Asphyxia Effect of O2 Concentration/Depletion

Oxygen (%vol) 23.5 20.9 19.5 15-19

Effects & Symptoms Maximum Safe Level OSHA O2 level in air Minimum permissible O2 level First signs of hypoxia. Decreased ability to work strenuously. May induce early symptoms in persons with coronary, pulmonary or circulatory problems. Respiration increases with exertion, pulse up, impaired muscular coordination, perception & judgment. Respiration further increases in rate & depth, poor judgment, lips blue. Mental failure, fainting, unconsciousness, ashen face, blueness of lips, nausea, vomiting, inability to move freely. 8 minutes 100% fatal 6 minutes 50% probably fatality rate Coma in 40 seconds, convulsions, respiration ceases, death

Oxygen is the only gas that supports life. The normal concentration of oxygen in the air we breathe is approximately 21 %. Concentration, thinking and decisionmaking are impaired when the oxygen concentration falls even slightly below this. These effects are not noticeable to the affected individual. 21%
, - .

Oxygen is essential for life.

12-14

If the oxygen concentration in air decreases or, if the concentration of any other gases increase, a situation is rapidly reached where the risks of asphyxiation are significant. For this reason any depletion of oxygen below 21 % must be treated with concern:
21% ,

10-12

WARNING: The situation is hazardous as soon as the oxygen concentration inhaled is less than18 %.
% With no oxygen present, inhalation of only 1-2 breaths of nitrogen or other inert gas (Argon) will cause sudden loss of consciousness and can cause death.

8-10

6-8

4-6

WARNING!

"While nitrogen makes up the majority of the air we breathe and is not toxic, people shouldn't assume it's benign," "Nitrogen does not support life, and when nitrogen displaces the oxygen we breathe, it can prove very deadly. Since nitrogen is odorless and colorless, our senses provide no protection against nitrogen-enriched atmospheres."
78.084% , . , ,

Nitrogen gas is being used in for inertization purposes. It means that after nitrogen purging oxygen concentration inside the equipment will be very low, as well as area around the confined space opening. This situation is very dangerous for health & safety of the occupants as Nitrogen replaces oxygen.

Compliled by Safety Deptt. PDL

psrawat@parabolicdrugs.com

ITROGEN makes up 78 percent of the air we breathe. It is a colorless, odorless gas that is safe only

when mixed with an appropriate amount of oxygen. These two gases cannot be detected by the sense of smell. A nitrogen-enriched environment, which depletes oxygen, can be detected only with special instruments. Oxygen deficiency has a range of effects and can be fatal if concentrations fall below 10 percent.

Facts About
Nitrogen Asphyxiation
Eighty-five nitrogen asphyxiation incidents from 1992 to 2002 resulted in 80 deaths and 50 injuries. The majority of incidents occurred in manufacturing and industrial facilities, but other settings included laboratories and medical facilities. Most incidents occurred in and around confined spaces, though several incidents occurred in open areas, including inside buildings and outside in the vicinity of equipment. Almost half of the incidents involved contractors, including construction workers. Among the causes of death and injury were failures to detect an oxygen-deficient atmosphere in and around confined spaces, using nitrogen instead of breathing air, and inadequately preparing for rescue.

Good Practices
Prevent Nitrogen Asphyxiation
Implement warning systems and continuously monitor enclosures and areas where additional amounts of nitrogen can be expected to enter, recognizing that the atmosphere may change over time. Ventilate with fresh air before and during work in areas that could contain elevated levels of nitrogen. Implement a system for confined space entry and safe rescue of workers, including having personnel wear a harness and lifeline attached to a mechanical retrieval system, having standby personnel available at all times to communicate with personnel inside confined spaces, and ensuring that rescuers are properly trained and equipped.

Ensure the uninterrupted flow and integrity of breathing air by verifying the oxygen concentration of supply air, routinely inspecting air supply equipment such as hoses and compressors, and continually monitoring the air supply system for contaminants. Prevent the inadvertent mix-up of nitrogen and breathing air by ensuring that incompatible fittings and clear labels are in place on cylinders, piping systems, and supply lines. Develop and implement a comprehensive training program that covers proper use of ventilation systems, safe practices for confined space entry and rescue, unique connections and fittings on cylinders containing different gases, and proper use of air supply equipment.

No emotional rushing to help exposed person without proper safety.

psrawat@parabolicdrugs.com