Division 2 Gases
Learning Tool T-970
This work has been produced by DGL (Aust) Pty Ltd
This Learner’s Tool is about the skills and
knowledge required to store and warehouse division
2 Gases at DGL (Aust) facilities. This includes
operational requirements for the safe and efficient
control of all functions and effective management of
hazardous situations.
DGL (AUST) Pty Ltd
Before you get started
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It is important that you complete all sections in this learning tool as it has been designed so that
You can abide by the procedures of our organization.
You can apply what you have learnt in this package in your day to day activities
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This Learning Tool is designed to be relevant only to DGL (Aust) Pty Ltd employees and only
applied whilst employed with DGL (Aust) Pty Ltd
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You may have already acquired knowledge in the area identified in this package as you may have
completed some specialized training. Or you may have been working within the industry for some
time. Should you identify any improvement opportunities in the information contained in this
package or have difficulties completing the package please contact
National Training and Compliance Manager
DGL (Aust) Pty Ltd
PO BOX 1594
EAGLE FARM QLD 4009
Ph 07 3868 1001
Fax 07 3868 1055
DGL (AUST) Pty Ltd
Definition of a division 2
A gas is a substance which:
(a) at 50 °C has a vapour pressure greater than 300 kPa; or
(b) is completely gaseous at 20 °C at a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa.
NOTE: Carbonated beverages are not subject to this Code
(Note 1)
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Properties of division 2
Substances of division 2 are assigned to one of three divisions based on the primary hazard of
the gas during transport.
(a) Division 2.1 Flammable gases
Gases which at 20 °C and a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa:
(i) are ignitable when in a mixture of 13 per cent or less by volume with air; or
(ii) have a flammable range with air of at least 12 percentage points regardless of the lower flammable
limit. Flammability should be determined by tests or by calculation in accordance with methods adopted by
ISO (see ISO 10156: 1996). Where insufficient data are available to use these methods, tests by a
comparable method recognized by the competent authority may be used;
(b) Division 2.2 Non-flammable, non-toxic gases
Gases which:
(i) are asphyxiant – gases which dilute or replace the oxygen normally in the atmosphere; or
(ii) are oxidizing – gases which may, generally by providing oxygen, cause or contribute to the combustion
of other material more than air does; or
(iii) do not come under the other divisions;
(c) Division 2.3 Toxic gases
Gases which:
(i) are known to be so toxic or corrosive to humans as to pose a hazard to health; or
(ii) are presumed to be toxic or corrosive to humans because they have an LC50 value equal to or less
than 5,000 ml/m3 (ppm).
Note (1) Source the Australian Dangerous Goods Code 7th Edition page 53
Note (2) Source the Australian Dangerous Goods Code 7th Edition page 54
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Labels for Gases
Note 1
Note (1) Source the Australian Dangerous Goods Code 7th Edition page 425
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Classification of division 2
The transport condition of a gas is described according to its physical state as:
(a) Compressed gas —a gas which when packaged under pressure for transport is entirely gaseous
at -50 °C; this category includes all gases with a critical temperature less than or equal to -50 °C;
or
(b) Liquefied gas —a gas which when packaged under pressure for transport is partially liquid at
temperatures above -50 °C. A distinction is made between:
High pressure liquefied gas —a gas with a critical temperature between 50°C
and +65 °C, and
Low pressure liquefied gas —a gas with a critical temperature above +65 °C; or
(c) Refrigerated liquefied gas —a gas which when packaged for transport is made partially liquid
because of its low temperature; or
(d) Dissolved gas —a gas which when packaged under pressure for transport is dissolved in a liquid
phase solvent.
(Note 1)
Note (1) Source the Australian Dangerous Goods Code 7th Edition page 53
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Storage
The following precautions shall be observed when storing and handling gases in cylinders:
(a) Areas in which cylinders are kept shall be—
(i) away from any artificial sources of heat, e.g. radiators, boilers or steam pipes, except when there has
been prior consultation with the cylinder supplier on the particular circumstances; and
(ii) kept clear of combustible materials, vegetation and refuse for a distance of not less than 3 m from any
cylinder.
(b) All cylinder stores shall be provided with adequate ventilation at all times.
NOTES:
1 Ventilation should be adequate to maintain exposure levels to any gases in the store below
recommended workplace exposure standards and lower explosive limits, and to maintain safe oxygen
levels.
2 Reference should be made to AS 1668.2 for requirements for mechanical ventilation of enclosures.
(c) divisions of gases shall be segregated within the store, but need not be separated.
(d) The floor should be flat, solid, and constructed from non-combustible materials. It should drain away from
the cylinders. Concrete flooring is preferred.
Note (1) Source the Australian AS 4332 - 2004 The storage and handling of Gases in cylinders Page 12 & 13
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Management of Leaks
General
The following general procedures apply to the management of leaks. They should only be attempted by
trained personnel, when it is safe to do so, and when wearing suitable personal protective equipment, and
where the characteristics of the gas involved are well understood. Additional special considerations are
required in confined spaces or where ventilation is
poor.
LARGE LEAKS
If there is a large leak, the procedure set out below should be followed:
(a) Evacuate the area after providing maximum ventilation if it is possible and safe to do so. If a flammable gas
is leaking, remove or isolate any ignition sources.
(b) Immediately contact the gas supplier for advice, giving location and a return contact. Where appropriate,
contact the emergency services.
(c) Consult the MSDS for the hazards of the gas involved and activate the site emergency plan
(d) Do not approach the cylinder until trained personnel and expert advice are available, especially if the gas is
flammable or toxic.
SMALL LEAKS
If there is a small leak, the procedure set out below should be followed:
(a) If it is safe and possible to do so, quickly close the cylinder valve. ‘Back off’ any regulator (i.e. reduce
downstream pressure to zero) and shut off any downstream valves. If a flammable gas is involved, isolate
any electrical equipment. Consider evacuating the area.
NOTE: Do not use excessive force to shut off a cylinder valve as this can damage the valve seat or break the
spindle, making the leak worse.
(b) Ventilate the area as well as possible. Open windows and doors; and start up any existing fume extraction
system.
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Management of Leaks Continued
(c) Turn off any air conditioning system to prevent spreading the hazard.
(d) If appropriate, contact the gas supplier or emergency services for assistance.
(e) Consult Appendix A and the MSDS about the characteristics of the gas.
(f) Wearing appropriate PPE, approach the cylinder from an upwind area and attempt to locate the leak point.
An appropriate leak detection method should be used.
NOTE: In many cases, soapy water or a proprietary leak detection solution may be used. However, some
gases could react with water and make the leak worse.
(g) Attempt to minimize or stop the leak. The method chosen will depend on the location of the leak and type of
gas, and the following should be taken into account:
(i) If the leak is on the cylinder Do not attempt to repair a leaking cylinder safety device, tighten a valve into
a cylinder or tighten a leaking valve gland that is
under pressure.
(ii) If the leak is through the valve seat outlet Close the cylinder valve, but do not over-tighten. If a suitable
regulator is available, ‘back it off’ fully and screw it onto the cylinder valve outlet. If the cylinder has been
provided with a gas-tight outlet cap or plug, screw this onto the valve outlet and close it.
(iii) If the gas is flammable Remove all sources of ignition, sparking or static electricity from the area.
(iv) If the gas is toxic Ensure that the correct PPE is used, including self-contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA) if necessary.
(v) If the gas is a liquefiable gas Attempt to position the cylinder so that the leak point is in the vapour
space (i.e. highest point) to prevent a liquid leak.
(h) Once the leak is minimized or controlled, and it is safe to do so, relocate the cylinder to a safe, well
ventilated area where any leaking gas can dissipate safely, e.g. outdoors, or in a fume cupboard with an
extraction fan.
(i) Securely tag the cylinder as ‘faulty’, giving reason and leak location.
(j) Arrange for the supplier of the cylinder to collect and remove the cylinder
Note (1)
Note (1) Source the Australian AS 4332 - 2004 The storage and handling of Gases in cyclinders Page 52 & 53
DGL (AUST) Pty Ltd
Personal Habits
Personal habits and hygiene practices have an important
bearing on health and safety.
The following rules shall be followed by all persons whose
work involves the handling of division 2:
(a) Do not introduce, keep, prepare or consume any food or
drink, or use tobacco. In any place where dangerous
goods are stored or handled.
(b) Always wash your hands before eating, drinking or
smoking, and after work.
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First Aid
The following first aid procedures shall be adopted for the treatment of accidents relating to the
handling of division 2 - Gases:
First Aid Station
A first aid station shall be provided in a clean area. It shall comprise, as a minimum, an
appropriate first aid kit and first aid instructions, e.g. MSDS for all gases being kept or handled on
the premises.
Safety Shower and Eye Wash Facilities
Provision of a readily accessible safety shower (or ‘plunge bath’) and eye wash facilities, both
complying with ANSI Z 358.1, should be considered, especially where corrosive or toxic gases or
cryogenic or refrigerated fluids are handled.
First Aid Procedures
The first aid procedures set out in the relevant MSDS shall be adopted.
Note (1) Source the Australian AS 4332-2004 The storage and handling of Gases in cylinders page 33
DGL (AUST) Pty Ltd
Test your knowledge
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Through the following slides you will be asked an number
of questions to show that you have understood the
content of this learning tool
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Please record your answer on the training form F-260.
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You will be required to submit the answers to the DGL
HSEQ unit
7/31/2017
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DGL (AUST) Pty Ltd
Question 1
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What is a Gas?
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a) 50 °C has a vapour pressure greater than
300 kPa
b) Is a liquid that is stored in cylinders
c) is completely gaseous at 20 °C at a
standard pressure of 101.3 kPa
d) Both A & C
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DGL (AUST) Pty Ltd
Question 2
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What are the three Divisions of division 2 and their
names?
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a) 2.1 Toxic Gases, 2.2 Flammable Gases, 2.3 Nonflammable, Non-toxic Gases
b) 2.1 Non-flammable, Non-toxic Gases, 2.2 Toxic Gases,
2.3 Flammable Gases
c) 2.1 Flammable Gases, 2.2 Toxic Gases, 2.3 Nonflammable, Non-toxic Gases
d) 2.1 Flammable Gases, 2.2 Non-flammable, Non-toxic
Gases, 2.3 Toxic Gases
DGL (AUST) Pty Ltd
Question 3
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It is ok to introduce, keep, prepare or consume
any food or drink, or use tobacco. In any place
where dangerous goods are stored or
handled.?
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a) True
b) False
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Question 4
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There are four classifications of Gases for Transport
which one has the following definition : a gas which
when packaged under pressure for transport is
entirely gaseous at -50 °C; this category includes all
gases with a critical temperature less than or equal to
-50 °C?
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a) Liquefied gas
b) Compressed gas
c) Dissolved gas
d) Refrigerated liquefied gas
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DGL (AUST) Pty Ltd
Question 5
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In an event of a small Flammable Gas
leak, you have isolated any electrical
equipment what else should you consider
doing?
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a)
b)
c)
d)
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Going back to work
Evacuating the Area
Closing the storage area
Going Home
DGL (AUST) Pty Ltd
Question 6
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What is the Segregation distance between
Combustible products and division 2 products
when being stored in a warehouse?
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a)
b)
c)
d)
1m
5m
3m
None required
DGL (AUST) Pty Ltd
Question 7
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What should you resort to in case of First Aid emergency?
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a)
b)
c)
d)
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The products label
The MSDS
Word of mouth
Your instinct
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Question 8
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When a leak is minimized and under control and you can
proceed safely and it has been relocated to a well
ventilated area what is the next step in the chain?
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a) Securely tag the cylinder as ‘faulty’, giving reason and
leak location.
b) Arrange for the supplier of the cylinder to collect and
remove the cylinder.
c) Seal up the gas leak and proceed to use the cylinder.
d) Dispose of the cylinder in the general waste bin when
the leak has been found.
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DGL (AUST) Pty Ltd
Additional information
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For more information on division 2 products the following
sources may be of assistance
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Australian Dangerous Goods Code 7th Edition
Available to all DGL employees via the company’s intranet
Australian The storage and handling of Gases in cylinders
Available to all DGL employees via the company’s intranet
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