Gas Safety

• Gas Features
• Gas Risks
• Apparatus Safety
• Cylinder Safety
• REACH

Process Safety

• Material Process Fume
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Processes Safety
• Welding & Cutting Hazards

Workplace Safety

• Assessing Risks
• Avoiding Hazards
• Emergency Planning

Safety Services

• Safety Training Workshops
• On-line safety training modules
• On-Site Safety Checks
• bocsafety.net
• Tradefile
• Safe Under Pressure

Safety Data Sheets

Gas Features

A summary of the characteristics of the gases in common industrial use is given below. Users should always have BOC safety data sheets for each of the gases stored and used.
Other industrial gases, special gases and medical gases are available from BOC. If you transport, store or use any of these gases you should always be in possession of the relevant BOC safety data sheets and other safety information which is supplied free by BOC.

Identifying Your Product

Gas		Characteristic		Key
Oxygen A black cylinder with a white shoulder		Colourless, odourless and tasteless Generally considered non – toxic at atmospheric pressures Oils, greases and solvents may react violently with oxygen and metals may burn. You should never use oil or grease to lubricate oxygen or oxygen enriched equipment as they can spontaneously burn with explosive violence.
Nitrogenfont (Oxygen Free) A grey cylinder with a black shoulder		Colourless, odourless, and tasteless Does not support combustion or life Non-toxic Non - reactive except at high temperatures
Pureshield Argon A green cylinder with a bright green shoulder		Colourless and odourless. Inert – does not generally react with other materials Does not support combustion or life.
Propane A Red cylinder		Odorised with a fish like smell Considered non – toxic but may cause dizziness at high concentrations Fire and explosion hazard Will ignite and burn instantly from a spark or piece of hot metal. Requires minimal energy to ignite in oxygen.
Acetylene A Maroon cylinder		Distinctive garlic like smell – recognisable above 2% concentration in the air Considered non – toxic but may cause dizziness at high concentrations Fire and explosion hazards Will ignite and burn instantly from a spark or piece of hot metal Lighter than air, so less likely to collect in pits, ducts, trenches and other low-lying areas. Never use equipment made from copper or alloys containing 65% copper or 43% silver with acetylene as it can form an explosive compound. For more information please refer to the Acetylene fact sheet FAB/008055 by calling 0800 111 333
High Purity Hydrogen Red cylinder		Odourless, colourless and tasteless Fire and explosion hazard Low ignition energy Will burn with an invisible flame Will collect at the highest point in any enclosed space unless ventilated at a high level.
CO2 Vapour Withdrawal A black cylinder with a grey shoulder		Odourless but can cause the nose to sting Colourless Toxic at high concentrations Slightly corrosive in the presence of moisture Can cause serious cold burn
CO2 Liquid Withdrawal A black cylinder with a white stripe running down the centre and a grey shoulder		Odourless but can cause the nose to sting< Colourless Toxic at high concentrations Slightly corrosive in the presence of moisture Can cause serious cold burn
ArgoShield L/U/H A green cylinder with a bright green shoulder		Odourless Will cause asphyxiation Heavier than air