Flammable and Oxidizing gases are separated

Flammable gases must be kept at least 20 feet from oxidizing gases or separated by a 0.5-hour fire rated wall.

References:

  • MSU Chemical Hygiene Plan 3.6.1 (E)
  • OSHA Standard 1910.1450 App A.
  • NFPA 55 - Compressed Gases. Chapter 7 - 7.1.10.2

Corrective actions:

Familiarize yourself and lab personnel on the definitions of flammable and oxidizing gases. Flammable gas means a gas having a flammable range with air at 20°1(a)C and a standard pressure of 101.3kPa.

Categories:

1(a): are ignitable when in a mixture of 13% or less by volume in air.

1(b): Have a flammable range with air of at least 12 percentage points regardless of the lower flammable limit.

Oxidizing gas means any gas which may, generally by providing oxygen, cause or contribute to the combustion of other material more than air does (pure gases or mixtures with an oxidizing power greater than 23.5%).

Follow NFPA 55 recommendation that states that oxidizing gases must be kept at least 20 feet away from flammable gases or separated by a 0.5-hour fire wall.

Lab Safety Inspections