|  | Public Health Safety | Work Safety

Liquid Oxygen Storage Regulations in the United States

Hospitals and construction sites often store oxygen in liquid form. Liquid oxygen is a highly volatile substance; if spilled it can cause fires and explosions, according to the Material Safety Data Sheet for liquid oxygen. The United States requires storage facilities to adhere to specifications to prevent disasters related to accidental combustion, and those specification are outlined by the Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration (OSHA).

  1. Location of Storage Facilities

    • Liquid oxygen must be stored outside if possible. If it must be stored inside, it has to be placed in a separate building designed for its storage. The building housing liquid oxygen must be made of non-combustible material, have adequate ventilation and be used only for storing liquid oxygen. Workers must be able to access the oxygen tanks quickly.

    Leak Protection

    • Liquid oxygen must be stored in facilities containing non-combustible surfaces. Asphalt surfaces are forbidden, as leaks on asphalt surfaces can cause explosions if the surface comes in contact with pedestrians or vehicles.

    Elevation of Storage Facilities

    • Storage facilities that house up to 1,000 gallons of liquid oxygen must be built at least 50 feet off the ground. Storage facilities housing more than 1,000 gallons must be built at least 90 feet off the ground.

Work Safety - Related Articles