Now in its 3rd edition, safety publication CGA G-8.3, Safe Practices for Storage and Handling of Nitrous Oxide from the Compressed Gas Association (CGA), describes the principles and relevant details of the safe storage, handling, and distribution of nitrous oxide, as well as its properties and hazards.
Nitrous oxide (N2O) has been produced and distributed by the industrial gas industry for many years. Commonly used as a medical gas, nitrous oxide is also used as an oxidizing gas for chemical and semiconductor manufacturing, a fuel oxidant for racing vehicles, and a propellant for pressure or aerosol products.
Incidents such as violent decomposition of nitrous oxide and the rupture of nitrous oxide tanks have occurred at production, storage, and distribution facilities. In addition, nitrous oxide gas, in elevated concentrations, can cause health effects in personnel.
Most severe incidents have been caused by insufficient understanding of the properties of nitrous oxide.
CGA G-8.3 edition 3 addresses the safe use in the industrial and medical gases industry for the design, engineering, construction, and operation of nitrous oxide, storage, and supply installations.
