EHS - Gas Line Rupture from a Nitrogen Tank


	Policies \| Emergency Guide \| Report Unsafe Conditions	UD Home \| EHS Home

PROGRAMS

Biosafety and
Bloodborne Pathogens

Chemical Hygiene

Chemical Waste

Environmental

Fire Prevention and Protection

General Safety

Illness and Injury Reporting

Gas Line Rupture from a Nitrogen Tank

A graduate student was setting up a piece of laboratory equipment that utilized compressed nitrogen. He followed all of the manufacturer's specifications and installed the regulator and tubing. The regulator was set at 200 psig. He left the building to retrieve a tool from another building and returned to find the building in alarm and the fire department on-site. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the tubing was not rated for the 200 psig pressure, hence the line ruptured. The lab worker stated that this specific tubing was specified and supplied by the manufacturer.

Lessons Learned:

1. Always use gas lines and fittings that are rated for 2 ½ times the operating pressure of the regulator and system, whichever is greater;

Other Important Items for Consideration:

Positively secure all gas line connections with approved means to prevent accidental disconnections;

Only use gas regulators that are approved for the gas to be used and rated for the pressures that the system will be operated at;

Inspect gas regulators before each use to verify that they are in good operating order; and

Make sure to locate and secure all gas cylinders, using approved brackets/straps, to prevent accidental tipping or knocking over of the cylinders.

If you have any questions please contact Kevin Eichinger or call x2103.