Laboratory Standard Operating Procedure for:
Describe the process, type and grade of oxygen, quantity and/or flow rate(s) required, and approximate frequency of use.
The air we breathe contains about 21% oxygen, but even a small increase in the oxygen level in the air can create a dangerous situation. Oxygen is nonflammable but it vigorously accelerates and supports combustion. In an oxygenenriched atmosphere it becomes easier to start a fire, which will then burn hotter and more fiercely than in normal air. A leaking valve or hose in a poorly ventilated room or confined space can quickly increase the oxygen concentration to a dangerous level. The main danger to people from an oxygen-enriched atmosphere is that clothing and hair can easily catch fire, resulting in serious and sometimes fatal burns.
Oxygen is very reactive, and can react explosively with oils and greases. Other materials in contact with pure oxygen may catch fire spontaneously. Nearly all materials including textiles, rubber and even metals will burn vigorously in oxygen.
The large amount of potential energy contained in a compressed gas cylinder makes it a potential rocket or bomb if the pressure is released through rupture of the valve or container failure.
Storage of compressed gas cylinders requires sturdy chains secured to a wall or cabinet, and/or a cylinder stand. If the process does not permit gas use and/or storage in well-ventilated areas (i.e., lab ventilation having a minimum of 6 air changes per hour), contact Occupational Safety and Environmental Health (OSEH) at (734) 647-1143 to determine the necessity of an oxygen monitor or other alarm devices.
Only use equipment designed for oxygen service. This includes o-rings and gaskets, metal components, pressure regulators, and gas delivery tubing. Never use anything but “Snoop” to check fittings and connections for leaks.
Open valves slowly; rapid opening can result in momentarily high oxygen velocities, pushing any particles through the system very quickly and resulting in frictional heat. Alternatively, if the system has a dead end such as where a pressure regulator is connected to an oxygen cylinder, heat can be generated through compression of oxygen. Both cases can result in a fire.
Before removing the regulator, close the container valve and drain the gas pressure from the regulator.
Keep all oxygen containers, valves, regulators, hoses and other oxygen apparatus clean and free from oil and grease.
Ensure hands or gloves are clean and free of grease when handling or assembling oxygen equipment.
Oxygen cylinders must be stored 20 feet from ignition sources, flammable gases or combustible materials.
1 Revision Date: 07/10/14
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All compressed gas cylinders shall be legibly marked by stenciling, stamping, or label with at least the chemical name or commonly accepted name of the material contained. In addition, cylinders should bear the approved markings of the
Department of Transportation stamped in the metal at the top of the cylinder.
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Replace valve caps when cylinders are not in use or before moving.
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Remove damaged or defective cylinders from service (contact the cylinder vendor for assistance).
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Remove unused or empty cylinders from lab space.
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Refer to the OSEH Compressed Gas Guideline or consult with your OSEH representative regarding maximum allowable quantities of compressed oxygen.
Restricted hazardous gas use must be approved by OSEH for purchase. Refer to the hazard guideline for compressed gas use on the OSEH website or contact your OSEH representative for more information. This form can be used to submit a request for approval of the purchase of a restricted gas.
Describe PPE requirements for each task involving the use of compressed oxygen. (Examples: gloves, lab coat/gown, safety glasses/goggles, face shield, respirator, closed-toe shoes, and splash apron).
Note: Respirators are masks designed to protect the wearer from specific airborne hazards and are different from surgical masks, which protect the wearer only from splashes and are primarily intended to protect others from infectious aerosols exhaled by the wearer. Respirator use requires employee participation in the Respiratory Protection Program, which involves medical clearance and annual fit testing and training. Please be clear about use of surgical masks versus respirators. (Do NOT use the vague term “masks”.)
A cylinder cart must be used when transporting any compressed gas cylinder. The cylinder must never be lifted by the cap, and must be secured in an upright position at all times.
Provide guidance on how empty cylinders are to be returned to the vendor. For empty lecture bottles that cannot be returned to the vendor, write “empty” on the outside of each cylinder. Complete a hazardous waste manifest and contact
OSEH Hazardous Materials Management (HMM) at (734) 763-4568 to schedule a pickup.
Contact OSEH-HMM at (734) 763-4568 for waste containers, labels, manifests, waste collection and for any questions regarding proper waste disposal. Also refer to OSEH’s Hazardous Waste webpage for more information.
If the employee is in need of emergency medical attention, call 911 immediately.
If exposed to a high-oxygen atmosphere, leave the area and avoid all sources of ignition for at least 30 minutes to give clothing a chance to ventilate.
Contact OSEH for advice on symptoms of chemical exposure, or assistance in performing an exposure assessment.
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Report all work related accidents, injuries, illnesses or exposures to WorkConnections within 24 hours by completing and submitting the Illness and Injury Report Form . Follow the directions on the WorkConnections website Forms
Instructions to obtain proper medical treatment and follow-up.
Complete the OSEH Laboratory Incident and Near-Miss Report form.
TREATMENT FACILITIES:
U-M Occupational Health Services -- Campus Employees
Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
After hours - go to UM Hospital Emergency Dept. – Urgent Care Clinic
C380 Med Inn building
1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor (734) 764-8021
University Health Services -- University students (non-life threatening conditions)
Mon-Fri 8 am – 4:30 pm, Sat 9 am – 12 pm
Contact for current hours as they may vary
207 Fletcher Street, Ann Arbor (734) 764-8320
UMHS Emergency Department -- after clinic hours or on weekends
1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, (734) 936-6666
Click here for additional accident and injury reporting information.
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In case of an uncontrolled leak of oxygen, try to open outside windows if possible.
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Quickly exit the lab, alerting others in the immediate area to evacuate.
 Call University of Michigan Police Department (UMPD) at 911 immediately for assistance.
 Close doors to affected area.
 Post warnings to keep people from entering the area.
 Have person available that has knowledge of incident and laboratory to assist emergency personnel.
 www.oseh.umich.edu/pdf/chemspil.pdf
 http://www.oseh.umich.edu/emer-chemical.shtml.
Report all emergencies, suspicious activity, injuries, spills, and fires to the University of Michigan Division of Public
Safety and Security (DPSS) by calling 911 or texting 377911. Register with the University of Michigan Emergency Alert
System via Wolverine Access.
Training of Personnel
All personnel are required to complete the General Laboratory Safety Training session (BLS025w or equivalent) via OSEH’s
My LINC website . Furthermore, all personnel shall read and fully adhere to this SOP when handling the chemical.
I have read and understand the above SOP. I agree to contact my Supervisor or Lab Manager if I plan to modify this procedure.
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