OSHA Oxygen Regulations

Having worked in a library from 2007 to 2010, Lisa Chinn has developed strong
research skills. She writes for various websites, mostly about gardening, home
care and travel. She also writes about nightlife in Portland, Ore., cooks, plays
guitar, plays poker, travels and tastes wine. Chinn holds a B.S. in psychology.
By Lisa Chinn, eHow Contributor
updated: July 22, 2010

1.

OSHA oxygen regulations create standards for

oxygen storage.
Every year in the U.S., thousands of workers become sick, sustain injuries or even
die due to work-related incidents. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
makes regulations to reduce work-related dangers, including oxygen regulations.
Since oxygen can be a potentially hazardous material, the OSHA regulates its
storage.

2.

Combustible Materials
o

OSHA bulk oxygen system requirements tell employers to make sure oxygen
systems sit at least 50 feet from solid highly combustible materials, including large
amounts of paper or anything that burns quickly.

Congested Areas
o

Oxygen tanks in bulk oxygen systems must sit at least 25 feet away from
congested work areas, like locker rooms and offices.

Piping, Tubing and Fittings

o

The OSHA holds employers responsible for making sure that oxygen tanks
have proper piping, tubing and fittings so that they operate safely under the given
temperatures and pressures.

Gas Mixtures
o

OSHA oxygen fuel gas for welding and cutting operation requirements forbid
mixtures of oxygen and other flammable gasses, because the mixtures may become
explosive.

Gas Cylinders
o

Cylinders for compressed gas should have labels, according to OSHA

oxygen regulations. The labels should identify the gas content.

Cylinder Storage
o

Gas cylinders should have storage areas away from heat sources, according
to OSHA regulations. Oxygen cylinder storage areas should be away from elevators,
stairs and gangways and at least 20 feet from oils and other combustible materials.
The cylinders should have protection from falling objects and moisture.

Atmospheric Concentrations
o

The OSHA defines any areas with regular concentrations of atmospheric

oxygen lower than 19.5 percent or higher than 23.5 percent as hazardous.
Employers should consider these spaces hazardous and categorize them as permitrequired confined spaces. The spaces should have clear markings to alert workers
that the atmospheric conditions of the spaces are not safe. Employers should either
prevent workers from entering a permit-required space or ventilate the area and bring
its oxygen concentration within safe levels before allowing employees into the space.

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References

OSHA: Oxygen
OSHA: Oxygen-fuel gas welding and cutting
OSHA: Permit-required confined spaces

Photo Credit: oxygen tanks image by Jeffrey Zalesny from Fotolia.com;

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