Storing compressed gases onsite is commonplace at many businesses, but how important it is that these businesses comply with regulations is anything but routine.
Some businesses use compressed gases in their production processes or for specific applications. For example, manufacturing plants might use compressed gases for welding, cutting or powering pneumatic tools.
The U.S. Department of Transportation specifically outlines what constitutes a Class 2 Compressed Gas to ensure the risks of storing and transporting these hazardous waste materials are minimized.
If you have any question at all as to whether the material you want to ship or dispose of is a compressed gas, you should contact the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) or work with a CERTIFIED HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL AGENCY that has the experience to ensure your company’s hazardous waste is properly managed.
How does the DOT classify a Class 2 Compressed Gas? The human body depends on the intake and release of certain gases to function properly. Danger presents itself when oxygen is displaced by other gases. Gases that are known to cause these and other health risks are known as Class 2 Compressed Gases, and fall within one of three divisions:
- 2.1 Flammable gas
- 2.2 Non-flammable, non-poisonous
- 2.3 Poisonous gas
How Class 2 Compressed Gases Are Categorized
Compressed gases are categorized based on their physical and chemical properties, as well as the associated hazards.
2.1 Flammable Gas
Division 2.1 includes flammable gases that are found to be ignitable when comprising 13% or less of a room’s gaseous
volume.
What makes these gases especially dangerous is the prevalence of igniters found in the workplace. Even small electric sparks or strong friction can be enough to produce a powerful explosion.
As a result, storage and transfer of these flammable gases require great care. Examples of gases that fall in this subdivision include:
- Hydrogen Compressed
- Ethylene
- Butylene
- Acetylene
- Cyclopropane
- Petroleum
These dangerous materials are marked with a red placard featuring a flame icon.
2.2 Non-Flammable, Non-Poisonous
Gases that are neither fire hazards, nor toxic upon inhalation, are divided into the 2.2 subdivision. These gases still pose a risk to human health, however, based on their natural behavior.
Large volumes of asphyxiant gases, like helium and nitrogen, prevent human lungs from accessing oxygen. The worst case scenario result of exposure to Division 2.2 gases is death by suffocation.
Examples of gases that fall in this subdivision include:
- Carbon dioxide
- Most refrigerant gases
- Helium
- Nitrogen
- Nitrous Oxide
- Xenon
- Oxygen
These dangerous materials typically are marked with a green placard featuring a gas canister symbol. However, there is an optional yellow placard for compressed Oxygen in either the gas or liquid state.
Although Oxygen is considered to be non-flammable, it is required for combustion to take place. If there are high concentrations present, this greatly increases the risk for and intensity of combustion.
2.3 Poisonous Gas
Gases proven toxic to humans (or animals in lab testing) are designated as inhalation hazards. These substances require the highest level of care during transport and disposal due to their deadly properties.
It’s important for your company to enlist PROFESSIONAL HELP when it’s necessary to dispose of any gases that fall under this subdivision.
Examples of gases that fall in this subdivision include:
- Chlorine
- Carbon monoxide
- Hydrogen bromide
- Gaseous ammonia
- Cyanogen
- Silicon tetrafluoride
These dangerous materials are marked with a white placard featuring a skull and crossbones symbol (otherwise known as the international toxic/poison symbol).
The Importance Of Compliance
If your business works with Class 2 Compressed Gases, it’s important to make sure they are transported and disposed of properly. Offering COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMS for employees who are exposed to hazardous gases can help promote the highest safety standards in the workplace.
Because your hazardous waste generator liability is at stake, we recommend that you work with an experienced hazardous materials services company to:
- Ensure you are in compliance with all state and federal regulations
- Avoid hefty fines, liability from danger, and injury to your employees and others
- Properly transport and dispose of hazardous wastes and non-hazardous wastes
It’s also important to note that when storing different gases in nearby areas or in the same area, a chemical reaction can occur. For example, as noted above, though Oxygen is not considered flammable, it is required for combustion to occur.
Therefore, certain substances should be segregated from one another, even during disposal, and be properly labeled with the correct hazardous waste labels. Working with an experienced hazardous materials services company can ensure proper and safe disposal.
It’s also important to work with a company that provides a 24-hour hazmat emergency response should an emergency occur involving Class 2 Compressed Gases.
Bottom Line
It goes without saying that handling Hazardous Waste Class 2 Compressed Gases can be extremely dangerous. They can pose serious hazards and regulation violations if not properly handled.
If a chemical reaction occurs from your industrial waste, the damage to human health can be catastrophic.
Working with a licensed hazardous waste disposal company can help you determine the correct hazardous waste disposal methods, ensuring you, your employees and the public are safe during the disposal of these gases.
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