LOX Hazards
"There
have been accidents where liquid oxygen was spilled onto asphalt which caused
an explosion when a truck was driven over the spill." - http://www.qrg.nwu.edu/projects/vss/docs/Propulsion/3-why-are-cryogens-hard-to-handle.html
"One
(charcoal) briquette presoaked in LOX (Liquid OXygen) is
approximately equivalent to 1 stick of dynamite." -
http://ep.llnl.gov/msds/Chem120/lox-oxidation.html (NOTE:
While the quote is correct, the website is somewhat humorous.)
"Where
oxygen is stored as a liquid, noncombustible surfacing shall be provided in an
area extending at least 3 feet from points at ground level upon which any
leakage of liquid oxygen might fall during operation of the system and filling
of a storage container. Such an area under liquid delivery connections of
mobile supply equipment shall be at least the full width of the vehicle and at
least 8 feet in the transverse direction. For purposes of this Article,
asphaltic or bitumastic paving is considered to be combustible." -
Cal/OSHA, 8 CCR 5501(c) - http://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/5501.html
"Permanently
installed (oxygen) containers shall be provided with substantial noncombustible
supports on firm noncombustible foundations." - Cal/OSHA, 8 CCR 5503(a) - http://www.dir.ca.gov/title8/5503.html
"If
liquid oxygen spills on asphalt or other surfaces contaminated with
combustibles, do not walk on or roll equipment over the area of the
spill." -
http://www-safety.deas.harvard.edu/services/oxygen.html
"Prevent
liquid oxygen from contacting grease, oil, asphalt or combustibles." -
Liquid Oxygen MSDS - http://www.hoopersupply.com/msds/oxygen.htm
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