An update from Sophie Heptonstall , BSAC ’ s Head of Diving and Training
OXYGENSAFETY
These photos show the clubhouse in the aftermath of the fire
Safe Oxygen Handling
An update from Sophie Heptonstall , BSAC ’ s Head of Diving and Training
Members of a BSAC club have proactively taken steps to share the lessons learned from an oxygen fire that broke out in their club shed . The fire caused an oxygen booster pump to explode , resulting in serious injury to a member and an impact to the club as a whole . Determined to learn from the event , the club decided to share the experience and what they learned with fellow BSAC clubs , and the dive industry as a whole .
Background
It ’ s important to note that the compressor and blending panel were well designed , installed and serviced according to manufacturer recommendations and a trained and very experienced mixed gas blender was filling cylinders in the gas room and boat storage building , following all the recommended procedures . The building containing the compressor usually
The same area , prior to the fire also stored the boat and tow vehicle , but this was out on this occasion and there were two cars in the building instead .
Don ’ t get complacent
Thankfully , as a result of training , equipment design and safety protocols , oxygen fires are rare . However , when they do occur , they can result in serious injury and damage , so it ’ s important that divers and operators do not get complacent . With this in mind we need to take a fastidious approach to gas blending and the surrounding environment to minimise risk and promote gas blending safety based .
Preventing oxygen fires
Oxygen itself does not burn , but it readily supports combustion , significantly increasing the intensity and speed of fires . When oxygen-enriched environments meet flammable materials , even seemingly innocuous sources of ignition , such as sparks , hot surfaces , using the wrong type of control valve or opening and / or allowing too high a gas flow , can trigger rapid and violent fires . Prevention is the cornerstone of oxygen fire safety . By adhering to established protocols and best practices , divers and operators can minimize the risk of fires and ensure a safe diving environment .
■ Equipment maintenance Regular inspection and maintenance of diving equipment , particularly oxygen delivery systems , are essential to detect and address any potential issues that could lead to fires . This includes hoses / whips that are used to deliver O2 . Maintenance should also include checking for leaks , ensuring proper fittings , and replacing worn or damaged components .
Regular maintenance and calibration of any blending panel in line with the manufacturers guidelines is essential to ensure its accuracy and reliability . This should include routine checks of valves , gauges , filters , and sensors to detect any signs of wear or malfunction and cleaning of the lines .
It is essential that all such maintenance and inspection is carried out by trained and competent personnel .
■ Avoiding contamination Oxygen-rich environments are particularly sensitive to contamination by oil , grease , or other combustible materials . Strict cleanliness protocols must be observed to prevent contamination of equipment and breathing gases . Consider the surrounding environment , handling of O2 equipment and storage of any whips – are they in a clean environment and kept away from contaminated surfaces ? Debris could get into the system via overtightened soft-seat valves or via contaminated O-rings , which could then act as a fuel .
■ Minimise ignition and fuel sources Review the filling and storage environment , wood and fuel are materials that are likely to further fuel a fire after ignition and escalate the risk . Keeping boats , vehicles and spare fuel away from the filling and storage facilities significantly reduces the risk . Think about any work benches – metal instead of wood is easier to keep clean
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