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Pressure Hazards
Chapter 11

Goetsch

Pressure Hazards
Dangerous condition involving pressure
more than pressurized cylinders
Sources of pressure hazards
Gases trapped in body cavities

Boyle’s law
P1V1 = P2V2, when T is constant
As pressure increases volume decreases

Problem areas
Sinus passages
Middle ear
Lungs
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Nitrogen absorption
Decompression sickness
Rapid decrease in pressure

Partial pressure hazards

Hypoxia - reduced available oxygen
Hyperoxia - too much oxygen
Nitrogen narcosis - higher than normal nitrogen pressure

Boilers & pressure vessels

Safety hazards
Design, construction, installation
Poor training of operators
Human error
Mechanical failure
Failure of safety devices
Improper inspections
Improper application of equipment
Insufficient preventive maintenance

Boilers & pressure vessels

Safety hazards
Failure of safety devices
Improper inspections
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Improper application of equipment

Insufficient preventive maintenance
Same issues for unfired pressure vessels

Hazards - high pressure systems

Leaks
Pulsation
Vibration
Release of high pressure gases
Whiplash from broken lines

Pressure danger to humans

Anoxia - no oxygen available
Hypoxia - reduced oxygen
Altitude sickness
Hyperoxia - increased concentration of oxygen

Pressure danger to humans

Trapped gas effects in the body
Evolved gas effects - body not able to dissipate absorbed gases fast enough
Dysbarism - formation of gas bubbles in blood and tissue
Creeps, chokes
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Measurement of pressure hazards

Sounds - don’t use fingers
Cloth streamers - soap solutions
Scents
Leak detectors
Corrosion

Causes of gas leaks

Contamination by dirt of mechanical joints
Overpressurization
Excessive temperature
Operator errors

Reducing pressure hazards

Proper storage
Training & testing of personnel
Periodic inspections
Proper operating conditions
Relieve pressure from system
Label pressure system - inspection, pressure, flow direction

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Reducing pressure hazards

Use appropriate materials
Pressure relief devices
Keep hoses short
Avoid impacts
Secure cylinders
Examine labels

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