MB2000/3000/5000 OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
TAYLOR-WHARTON (BEIJING) CRYOGENIC EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
3
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 -183℃(297℉degrees below zero Fahrenheit) 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 accelerates 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 violently 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 possible contact with liquid oxygen.
Some of the materials that can react violently with oxygen are oil, grease, kerosene, cloth, wood, paint,
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 combustion hazard, all equipment surfaces must be
kept very clean. Do not place oxygen equipment on asphalt surfaces, or allow grease or oil deposits to
remain on benches or concrete surfaces in the vicinity of the oxygen equipment. Use cleaning agents,
which will not leave organic deposits on the cleaned surfaces. Equipment to be used in contact with liquid
oxygen should be handled oLI1y with clean gloves or hands washed clean of oil.
Maintain Adequate Ventilation
Enclosed areas containing oxygen equipment should be ventilated to prevent accumulations of oxygen
and thereby minimize 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 frostbite. 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 service, although they may be acceptable for use with other cryogenic liquids. Make no
substitutions for recommended spare parts. Also, be sure all replacement parts are thoroughly "Cleaned
For Oxygen Service" in accordance with Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Pamphlet G-4.1 "Cleaning
for Oxygen Service" or equivalent industrial cleaning specifications.
Observe Safety Codes When Locating Oxygen Equipment
Before locating oxygen equipment, become thoroughly familiar with National Fire Protection Association
