Compressed Gases - PerkinElmer aanalyst 200 User Manual

Safety Practices

Compressed Gases

NOTE: The permanent installation of gas supplies is the responsibility of the user and should conform to
local safety and building regulations.
WARNING
NOTE: The responsible body must ensure that the type of connector used at the outlet side of the gas-
pressure regulator conforms to applicable national requirements.
Summary of gas hazards
Hazards associated with the different gases used in atomic absorption spectrometry are presented
in the table below:
Gas
Air
Argon
Nitrogen
Acetylene (ethyne, C
Nitrous Oxide (dinitrogen
monoxide, N O)
2
Contact the gas supplier for a material safety data sheet (MSDS) containing detailed information
on the potential hazards associated with the gas.
Warning: Nitrous oxide is a strong oxidant and an asphyxiant
Nitrous oxide is an asphyxiant; it can be considered a potential hazard whenever it is stored or used in a
confined space.
WARNING
Spontaneous combustion may occur if nitrous oxide comes into contact with grease, oil or other organic
materials.
Warning: Acetylene-Explosion Hazard
Acetylene can decompose explosively at pressure higher than 103 kPa/1.03 bar/15 psig.
Acetylene can react with copper to form a readily explosive compound.
WARNING
Make sure that all gas connections are gas-tight. Check the connections and gas hoses regularly
for leaks using a leak testing fluid.
2-14
Warning: Compressed Gases
High pressure gas cylinders can be dangerous if mishandled or misused. You
must have a tank regulator on the gas cylinder.
Suffocation
x
x
H ) x
2 2
x
•
Store nitrous oxide cylinders in a well-ventilated area outside the laboratory.
•
Do not store nitrous oxide cylinders in close proximity to flammable gases (e.g. acetylene).
•
Make sure tubing and fittings carry nitrous oxide are free of grease, oil and other organic material.
•
Always make sure that the acetylene outlet gauge pressure is below these values.
•
Never use copper tubing or fittings for acetylene lines.
Explosion Spontaneous Decomposition
or Combustion
x x
x