Special warning issued about oxygen cylinders

The American Society of Safety Engineers in Des Plaines, IL, has issued an alert about potentially deadly cylinders of class D breathing air, often used when working in a confined space.

In a communication sent to all of its chapters, contacts, and affiliated safety and health organizations, ASSE president Frank Perry stated that on March 21, two painters in Channelview, TX, were wearing sandblast hoods connected to compressed air cylinders that may not have contained a sufficient amount of oxygen.

Low level of oxygen

Following the accident, federal investigators found that the cylinders had a low level of oxygen. As a result, the Houston-based manufacturer of the cylinders, Aeriform, is requesting that any and all air cylinders marked "compressed air — breathing" that were purchased between January 2000 through March 2000 be tested for oxygen content prior to being used.

The air cylinders may not contain a sufficient amount of oxygen and could be hazardous. They should be checked for an oxygen level of 19% to 23% by volume.

The cylinders were part of lot number C860-2-00-39RS, which consisted of three clusters of 12 cylinders that were filled at Aeriform on Feb. 8, 2000. Stenciled at the bottom frame of the clustered cylinders are either the numbers 9063 or 9065.

If a cylinder is located, the employer should contact Aeriform at (713) 926-3166.