Gases may be flammable (class 2.1), non-flammable non-toxic (class 2.2) or toxic (class 2.3).
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Flammable gas
class 2.1
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Non-flammable non-toxic gas
class 2.2
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Oxidising gas
class 2.2
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Toxic gas
class 2.3
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Some gases are compressed in cylinders, such as hydrogen, argon or oxygen. Acetylene would explode if compressed and is therefore absorbed into liquid acetone. Some gases are liquefied under pressure, such as LPG (butane & propane) or anhydrous ammonia. Cryogenic gases are kept liquefied under very low temperatures, such as liquid oxygen or liquid nitrogen.
Why they are dangerous
In addition to these inherent hazards, other major dangers include the:
- gas pressure
- displacement of breathable oxygen (asphyxiation)
- effects from the extremely low temperature for cryogenic gases (about minus 175 degrees centigrade).
Risk assessment
Finding out if you are at risk involves doing a risk assessment and identifying:
- the type of product including its dangerous good classification name and number
- how much is being stored or used
- identifying and controlling particular risks identified in the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001.
Protect yourself and others
Once you have completed your risk assessment, you will need to implement measures to protect yourself and others by:
- eliminating the risk if reasonably practicable
- remove the dangerous good or substituting for a less hazardous substance
- ensuring you have adequate emergency exits
- ensuring the physical separation of dangerous goods from people and property by distance or physical barriers
- ensuring any spills or leaks are contained and that incompatible substances are not stored together
- removing sources of ignition or controlling the risks in hazardous areas
- controlling atmospheric emissions
- establishing appropriate administrative controls.
Find out more
The Storage and handling of dangerous goods: code of practice has more information about the storage of dangerous goods.
Call 13 10 50 for further information about gases.