Gas Cylinder Safety Consciousness Session

Gas Cylinder Safety Consciousness Session (Question on acetylene cylinder)

Regulator

The regulator is the next most important safety device to be fitted to a gas cylinder before operation/use. It allows for the high pressure of the cylinder contents to be brought down to a usable working pressure. 

Regulators come as a single stage for short term applications and two stages for long term applications. Regulators are also constructed from different materials, mainly brass or stainless steel.

The application will define the required regulator. If you are unsure of which kind of regulator to use, consult your gas supplier.

Regulators are designed to be fitted directly to the cylinder valve. No other fittings, connections or lubricants shall be used to connect a regulator to a gas cylinder valve.

Regulators for flammable gasses are left hand threaded and have a notch cut out of faces on the securing nut to distinguish them from non-flammable gas regulators. 

Most cylinders have one or more safety relief devices. These devices can prevent rupture of the cylinder if internal pressure builds up to levels exceeding design limits. Pressure can become dangerously high if a cylinder is exposed to fire or heat, including high storage temperatures.

There are three types of safety-relief devices. Each relieves excessive gas pressures in a different way:

Safety- or Pressure-Relief Valves: These valves are usually a part of the cylinder. They are normally held closed by a spring. The force holding the valve closed is set according to the type of gas in the cylinder. The valve opens if the cylinder pressure exceeds the set safety limit. Gas is released until the cylinder pressure drops back to the safety limit. The valve then closes and retains the remaining gas in the cylinder.

Rupture Discs (also known as frangible or bursting discs): These discs are usually made from metal. They burst or rupture at a certain pressure, releasing the gas in the cylinder. The bursting pressure is designed so that the disc ruptures before the cylinder test pressure is reached. These devices cannot be reclosed, so the entire contents of the cylinder are released.

Fusible Plugs (also called fuse or melt plugs): Temperature, not pressure, activates fusible plugs. These safety devices are used where heat could initiate an explosive chemical reaction. A pressure-relief valve or rupture disc acts too slowly and too late to prevent rupture of the cylinder if an explosive reaction has already begun. The fusible plug releases the gas before the hazardous reaction can begin. Fusible plugs are made of metals that melt at low temperatures. For example, acetylene cylinders have a fusible plug which melts at about 100°C (212°F). This temperature is safely below the temperature at which hazardous polymerization may occur.

Not all compressed gas cylinders have safety devices. Some gasses are so toxic that their release through a safety device would be hazardous. Cylinders for these gasses are built to withstand higher pressures than normal cylinders. When these "toxic gas" cylinders are involved in a fire, the area must be evacuated.

IS Standards CHAPTER V

DISSOLVED ACETYLENE GAS CYLINDERS

37. Additional requirements for dissolved acetylene gas cylinders— Dissolved acetylene gas cylinder shall comply with following additional provisions, namely: -

(i) The porous substance shall fill as completely as possible the cylinder into which the acetylene is compressed.

(ii) The porosity of the substance shall not exceed 92 percent and in no case shall be less than 75 percent.

(iii) Any solvent used shall not be capable of chemical reaction with the acetylene gas or with the porous substance or with the metal of the cylinder.

(iv) If acetone is used as a solvent it shall comply with the requirements of IS:170, the quantity of acetone including the gas in solution shall be such that the cylinder meets the requirements of additional tests specified in IS:7312.

(v) The valves of the cylinders shall not contain more than 70 percent copper in their composition.

(vi) The pressure in the cylinder shall not exceed 16 kgf/cm2 at a temperature of 15 °C.

(vii) Every cylinder shall before being filled with porous mass be tested by hydrostatic pressure to a pressure of not less than 60 kgf/cm2. This pressure may be reduced to 53 kgf/cm2 if the cylinder is fitted with fusible plug. No cylinder which shows a permanent stretch in excess of 7½ per cent of the total stretch suffered during hydrostatic stretch test shall be allowed. 

(viii) The safety relief devices if fitted, shall operate at a pressure of 53 kgf/cm2 or at a temperature of 100 °C + 40 °C/–2 °C.

(ix) Every cylinder shall have permanently and conspicuously marked upon it or upon a brass plate soldered to it the name of the manufacturer and the words “Acetylene properly compressed into porous substance” and shall bear the following markings, namely: -

(a) Serial number and identification of manufacturer;

(b) Number of the standard;

(c) Test pressure;

(d) The date of hydrostatic stretch test with code mark of the place where the test was carried out;

(e) Date of filling of porous mass;

(f) Water capacity’;

(g) A symbol to indicate the nature of heat treatment;

(h) Identification of porous mass and porosity percentage;

(i) Tare weight (inclusive of valve);

(j) Inspector’s official mark;

(k) Maximum gas capacity.

“dissolved acetylene cylinder” means a cylinder having a valve and with or without safety devices, containing a porous mass, a solvent for the storage of dissolved acetylene and at least sufficient acetylene to saturate the solvent at atmospheric pressure and at a temperature of +15°C; Explanation. -Acetone or any other solvent used shall not be capable of chemical reaction with the acetylene gas or with the porous mass or with the metal of the cylinder or valve; 

- “dissolved gas” means a gas which under pressure is dissolved in a fluid solvent appropriate to the particular gas as for example, acetylene in acetone or ammonia in water;

- “tare weight” in relation to - (1) acetylene cylinder means the weight of the cylinder together with any fittings, permanently attached and includes the weight of valve any safety device, porous mass, requisite quantity of solvent for dissolving acetylene, and the weight of acetylene gas saturating the solvent at atmospheric pressure and temperature of 15°C;

- Particulars of MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET to be referred before handling any compressed gas cylinder. 

Note: All Consciousness Sessions are customized to suite site, client and level of candidates, these customizations are required to specifically address knowledge sessions, make the right connect to the people attending. 

Properly researched training / Consciousness session can give correct and effective information with an enhanced knowledge sharing session. 

For Quarries please do write to us on support@hse-rm.com

On completion of this training programme you will:

-          Understand the importance of safety and safety awareness.

-          Understand accident and causes of accident.

-          Understand various types of workplace hazards.

-          Understand various control measures that can be used to minimize the risk.

-          Understand how you can contribute to enhance your workplace safety.

Fire Risk Assessment

Qualitative Fire Risk Assessment & Impact Assessment

By HSE-RM Solutions (www.hse-rm.com)

Every organization has an existing fire risk assessment done at the time of project and fire safety plan, is this plan continuously updating, is it adequacy and efficiency checks done on regular basis, you need to redo the assessment to ensure your provisions are in line with the new legislation & continuously evolving process plant. In addition, every time your business changes in terms of premises, business activity or even staff, you should undertake a revision of the assessment.

Fire risk assessment requires you to examine both your premises and your work practices to assess the fire risk they pose, it is an opportunity to examine how your business could be improved as in important exercise of reducing or eliminating risk. Fire risk assessment and impact assessment gives insight, you may discover under used parts of your premises, or work practices that can be reviewed, not only to ensure the safety of your staff, but also potentially improve productivity too.

Fire Safety Requirements

The Fire Safety Standards requires you, the business manager, to provide and manage:

·         Means of Escape

·         Signs and Notices

·         Emergency Lighting

·         Fire Alarm

·         Fire Extinguishers

·         Fire Doors and Compartments

Fire Risk Assessment

A detailed fire risk assessment for both your premises and business practices is required to draw up fire safety policies and procedures best suited. It’s important to explore modern means of protection system in the industry making our processes, premise, operations, and work force safer. Is detection system adequate, does the detection system positioned correctly, some very basic system sometime give more proactive protection, each facility quantity and quantum of risk differ.

With correctly evaluated economical blend of technology and science, protection level can be achieved, response time evaluation, reach path, evacuation path, access path, exit path are some commonly miscalculated measures of a safety plan.

Regular update and perception analysis of collective data can enhance protection, response, institutional real time assessment, monitoring and adaptation is possible HSE-RM Solution & Associate partners have developed digital system of OSH Management to assist organization in achieving such goals.

Fire Training

As the responsible person, you are also required to implement and keep records of:

·         Fire Procedures, including evacuation

·         Staff Training

·         Fire Drills

Simplify Selection & Practical Guide

Guidelines for how many? A person should not have to:

·         Travel more than 25 metres to get to a fire extinguisher.

·         Reach out more than two doors to get to an extinguisher.

·         Reach to different floor level to find an extinguisher.

How many is not always easy to gauge but, as a general rule, you will need one water-based extinguisher such as water, water additive (the best option for most) or foam (3 litre or bigger) for every 2000 square foot or 200 square metres of floor space. This is per floor.

Once you have a water-based one, you are likely to have electrical risks such as computers, retail lighting, fridges, machinery, servers, electric forklifts, etc. This will need a CO2 extinguisher and it makes sense to have a pairing of CO2 and water-based for every fire point. The 2kg is by far the more popular but the 5kg CO2 size would be better for server rooms, machinery, industrial, etc.  It is best not to have too many different types on the same premises if possible as this adds to confusion in a panic.

With upgrading technology and resource availability may it be management or protection level integration, system implementation organization like yours can be supported on both the fronts by our customized, tailored, and unique project capabilities.

Please feel free to communicate us for your further requirements at support@hse-rm.com; 

Fire Safety By HSE-RM Solution 

World Tuberculosis Day 24th March, 2017

President of India’s message on the eve of World Tuberculosis Day

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has called upon all stakeholders to redouble their efforts for an early achievement of the goal of TB elimination on the eve of World Tuberculosis Day.

In his message sent to the Global Coalition Against Tuberculosis, the President has said, “I am happy to learn that World Tuberculosis Day is being observed on 24th March, 2017 to commemorate the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch discovered the TB bacillus.

TB continues to be one of the major health challenges of India. The country today is better prepared to fight TB than ever before. It is capable of effective intervention and possesses advanced technologies for diagnosis, treatment, and care of TB. During the period 2012-2017, the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme screened over 42 million individuals and more than 7 million patients were administered treatment.

On the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, I call upon all stakeholders to redouble their efforts for an early achievement of the goal of TB elimination”.

Ref.: Press Information Bureau Government of India President's Secretariat

World Tuberculosis Day 2017: Rise of multidrug-resistant TB threatens India 

India is also among the six countries that account for 60 percent of the total TB cases globally, a study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine said.

During the Union Budget address, last month, the government of India announced its plan to eliminate TB by 2025, however, experts say the programs initiated by the government have not been able to reach the marginalized sections.

"As per the standards of today, many changes have taken place. TB has been declared a modifiable disease and it is mandatory now for every physician and the hospitals including private ones to notify the disease to the district/state TB centers or authorities.

Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is an infectious, airborne disease that mainly affects your lungs. It is also one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide.

Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the disease can be spread from person to person through the air when people with lung TB cough, sneeze, spit, laugh, speak, propelling the germs into the air.

But there are simple things which one can do to prevent and minimize the risk of developing the disease.

Here are some ways to prevent TB:

ü  One should avoid close contact with TB-infected people.

ü  If you cannot avoid contact with patients, wear a protective mask and gloves to avoid breathing in TB bacteria.

ü  People who are infected with the disease should maintain a proper personal hygiene.

ü  TB patients should sleep alone in a separate, adequately ventilated room.

ü  Regular exercise is a must for all TB patients as it boosts the immunity as well as improve their health.

ü  Tuberculosis patient should eat a healthy balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains to maintain their immune system.

ü  Get adequate sleep every night.

ü  If you test positive for latent TB, treat it before it becomes active.

Causes of TB

On World Tuberculosis Day, let's spare a thought as to how the changing lifestyle and stress lead to low immunity and leave people vulnerable to TB. Earlier, TB was tagged as a disease endemic to the lower strata of the society. However, the increase in the use of faulty air conditioners, lack of ventilation and other reasons have led to the spread of the airborne disease.

An increase in the number of bone TB cases especially youngsters have been noted, it is essential to provide timely treatment and proper medication. If not then the bone will start deforming and the patient may have to go for replacement surgery. Spine TB forms puss that can destroy the bones and add pressure to the nerves which can cause paralysis hence the need for timely diagnosis and treatment.

The government has organized various facilities and free treatment opportunities for TB patients, this is helping patients to detect the disease at an early stage itself. As TB spreads through the air, those with low immunity are at a greater risk of contracting TB. Youngsters these days are confined to their home/industry with various gadgets to entertain them. Those who prefer to sit in a closed room to work/study, As the ventilation is poor in confined areas, makes it the common way to catch TB infection."

"Timely diagnosis and early initiation of treatment will help patient to recover faster and prevent complications. It is no more the disease of the poor as we can see many teenagers from families with a good socioeconomic background also contracting it. Those with lower immunity caused due to improper food habits, long fasting gaps, inadequate sleep are prone to catch an infection

When a person develops active TB disease, the symptoms such as a cough, fever, night sweats, or weight loss may be mild for many months. This can lead to delays in seeking care and results in a transmission of the bacteria to others. People with active TB can infect 10–15 other people through close contact over the course of a year.

Who is at risk of getting TB?

 Tuberculosis mostly affects adults in their most productive years. However, all age groups are at risk. Over 95% of cases and deaths are in developing countries.

People who are infected with HIV are 20 to 30 times more likely to develop active TB. The risk of active TB is also greater in persons suffering from other conditions that impair the immune system.

Tobacco use greatly increases the risk of TB disease and death. More than 20% of TB cases worldwide are attributable to smoking.

Impact of TB

TB occurs in every part of the world. In 2015-16, 87% of new TB cases occurred in the 30 high TB burden countries. Six countries accounted for 60% of the new TB cases: India, Indonesia, China, Nigeria, Pakistan, and South Africa. Global progress depends on advances in TB prevention and cares in these countries.

Treatment

A radical draft National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Elimination of TB that proposes to bring down new tuberculosis (TB) infections by nearly 80% over the next eight years says India must expand the programme to the private sector, offer direct benefits transfer to patients, improve surveillance and monitoring of patients, and increase funding for the existing TB control programme. 

(Source: World Health Organization)