Publications

Concerns have been raised by an EIGA Member about the process of transferring product from one cryogenic tanker to another tanker using the discharge pump. Analysis by the EIGA Member has suggested that if the discharge pump is used to transfer product there is a possibility that the over pressure protection devices on the receiving tanker would not be able to cope with an overfill situation leading to rupture of the tanker. Any company involved in tanker operation should review their tanker-to-tanker transfer processes to ensure there is no risk of over pressuring a tanker and that such transfers are in compliance with any applicable regulations, such as ADR, The European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.

Precautions to avoid accidents caused by explosions which occurred while using CO2 during inerting equipment and storage tanks that had previously contained flammable materials.

During an ongoing pandemic, medical gas containers can become externally contaminated due to their use in health care facilities. It is important that these containers are cleaned in a manner that removes contaminants, does not cause damage to the container, valve, or gas product, and does not lead to a hazardous situation during the refilling and use of the container's contents.

This Safety Information is intended to remind EIGA Members of the precautions that need to be taken when carrying out pressure testing. Attention is drawn to a number of items that should be considered when carrying out a pressure test including personnel protection, risk assessments and having written procedures in place

Several incidents have recently been reported to EIGA that have highlighted the importance to conduct appropriate risk analysis for the process of cleaning cylinder neck threads and to take appropriate precautions. Be aware that cleaning by using a fast-rotating iron brush will most likely induce enough ignition power to initialise an instant flash fire in an oxidising atmosphere

In the supply of industrial and medical gases to customers and their subsequent use and application, EIGA members regularly see critical incidents or near misses. Lack of knowledge or risk awareness can result in wrong handling of equipment, inadequate application of the product or even misuse of equipment/products and can lead to severe incidents or potentially high-risk scenarios. This Awareness Package is intended to alert customers to these situations and provide some discussion points to be considered.

An incident which occurred when an employee used unsafe access methods to a pallet once again highlights the dangers of working at height, even when at fairly low levels above ground.

This Safety Information is intended to raise awareness of hazards and safety measures necessary regarding the filling of acetylene cylinders of welded construction with a footring.

The potential hazards associated with oxygen-enriched atmospheres are well known and several EIGA publications provide personnel working with oxygen with details of the fire and explosion hazards associated with these conditions. Moreover, during the COVID-19 pandemic patients receive High-Flow Nasal Oxygen (HFNO) as an effective means of treatment, capable of delivering an oxygen flow rate of up to 60 litres per minute. As more wards are equipped for oxygen treatment and HFNO treatment, it is possible the ventilation systems will not be able to maintain atmospheres that are not oxygen enriched.

EIGA members remain adhering strictly to quality and safety requirements for medical 99.5% oxygen to the well-established and validated European Monograph 0417