1406.2.1 Portable Liquid Oxygen Containers

The storage, handling and use of portable liquid oxygen containers shall be in accordance with FC 1406.2.1.1 through 1406.2.1.9.

A sketch showing the following information shall be submitted to the department for approval in connection with an application for a permit for oxygen storage:

1. Number and size of containers.
2. Enclosure, manifold and service piping construction.
3. Location of risers and outlets.
4. Location of all equipment and devices including vaporizers, valves and safety relief devices.

Not more than one liquid oxygen container having a maximum water capacity of 6.2 cubic feet (0.176 m³) may be stored indoors. Such container shall be connected for use with a flammable gas. Storage in excess of one liquid oxygen container shall be located outdoors.

The room used for the storage, handling and use of a liquid oxygen container shall be equipped with ventilation direct to the outdoors, and shall not contain any combustible material or flammable gas.

Manifolds and vaporizers shall be constructed of materials suitable for oxygen service at a pressure of 250 psig (1724 kPa). Such manifolds and vaporizers shall have a minimum bursting pressure of 1,000 psig (6895 kPa) and shall be protected with safety relief devices which will relieve at or below 500 psig (3448 kPa).

The assembled vaporizer and manifold shall be pressure tested at 500 psig (3448 kPa) with an oil-free and nonflammable material as the testing medium.

Service piping from the oxygen manifold shall be copper tubing, stainless steel, wrought iron or steel, and shall run vertically outdoors to the floor or floors being serviced, where outlets may be provided for hose connections to approved torches. The service piping shall be properly secured, protected from damage from mechanical injury and properly labeled. Any connection between service piping and the manifold shall be made using not more than 5 feet (1524 mm) of hose capable of withstanding pressure up to at least 1,000 psig (6895 kPa).

Service piping shall be suitable for 250 psig (1724 kPa) service unless an intervening pressure regulator is provided at the manifold, and shall withstand a test of two times the maximum operating pressure, using an oil-free and nonflammable material as the testing medium.

Hose and connectors capable of withstanding pressure up to at least 1,000 psig (6895 kPa) and of a design suitable for oxygen service at a pressure of 250 psig (1724 kPa) shall be used to connect the outlets on the service piping to the blowpipes. Hose shall be rejected for use if it shows excessive wear, loose connections, leaks or burns; hose subjected to a flash back in use shall be tested to twice the service pressure, but not less than 200 psig (1379 kPa), before being returned to service.

Signs shall be posted in the vicinity of liquid oxygen container storage and use, reading: DANGER-LIQUID OXYGEN-NO SMOKING-NO OPEN FLAMES.

Legible operating instructions shall be posted near any liquid oxygen manifold.

An affidavit shall be provided by the installer and/or contractor to certify that the vaporizer, valves, piping, hose and safety devices are of an approved type, that they meet the specifications for bursting test and design pressure, and that they have been satisfactorily tested in accordance with this section.