pressurization, engulfed in a fire etc). The device can be designed to be activated by either pressure or temperature and will relieve all or partial pressure sufficiently to prevent the rupture of the cylinder.

Such a device must be subjected to a fire test as required by Section 173.34(d) of Title 49 CFR. Pressure relief devices are prohibited on cylinders charged with a poison A gas or liquid and fluorine.

K. PSI or psi. PSI or psi is the abbreviation for pounds per square inch when defining pressure.

L. PSIA or psia. PSIA or psia is the abbreviation for pounds per square inch absolute. This is gage pressure plus the atmospheric pressure of 14.7 psi.

M. PSIG or psig. PSIG or psig is the abbreviation for pounds per square inch gauge. The pressure indicated on the pressure gauge which represents the pressure above atmospheric. This is the pressure read on a pressure gage where A0" is the absence of pressure or vacuum.

N. Residue. Residue is the material (compressed gas) remaining in a cylinder after its contents have been exhausted to the maximum extent practicable and before the cylinder is either refilled or cleaned of hazardous material and purged to remove any hazardous vapors. (Title 49 CFR, Section 171.8)

O. Service Pressure. The term "service pressure" (sometimes referred to as working pressure) is defined as the authorized (designed) fill pressure of the compressed gas cylinder. This will be a numeric value immediately following the DOT specification stamped into the shoulder, head ring or foot ring of the cylinder. For example, for cylinders marked "DOT

3AA2265," the service pressure is 2265 psig. This is the predetermined pressure to which the cylinder is authorized to be charged at a stabilized temperature of 70øF.

P. Temperature Limits. The temperature of 130øF is cited in the Title 49 CFR as the upper temperature limit to be used for calculating when a cylinder will become liquid full, and in the definition of a compressed gas. This temperature has been determined to be the maximum temperature normally encountered during the transportation and storage of compressed gases. For the purposes of this regulation, 130øF is cited in text when it relates directly to a citation in Title 49 CFR. To provide an extra margin of safety, temperature limits cited in other parts of this regulation have been lowered to 125øF for DoD and DLA activities.

Q. USP. USP means Pharmacopoeia of the United States. This is a document published by the medical profession that contains a list of drugs and medicines and describes their preparation, properties, uses, etc.

SECTION 2

CHARACTERISTICS OF GASES

2-1. GENERAL. Personnel having the responsibility of storing, handling, and/or using compressed gases and gas cylinders must have a working knowledge of the characteristics and hazards associated with each individual gas. Specific and detailed information on the properties and/or hazards of any gas is best obtained from the manufacturer or supplier of the product through Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or brochures. Additional information to that provided in this document is available in other reference material from commercial sources. The following commercial publications are recommended as sources for additional information pertaining to technical data and to first aid and medical treatment for exposure to gases:

A. Effects of Exposure to Toxic Gases/First Aid and Medical Treatment, available from Matheson Gas Products.

B. Gas Data Book, available from Matheson Gas Products. This document contains technical information about the various compressed gases and provides such information as the chemical characteristics, how a gas is manufactured, how it is used, how it is transported, safety and health information and how to dispose of it.

C. Methods for Hydrostatic Testing of Compressed Gas Cylinders, CGA Pamphlet C-1, available from the Compressed Gas Association (CGA). This pamphlet provides the detailed information on the retesting (requalification) of compressed gas cylinders.

D. Handbook of Compressed Gases, available from the CGA. This document is a compilation of technical information similar to that of the Matheson Gas Data Book but also contain much of the specific information found in the individual CGA pamphlets.

E. Chlorine Manual, available from The Chlorine Institute. This document provides detailed information on the manufacture, transporting, safety and health and other critical information on the chlorine industry.

F. Cylinder Service Life Seamless, High-Pressure Cylinder Specification ICC/DOT-3, ICC/DOT-3A, ICC/DOT-3AA, CGA Pamphlet C-5, available from the CGA. This document provides detailed information on the manufacture of cylinders and when used with the results of the hydrostatic test outlined in Pamphlet C-1, a person can determine the expected life of a high pressure steel cylinder.

G. Standards for Visual Inspection of Compressed Gas Cylinders, CGA Pamphlets C-6, C-6.1, C-6.2 and C-6.3 available from the CGA. These documents provide direction and guidance in performing a visual inspection of a compressed gas cylinder to visually determine the integrity of the structure of the cylinder.

2-2. GASES AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS. The gases most likely to be found in the DLA and DOD storage and support facilities inventories are listed below. The label requirements for each gas are indicated. For special handling and transportation, refer to the specific label requirements found in Para 172.101 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49 and part 82 of CFR Title 40 (EPA).

A. Acetylene, Dissolved (Hazard Class 2.1, I.D. No. UN 1001, Flammable Gas Label). Acetylene is a compound of carbon and hydrogen in proportions by weight of about 12 parts carbon to 1 part hydrogen (92.3 to 7.7 percent). Pure acetylene is a colorless, highly flammable gas of agreeable ethereal odor. Acetylene of ordinary commercial purity has a distinctive garlic-like odor. It is very soluble in acetone, 1 volume of acetone will dissolve 300 volumes of acetylene at 160 psig. It is slightly lighter than air. Acetylene is shipped dissolved in acetone. Full cylinder pressure is 250 psig. Acetylene is a simple asphyxiant and an anesthetic. Low concentrations of vapors has an anesthetic effect, and vapors in high concentrations or in enclosed spaces may cause asphyxiation. Acetylene in its free state under pressure, may decompose violently. The higher the pressure, the smaller the initial force required to cause an explosion. Therefore, NEVER use the free gas outside the cylinder at pressures in excess of 15 psig. Acetylene is highly flammable over a wide range and forms explosive mixtures with air (LFL 2.5 percent and UFL 100 percent). Acetylene cylinders should always be stored, transported, and used in an upright position to avoid loss of solvent (acetone) during use and to provide a safe position of the cylinder should a pressure relief device be activated during a fire. The vertical position of the cylinder will let the 15 foot spout of flame that can develop to harmlessly release the contents of the cylinder without cutting into another cylinder. If a cylinder had to be positioned in a horizontal position for any reason, it must be positioned in an upright position for a minimum of at least 2 hours prior to its use. Some grades of commercial acetylene have toxic impurities; therefore, breathing of acetylene vapors in any concentration must be avoided. Acetylene can cause cardiac irritability.

B. Air, Compressed (Hazard Class 2.2, I.D. NO. UN1002, Nonflammable Gas Label) Air, Refrigerated liquid (Cryogenic Liquid) (Hazard Class 2.2, I.D. No. UN1003, Nonflammable Gas (primary) and Oxidizer (subsidiary) Labels). Air is the natural atmosphere of the earth--a nonflammable, colorless, odorless gas that consists of a mixture of gaseous elements (with water vapor, a small amount of carbon dioxide, and traces of many other constituents). Synthesized air is produced by combining pure oxygen and nitrogen and contains between 19.5 and 23.5 percent oxygen, with the balance nitrogen and with a major portion of the other components eliminated. Dry air is noncorrosive. Liquefied air is transparent with a bluish cast and has a milky color when it contains carbon dioxide. Because air is a mixture, not a compound, it can be separated into its components. The most common method is the liquefaction of air by reducing its temperature to approximately -320 deg F (-

195.6 deg C), then fractionally distilling to remove each of the constituents as fractions. Compressed air is nontoxic. It may act as an oxidizing material. Direct contact with the releasing high pressure gas or the cryogenic liquid may cause frostbite.

C. Ammonia, Anhydrous (Hazard Class 2.3, I.D. NO. UN1005, Poison Gas (primary) and corosive (subsidiary) Labels).

Ammonia is the compound formed by the chemical combination of the two gaseous elements, nitrogen and hydrogen, in the molar proportion of one part nitrogen to three parts hydrogen. This relationship is shown in the chemical symbol for ammonia, NH3. On a weight basis the ratio is 14 parts nitrogen to 3 parts hydrogen or approximately 82 percent nitrogen to 18 percent hydrogen. The term ammonia is the name of the chemical compound, NH3, which is commonly called anhydrous ammonia. ANHYDROUS means without water and when used with ammonia indicates the water content is less than 0.2 percent. This differentiates it from the various widely used aqueous solutions of ammonia. At room temperature and atmospheric pressure, ammonia is a pungent, colorless gas. It may be compressed and cooled to a colorless liquid. Between the melting and critical point, liquid ammonia exerts a vapor pressure which increases with rising temperature. When anhydrous ammonia in a closed container is in equilibrium with anhydrous ammonia vapor, the pressure with the container bears a definite relationship to the temperature. Anhydrous ammonia vapors are extremely imitating to the eyes and respiratory tract, and in high concentrations can be fatal; however, persons will not willingly remain in an atmosphere of ammonia long enough to incur permanent physical damage. Ammonia vapors can form flammable and explosive mixtures in air (LFL 15.5 percent, UFL 27 percent, LED 16 percent, and UEL 25 percent), however, these concentrations are seldom encountered. Liquid anhydrous ammonia is extremely cold, -28øF, and contact with skin may cause severe frostbite and serious eye damage.

D. Argon, Compressed (Hazard Class 2.2, I.D. NO. UN1006, Nonflammable Gas Label). Argon, Refrigerated Liquid (Cryogenic Liquid)(Hazard Class 2.2, I.D. NO. UN1951, Nonflammable Gas Label) Argon is nonflammable and nontoxic and will not support combustion. It is manufactured as a cryogenic liquid with a normal boiling point of -302.6øF. As a cryogenic fluid, it is stored and transported in special insulated and vacuum-jacketed cylinders (DOT 4L) with a water capacity of not over 1000 pounds (454.6 liters or 120 gallons) or in insulated tanks and cargo tank trucks. It is also vaporized into its gaseous state and charged into high-pressure cylinders (DOT 3A or 3AA) of 1800 psig or greater. Argon, in its cryogenic liquid state, is normally stored in large insulated storage tanks at the manufacturing facility and is delivered in small quantities directly to the point of use or to a special storage facility designed for cryogenic liquids. Argon, as a cryogenic liquid, cannot be stored in a closed container because the liquid is continuously boiling (vaporizing) and building up pressure; therefore, it is stored in a container with an open vent or a vent that incorporates a controlled pressure relief device. The storage and handling of argon, as addressed in this regulation, will be in its vapor or gaseous state in high-pressure DOT 3A, 3AA, or 3AL cylinders. Due to its ability to displace air, argon is a simple asphyxiant. Contact with the cryogenic liquid or its cold vapors and the escaping high pressure from a cylinder may cause frostbite and serious eye damage.

E. Carbon Dioxide (Hazard Class 2.2, I.D. NO. UN1013, Nonflammable Gas Label).

Carbon dioxide in cylinders is in the form of a gas over liquid and at 70øF exerts a pressure of 838 psig. Humans cannot breath air containing more than 10 percent carbon dioxide (by volume) without losing consciousness. The gas is about 1.5 times heavier than air and is nontoxic, nonreactive, slightly acidic, and will not burn or support combustion or human life.

Carbon dioxide gas interferes with proper mentation at 1.9 percent and is not tolerable at 3.5 percent - 5.0 percent. Carbon dioxide cylinders become extremely dangerous when heated to a temperature approximating 125øF and should never be placed near furnaces, radiators, or any other source of heat. Contact with the liquid or high-pressure gas may cause frostbite and serious eye damage.

F. Carbon Monoxide, Compressed (Hazard Class 2.3, I.D. NO. UN1016, Poison Gas (primary) and Flammable Gas (subsidiary) Labels) Carbon monoxide is an extremely flammable gas (LFL 12.5 percent and UFL 74 percent). When pure, it is odorless and colorless and does not give warning of its presence; therefore, cylinders must always be placed in a well-ventilated area away from sources of ignition or oxidizing gases. Prolonged breathing of low concentrations may cause headaches. Angina and heart attacks can result from exposure to people with cardiac problems. Breathing high concentrations of carbon monoxide may be fatal.

G. Chlorine (Hazard Class 2.3, I.D. NO. UN1017, Poison Gas (primary) and corrosive (sibsidiary) Labels). Chlorine is charged into cylinders as an amber liquid that turns to a nonflammable greenish-yellow gas at -29øF. Chlorine must not be confused with swimming pool chemicals, such as calcium hypochlorite or sodium dichloroisocyanurate, that are sometimes erroneously called chlorine. Although chlorine is nonflammable, most combustible materials will burn in a chlorine atmosphere as they do in an oxygen atmosphere, and flammable gases and vapors will form explosive mixtures with chlorine.

Chlorine reacts explosively or forms explosive compounds with many common chemicals, especially acetylene, turpentine, ether, anhydrous ammonia, fuel gas, hydrocarbons, hydrogen, and finely divided metals. Chlorine gas is primarily a respiratory irritant; in high concentrations, it could cause serious physical damage. However, persons will not willingly remain in an atmosphere of chlorine long enough to incur permanent damage. Liquid chlorine or high-pressure gas may cause frostbite and serious eye damage.

H. Chlorine Trifluoride (Hazard Class 2.3, I.D. NO. UN1749, Poison Gas (primary), Oxidizer (subsidiary) and Corrosive (subsidiary) Labels). Chlorine trifluoride is a greenish-yellow liquid which turns to a nearly colorless gas at its boiling point of 53øF. It is dangerously reactive. It will ignite most combustible materials. It reacts violently with water to form hydrogen fluoride and chlorine. It also reacts strongly with sand, silicon-containing compounds, glass, and asbestos. The liquid is extremely toxic and corrosive. Contact with skin or eyes will cause deep, painful burns. Vapors will cause severe damage to the eyes, skin, respiratory tract and mucous membranes, and may cause pulmonary edema.

I. Chlorofluorocarbons, Flammable (Hazard Class 2.1, I.D. NO. See below, Flammable Gas Label). Flammable chlorofluorocarbons, such as chlorodifluoroethanes R-142b, (UN2517) a refrigerant and low-temperature solvent, and difluoroethane R-152a, (UN1030) an intermediate, should never be confused with or mistaken for nonflammable, chlorofluoro- carbons. These materials are highly flammable and, in some cases, highly reactive. Health hazards are the same as for nonflammable chlorofluorocarbons.

J. Chlorofluorocarbons, Nonflammable (Hazard Class 2.2, I.D. NO. See below, Nonflammable Gas Label) Chlorofluorocarbon gases are most commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning applications. Although classed as nonflammable, chlorofluorocarbons mixed with flammable liquids or gases may be flammable and should be handled with caution. Partially halogenated compounds may also be flammable and must be individually examined. Although the toxicity of chlorofluorocarbons is low, the possibility of injury or death exists in unusual situations or if the material is deliberately misused. The vapors are several times heavier than air, and under static conditions, uniform distribution in an enclosed space might be quite slow. Good ventilation should be provided in areas where high concentrations of the heavy vapors might accumulate and exclude oxygen. Chlorofluorocarbons coming into contact with hot surfaces or open flames will produce fumes of extremely irritating and toxic hydrogen chloride and/or hydrogen fluoride. Inhalation of the chlorofluorocarbons in high concentration is dangerous and can be fatal. When treating persons suffering toxic effects from exposure to chlorofluorocarbons, the use of epinephrine or similar drugs should be avoided because they may produce cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular fibrillation.

Chlorofluorocarbons identified as the following have been determined to be ozone depleting substances and have been banned from further production. These compressed gases must now be captured (Recovered) and returned to the DOD reserve now being managed by DSCR. These products will be reissued to qualified activities for use in critical applications where an alternate has yet to be found. Instructions for the operation of the program and the procedures to be used for the turn in of these products can be found in Section 12 of this enclosure. (This list contains only those compressed gases now in use by the DOD) The total list of products have been identified as Class I or Class II substances. The class I substances have been banned from further production, the Class II substances will be banned at a later date.

Group I Group II Trichlorofluoromethane R-11 Bromochlorodifluoromethane :(Halon 1211) Dichlorodifluoromethane R-12 Bromotrifluoroethane (Halon 1301) Trichlorotrifluoroethane R-113 Dibromotetrafluoroethane (Halon 2402) Dichlorotetrafluoroethane R-114 Monochloropentafluoroethane R-115

K. Cyclopropane (Hazard Class 2.1, I.D. NO. UN1027, Flammable Gas Label).

Cyclopropane is a colorless, flammable (LFL 2.4 percent and UFL 10.3 percent) gas with a sweet, distinctive odor resembling that of petroleum naphtha. For its major use as an anesthetic medical gas, it must be supplied according to USP purity standards. Concentrations (by volume) of 6 percent result in unconsciousness, and as the concentration increases to 23 percent, moderate to deep anesthesia results. Concentrations in excess of 23 percent are fatal, causing respiratory failure. The principal hazard of cyclopropane is its flammability.

L. Ethylene Oxide, Pure or with nitrogen (Hazard Class 2.3, I.D. NO. UN1040, Poison Gas and Flammable Gas Labels) Ethylene oxide is a highly reactive colorless gas that condenses to a colorless liquid boiling at 50.7 deg F (10.4 deg C) and

14.7 psia. It is miscible in all proportions with water, alcohol, ether, and most organic solvents. The vapors of ethylene oxide are flammable and explosive. It is generally noncorrosive to metals and leaves no residual odor or taste. The major use of ethylene oxide is as a chemical intermediate for the manufacture of ethylene glycol and higher glycols. These glycols are used as drying agents, antifreezes, and raw materials for the manufacture of other chemical derivatives. Ethylene oxide, both pure and ;mixed with carbon dioxide or halocarbons, is also used as a sterilant and fumigant for heat-sensitive materials.

AEthylene oxide is a toxic liquid and gas. The vapors from Ethylene oxide form flammable mixtures with air over a wide range (LFL 3 percent and UFL 100 percent). The vapor is heavier than air (vapor density 1.5) and may travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back. Ethylene oxide is dangerously reactive; it may rearrange chemically and/or polymerize violently with evolution of heat when in contact with highly active catalytic surfaces such as anhydrous chlorides of iron, tin, aluminum, and pure oxides of iron and aluminum, and alkali metal hydroxides. Although soluble in water, solutions will continue to burn until diluted to approximately 22 volumes of water to one volume of ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide is moderately toxic by inhalation, and breathing and high concentrations may cause pulmonary edema. It is a severe, eye, skin, and respiratory irritant, and effects may be delayed. For specific health hazards refer to the MSDS, the DoD Hazardous Materials Information System, or the manufacturer, supplier, or vendor for information.

M. Ethylene Oxide and Nonflammable Gas Mixtures (Labeled According to Mixture). Due to the high flammability and explosive hazards of pure ethylene oxide and the need for its use as a sterilizer for medical equipment and material, a mixture of nonflammable gases is added to the material to reduce its hazard. The mixtures are usually 20 to 90 percent carbon dioxide or dichlorodifluoromethane by volume. The mixtures are less toxic than pure ethylene oxide, but do pose a health threat when inhaled or when in direct contact with skin or eyes. For specific health hazards refer to the MSDS, the DoD Hazardous Materials Information System, or the manufacturer, supplier, or vendor for information.

N. Helium, Compressed (Hazard Class 2.2, I.D. NO. UN1046, Nonflammable Gas) Helium, Refrigerated Liquid (Cryogenic Liquid)(Hazard Class 2.2, I.D. NO. UN1963, Nonflammable Gas Label) Helium is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Its principal source in the United States is from certain natural gas wells in which the natural gas may contain up to 9 percent helium. It is normally supplied as a nonliquefied compressed gas in high-pressure DOT 3A or 3AA cylinders at or above a pressure of 1800 psig at 70øF. Helium can be condensed into a cryogenic liquid when refrigerated to below its normal boiling point of -452.1øF, the lowest boiling point of any substance known. As a cryogenic liquid, it is stored and transported in special insulated and vacuum-jacketed cylinders (DOT 4L) with a water capacity of not over 1,000 pounds (454.6 liters or 120 gallons) or in larger insulated and vacuum-jacketed tanks and cargo tank trucks. Helium, as a cryogenic liquid, is like argon and cannot be stored in a closed container because the liquid is continuously boiling (vaporizing) and building up pressure; therefore, it is stored in a container with an open vent or a vent that incorporates a controlled pressure relief device. The storage and handling of helium, as addressed in this regulation, will be in its vapor or gas state in high-pressure cylinders. In high concentrations, helium acts as a simple asphyxiant, causing suffocation due to oxygen deficiency. Contact with the liquid or cold vapors may cause frostbite and serious eye damage.

O. Hydrogen (Hazard Class 2.1, I.D. NO. UN1049, Flammable Gas Label). Hydrogen is a colorless, odorless, flammable gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. It is the lightest gas known. It is usually shipped as a nonliquefied compressed gas in high-pressure DOT 3A or 3AA cylinders at a pressure greater than 1800 psig at 70øF. Hydrogen can be condensed into a cryogenic liquid when refrigerated below its normal boiling point of -423.0øF. As a cryogenic liquid, it is stored and transported in special insulated and vacuum-jacketed cylinders (DOT 4L) with a water capacity of not over 1000 pounds (454.6 liters or 120 gallons) or in larger insulated and vacuum-jacketed tanks and cargo tank trucks.