Middle East Gases Association Oxygen Deficiency Iyad Sawalha, Air Products Dubai | 5 December 2013.
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Transcript of Middle East Gases Association Oxygen Deficiency Iyad Sawalha, Air Products Dubai | 5 December 2013.
Middle East Gases Association
Oxygen Deficiency
Iyad Sawalha, Air Products
Dubai | 5 December 2013
Middle East Gases Association
OXYGEN DEFICIENCY
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It’s a phenomenon
INSIDIOUS (causing harm in a way that is gradual or not easily noticed)SUDDENWITHOUT WARNING
Middle East Gases Association
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3 WEEKS WITHOUT FOOD
3 DAYS WITHOUT DRINK
3 MINUTES WITHOUT BREATHING
2 BREATHS WITHOUT OXYGEN
ENDANGER YOUR LIFE
Middle East Gases Association
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IN CASE OF PROGRESSIVE OXYGEN DEFICIENCY O2 content is decreasing in blood
Progressive Asphyxiation O2 content less than 18%
These symptoms are similar to those of general malaise and are not recognized as asphyxiation by the victim (inert gases are odorless, colorless, tasteless)
* Vertigo (whirling or spinning movement) * reduction and loss of
consciousness
* headache * dulling of the mind
* speech difficulties * loss of muscle control
IN CASE OF TOTAL OXYGEN DEFICIENCY the blood suddenly loses its oxygen
WITHIN A FEW MINUTES,BRAIN DAMAGE MAY BE IRREVERSIBLE
WITH 0% OXYGEN, THE SECOND BREATH WILL CAUSELOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS WITHOUT WARNING
Middle East Gases Association
In all cases:THE VICTIM NEVER REALISES THE RISK»With less than 6% of oxygen :
Immediate loss of consciousness
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If the Oxygen atmosphere deficiency is only between 10 and 18%:
THE VICTIM FEELS ONLY GENERAL MALAISE AND DOES NOT RELATE THIS TO THE ONSET OF ASPHYXIATION
Middle East Gases Association
Hazardous Atmospheres: Oxygen Deficient
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19.5 % Minimum acceptable O2 level15-19% Decreased ability to work strenuously; Impair
coordination12-14% Respiration increases; Poor judgment10-12% Respiration increases; Lips blue.8-10% Mental failure; Fainting; Nausea;
Unconsciousness; Vomiting 6-8% 8 minutes – fatal; 6 minutes - 50% fatal; 4-5
minutes - possible recovery4-6% Coma in 40 seconds; Death
Middle East Gases Association
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About a million employees enter confined spaces every day. In most cases, those workers complete their task without incident, but despite the many precautions in place, 70 workers per year never make it back out alive.
usually NO second chances !
How can you identify a confined space ?
A confined space is a space which has any of the following characteristics :»Limited opening for entry and exit»Unfavorable natural ventilation»Not designed for continuous worker occupancy
Middle East Gases Association
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You must :
Middle East Gases Association
» Training… Established Emergency Response Procedures… Appropriate equipment and techniques
» Rescue should be well planned… Frequent Drills
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RESCUE
Remember:an unplanned rescue will probably be your last
KEY WORD :
When you design a gas installation When you install and commission a gas installation When you work on a gas installation Before acting in an emergency Before reacting to any accident or incident
THINK !
Middle East Gases Association
Preventive measures
Always check where gas release will goVERIFY periodically the extraction system efficiencyInstall, if necessary, an DETECTOR with an alarm systemVENT rooms where liquid gases are utilized or stored
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What to do
Explain Asphyxiation dangers, create and enforce a procedure to enter: WORK PERMIT
Prepare for emergencies with appropriate equipmentTRAIN PEOPLE to verify the equipment & procedures before
issuing the permit
Middle East Gases Association
Before entering: Assess risks / consequences to yourself and other
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Pipe vents to a safe Area
Look for leaks
Do not rely on a closed valve which may leak
Always use physical isolation methods, e.g. blind flanges
Any noise indicating a possible leak
Abnormal fluid flow
Middle East Gases Association
If you hear a gas leak If you see cold vapors
If you have symptoms of general malaise If a colleague lies unconscious
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CONCLUSION
CONSIDER THE ASPHYXIATION RISK
LEAVE THE DANGER AREA
IMPLEMENT THE APPROPRIATE PROCEDURES
Middle East Gases Association
Thank you
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