Helping customers to transport gases more safely TP N° 17/08 Helping customers to transport gases more safely Transporting Gas Cylinders or Cryogenic Receptacles in “Non-Dedicated” Vehicles Reference documents: IGC 103 and IGC 89

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Overview This Training Package will address: What is meant by “Non-Dedicated” vehicles Which parts of Transport regulations apply Why is transporting gas cylinders and cryogenic receptacles in cars and vans not recommended? What precautions should be taken: By the gas retailer/outlet By the customer

“Non-Dedicated” Vehicle Any vehicle not specifically adapted to safely carry gas cylinders or cryogenic receptacles. Often enclosed passenger cars or vans.... Examples of Non-Dedicated vehicles:

The vehicle & ventilation: Driver/Customer While transporting cylinders adequate ventilation is very important, ideally: Use an open vehicle or a vehicle designed for the transport of gases (should have a gas tight bulkhead separating the driver from load) If you have to use an enclosed, Non-Dedicated Vehicle: KEEP WINDOWS OPEN

Gas Cylinders and Cryogenic Receptacles The size and contents vary greatly, some examples are shown here: The hazards depend upon: Weight of cylinder/receptacle Pressure inside Hazards of contents –see LABELS!

Hazard Label Meanings Flammable gas - danger of ignition and explosion Oxidising gas - increases danger of fire Inert gas - danger of death by asphyxiation *Toxic gas - danger of death from intoxication or poisoning Corrosive gas - danger of death from burns *Toxic or pyrophoric gases should only be transported in open or dedicated vehicles ! NOTE that Ammonia is commonly carried in non-dedicated vehicles but is classified as Toxic !

Transport Regulations: Gases are “Dangerous Goods” Gases in cylinders and cryogenic receptacles are classified as “Dangerous Goods” and their transport is governed by European legislation (ADR). You may have seen trucks and vans showing Orange Plates at the front and back of the vehicle. This is because the vehicle is carrying goods that could be dangerous in an accident. The plate alerts the emergency services of the dangers. If you are “at work”, then these rules apply and you need to ensure that you are in compliance. Please check!

Transport Regulations not applicable IF.... ADR does NOT apply when: Goods are “for personal use” – even if they are dangerous goods, Transport is *ancillary to normal business, e.g. deliveries to building or civil engineering sites But measures MUST BE taken to prevent leakage during transport: * Please take advice of qualified Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor!

Transport Regulations some exemptions... If total *transport units carried <1000 there are exemptions from parts of ADR e.g.: * Please take advice of qualified Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor! Placards and plates Tremcards Vehicle specifications but other *duties remain e.g.: Carry fire extinguishers No smoking/no naked flames Basic training of general awareness, hazards and driver responsibilities Should consider whether to provide simple guidelines for Agents/Retailers summarising 1000 transport units?? And measures MUST BE taken to prevent leakage during transport

private cars and vans not recommended? Why is transporting gas cylinders in private cars and vans not recommended?

Braking is necessary… Sometimes sudden braking is necessary... But dangerously overloading a vehicle is illegal and dangerous (see behind drivers seat)

Unsecured Cylinders are dangerous

Cylinders: Simple crash - worse consequences This car was involved in a traffic accident It was carrying oxygen cylinders, which leaked After the initial crash the oxygen rich atmosphere inside resulted in the car being burnt out

Cylinder contents dangerous: Acetylene A leaking acetylene cylinder ignited at the valve outlet inside a van The driver narrowly escaped and the van burnt out in 2 minutes

Mixed gas load dangers Driver used remote control device to unlock the doors of his car Picture shows car after explosion Car was totally destroyed and heavy damage to surroundings The newspaper reported the car contained a mixed load of acetylene, oxygen and propane cylinders.

Cylinders can leak An enclosed vehicle containing a cylinder was completely destroyed when the door of the car was opened, probably due to a leak and a spark.

Beware warnings ! The driver of this vehicle stopped because he smelled gas He went to the rear of the vehicle and opened the boot The mixture of air and acetylene in the car exploded throwing him several metres away…. …and then ….

Acetylene: can explode later …shortly afterwards the acetylene cylinder itself ruptured and demolished the car In this instance the driver escaped with only light burns and shock

Recommendations for Gas Retailers/Outlets

Precautions for Gas Retailers/Outlets ADR requires that “measures are taken to prevent any leakage”, so always take reasonable steps to: Ensure cylinder valve is firmly closed and check for leaks Advise the driver : Of the importance to securely stow cylinder in vehicle Of the hazards of the contents To transport cylinders containing liquid (such as Propane, CO2, Dissolved Acetylene) upright to prevent leakage To check vehicle floor cleanliness, no loose objects, oils, etc. Not to smoke and to drive with windows open YOU may be held responsible if the customer has an accident on his journey

Gas Retailers/Outlets: Warn of the dangers Make sure the customer is aware of the dangers before he leaves your premises. Emphasise: Labels state the dangers of the gas Never use or transport a gas cylinder that does not have a label The label is the only way to positively identify the contents of a cylinder The old cylinder colour codes are changing Be familiar with the hazard labels and handle accordingly Share and publicise this Training Package

Advice for Customers The following documents are available to inform about safe transport and use: Appropriate Safety Data Sheet Appropriate TREMCARD – photocopies are OK National Association leaflet

Recommendations for people transporting gases in “Non Dedicated” Vehicles

Common sense safety Driver/Customer Take advice given to you by gas retailer/outlet Check that valves are fully closed and protected Ventilate your vehicle - keep windows open Dismantle equipment such as regulators, hoses, torches, etc. Ensure your vehicle is not overloaded Do not leave cylinders inside the boot or in an unventilated place Go directly to your destination Carry at least one 2 kg dry powder fire extinguisher No smoking NOTE: If you are not “working” you still have a “Duty of Care” to ensure that you transport gases safely and with due regard to other road users and members of the public

Loading and Unloading Driver/Customer Ensure all cylinders are properly secured and prevented from moving during your journey Consider how you are going to get the cylinders in and out of your vehicle without injury Only carry the minimum number of cylinders that are required for the job Once the cylinders are out of the vehicle follow these simple rules; Wear appropriate protective equipment Place cylinders onto firm level ground, securely

Emergency Actions with flammable/oxidising gases The precise actions depend on the type of gas being carried, but if you do discover a leak from a cylinder containing a flammable or oxidising gas: Try to keep members of the public away from the area Minimise potential ignition sources (use mobile phone, electronic key from a safe distance!) If possible and safe to do so; try to close any valves that may be open try to move your vehicle to an isolated place ventilate your vehicle, open doors Call the Emergency services Give them your exact location and the number and type of cylinders involved Call your Gas retailer/outlet for advice

Recommendations for people transporting medical gases for patient use

Patients: transporting Medical Gas for personal use ADR does not include transport of oxygen with patient. Patients are recommended to: Keep vehicle well ventilated (open window) to prevent oxygen enrichment inside vehicle Set car ventilation system to draw fresh air into car, not recycle air Keep valve shut when not in use Carry the minimum oxygen required for patient to complete the journey

Patients: transporting Medical Gas for personal use Patients are recommended to: Adequately restrain all gas cylinders and cryogenic receptacles Keep liquid oxygen receptacles upright Prohibit smoking by anyone in or near the vehicle Avoid using oxygen whilst the vehicle is being re-fuelled Any O2 cylinders/receptacles not in use should be kept in luggage compartment (boot) during journey Never leave gas cylinders and cryogenic receptacles unattended in a parked vehicle

Thank you for your attention Thank you for your attention. Please consider these lessons and transport your gases carefully and safely