Compressed Gas and Nitrogen Safety

Compressed gases are everywhere in a manufacturing plant: nitrogen at the reflow oven and dry cabinets, shielding gas and oxygen-fuel at the welding bay, liquid nitrogen in the lab, and compressed air at every bench. Each one stores energy, and some can make the air unbreathable without any warning.

This course explains the federal OSHA general industry requirements for compressed gas cylinders in 29 CFR 1910.101 and the CGA P-1 pamphlet it incorporates, the cylinder storage and oxygen-fuel separation rules in 29 CFR 1910.253, and the compressed air cleaning rule in 29 CFR 1910.242(b). You will learn to identify a gas by its label, store, secure, move and connect cylinders, and why oxygen and oil must never meet. You will learn where nitrogen is used in electronics assembly, why an oxygen-deficient atmosphere (below 19.5 percent oxygen) gives no warning, how oxygen monitors work and why would-be rescuers become victims. The final module covers liquid nitrogen, cryogenic burns, dewar pressure relief and safe use of compressed air.

The course is for operators, technicians, stores and maintenance staff and supervisors at electronics, aerospace, machining and fabrication sites. No prior knowledge is needed.

What this course does not do. It is general awareness training delivered online. Your employer must still provide site-specific hazard communication training on the gases in your work area, select PPE and train you in its use, and decide who is authorized to change cylinders, fill dewars or work on gas systems. It does not train or authorize anyone to enter a permit-required confined space under 29 CFR 1910.146. State-plan states may have additional requirements, and employers outside the US follow their own regulations.

The course closes with a 10-question examination drawn from a bank of 20. On passing you receive a PlanetISO Certificate of Completion for the instruction delivered online, with lifetime access to the course. The certificate does not expire. It does not make you certified, qualified or OSHA approved; OSHA does not approve training providers.