EHS Today - worker suffers burns due to fire from rich oxygen work atmosphere

http://www.ehstoday.com/construction/worker-severely-burned-when-trapped-fiery-underground-duct?NL=OH-05&Issue=OH-05_20171116_OH-05_712&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_4&utm_rid=CPG03000007741031&utm_campaign=23112&utm_medium=email&elq2=4c69ad8c5a1d4c0f9872eb2a45dd0031

A worker suffered third degree burns due to a fire while working inside a duct that had rich oxygen.

The contractor was charged for safety lapses in confined space work, i.e. failure to ensure work area air monitoring, mechanical ventilation.

Many do not know the hazards of oxygen above atmospheric levels of 21% v/v. One should not think that compressed air and compressed oxygen are same.

Dress soaked in oxygen can catch fire easily. Materials burn easily in high oxygen conditions. 

Higher oxygen levels can cause damage to lungs and eyes.

That's the reason why safety professionals ask for measuring and finding reasons for oxygen levels in work area which are not at 21% v/v. 

Even if it is low, even slightly below 21% also, one should not think it is okay, because the difference can be some toxic/poisonous and pose health hazard. Similarly, for higher levels.

Then, we should ensure supply of fresh air (not oxygen) in the confined space work area. Generally, we supply air into the work area for 24 hours before work. Again, the work atmosphere will be measured for safe condition before permitting the persons inside.

Then buddy system also is to be ensured.

Lorry rams liquid oxygen road tanker causing leak

As per TV news channel visuals and reports, today afternoon, a lorry collided with a liquid oxygen carrying tanker causing leakage of liquid oxygen, with white clouds all around. As per visuals, it is found that a few firefighters were spraying the water, whereas most of others were recording the incident in their mobile, standing in the white clouds.

Then, somebody made a statement that it is only oxygen and is not a harmful gas.

As per reports, for about 100 m radius, there was poor visibility for two hours. Vehicles moving in the area were sent back by 500 m as a precautionary measure.

Pure oxygen, though, not combustible, can accelerate combustion. The cryogenic liquid can even cause frost bites. Metals soaked in rich oxygen can catch fire easily. Similarly, persons exposed for long duration above 35% oxygen concentration can suffer lung damage and eye damage.

As per some recommendations (I remember Indian Chemical Manufacturers' Association - ICMA), in case of any accident, the vehicle is to be taken aside, and initially, about 300 m radius is to be cordoned to prevent persons approach.

It is very dangerous, the way, persons are seen moving around.

A document on fire hazards of oxygen and enriched oxygen atmospheres by Asia Industrial Gases Association, Singapore HERE can help persons ignorant of oxygen hazards, who think that oxygen is a safe gas.