Inert Gas: Coping with Oxygen Deficient Environments in 400 Area
1979? film, with transcript
Catalog description: Safety training video about inert gas environments, e.g. Argon and Nitrogen from the FFTF areas. Originally part of the CRBRP.
This is film 7479946 in our catalog.
Show transcript
| 00:00 | While working at the FFTF you find yourself about to enter a confined space marked by this sign. |
| 00:26 | The sign is there to inform you that there is a possibility of that space becoming oxygen |
| 00:32 | deficient. Would you know what to do in this situation? In two breaths to you learn some |
| 00:48 | general information about oxygen deficient spaces. If you walk into an oxygen deficient atmosphere |
| 00:54 | you won't have a single warning and it's too late to hold your breath. You'll take two breaths and |
| 01:00 | you'll collapse. In this presentation, we will look at two types of inert gas found in the FFTF |
| 01:07 | which can displace oxygen, the precautions which are taken in the plant to cope with oxygen |
| 01:13 | deficient environments, and some procedures which you should know when working in a space which |
| 01:18 | could become oxygen deficient. Argon and nitrogen are inert gases. This means they have little |
| 01:25 | or no ability to interact chemically with other substances. Because of this, they are |
| 01:31 | used to separate or inert potentially volatile materials. Argon is used as a cover gas and |
| 01:38 | as a buffer between seals in various places throughout the FFTF. |
| 01:47 | Since it is heavier than air, any argon that might leak may sink and concentrate in low-lying |
| 01:53 | areas. |
| 01:56 | Nitrogen is used for valve actuation, to inert primary sodium cells, and to flood secondary |
| 02:07 | sodium cells in an emergency situation nitrogen is a light gas which mixes |
| 02:13 | freely with air it may be found at all levels these gases are not in themselves |
| 02:18 | toxic they are hazardous because they displace the oxygen which is necessary |
| 02:23 | for life the normal amount of oxygen found in air is 21% the minimum amount |
| 02:30 | of oxygen necessary for a work atmosphere at Hedl has been established |
| 02:34 | at 19.5 percent. This is very conservative since physical effects are not perceivable |
| 02:41 | above 16 percent oxygen. However, all monitors in use at the FFTF have their alarm set at |
| 02:48 | the 19.5 percent level. Entry into a space with less than 19.5 percent oxygen requires |
| 02:56 | use of approved respiratory protection and compliance with administrative procedure. |
| 03:03 | oxygen monitors are situated at the FFTF in the following |
| 03:07 | locations. Areas where there is a high potential of an inert gas |
| 03:12 | leak, such as a secondary sodium cell, and in areas where there |
| 03:16 | is little ventilation or air circulation. That is where the |
| 03:19 | air is changed less than one and a half times per hour. As |
| 03:24 | previously stated, these monitors react to the 19.5% |
| 03:28 | oxygen level. When this level is reached, an alarm will go off. |
| 03:33 | And if the monitor is located in a high noise area, a rotating beacon will also be activated. |
| 03:46 | In addition to having permanent oxygen monitors, all cells in the FFTF will be marked by this |
| 03:51 | sign. |
| 03:54 | Requirements for access to the space will be indicated on the sign. |
| 03:57 | The degree of oxygen deficiency potential in the space will determine what actions are |
| 04:02 | required. |
| 04:04 | Common requirements include use of personal oxygen monitors, use of the buddy system, |
| 04:11 | use of additional ventilation equipment, notification of the control room, and a five-minute escape |
| 04:18 | pack available for immediate use. |
| 04:21 | Let's take a closer look at these requirements. |
| 04:24 | There are two types of personal oxygen monitors in common use at the FFTF. |
| 04:29 | The Gastek OX80 is the most commonly used. |
| 04:33 | It is worn at waist level, and its alarm is a loud buzzing sound. |
| 04:42 | When the Gastek is switched on, this alarm will sound briefly, to let you know it is |
| 04:50 | operating properly. |
| 04:52 | If the alarm continues, sounding intermittently, it is a signal that the battery is low and |
| 04:59 | needs recharging. |
| 05:02 | To check oxygen levels in the space surrounding you, press the button near the readout window. |
| 05:08 | The level will be shown in digital figures. |
| 05:12 | The Edmont-Wilson monitor is also worn at waist level. |
| 05:16 | This alarm is a high-pitched whistle. |
| 05:23 | If the alarm sounds when the Edmont Wilson is first turned on, |
| 05:28 | it is an indication the battery is low. |
| 05:31 | The sensor for the Edmont Wilson is attached to an extension cord. |
| 05:35 | It may be lowered into a cell prior to entry in order to check oxygen levels. |
| 05:41 | Once again, these personal monitors have their alarms set at the 19.5 percent level. |
| 05:47 | When an alarm goes off, take immediate action. |
| 05:53 | Oxygen monitors are your first line of protection. |
| 05:55 | Believe what they tell you and make certain you know how to operate them. |
| 06:00 | The buddy system is a well-known preventative measure, which has saved thousands of lives. |
| 06:06 | In this instance, one person must remain outside the space and maintain either visual or verbal |
| 06:11 | contact with their partner. |
| 06:15 | Additional ventilation for confined spaces may be provided by such equipment as portable |
| 06:19 | blowers and flexible hose. |
| 06:22 | Another means of letting others know your whereabouts is to call the control room prior |
| 06:26 | to entry. |
| 06:29 | If this procedure is posted, you must also notify the control room and confirm your departure |
| 06:34 | you leave. Know when and how to use a five-minute escape pack. Before using, |
| 06:40 | check the gauge on the unit to ensure it is charged properly. If an oxygen monitor |
| 06:46 | alarm goes off, don the escape pack immediately. Open the case, pull out the |
| 06:52 | unit, unfold the mask, pull the ring. If you hear a hiss, the unit is working |
| 07:03 | properly. Pull the mask over your head, adjust the next seal, and then the drawstring. The yellow tab |
| 07:13 | tightens and the red tab loosens. An important point to remember is that the escape pack is to |
| 07:20 | be used for escape only. It is not to be used for rescue purposes. In an emergency situation, |
| 07:28 | your job is to get out and warn others. |
| 07:31 | Don't become a victim yourself by trying to rescue someone without the proper equipment. |
| 07:37 | Call the control room, and the emergency response team will initiate a rescue action. |
| 07:42 | The most important aspect of safe entry into a confined space is your knowledge of safety |
| 08:02 | procedures. When you are to work in a confined space, remember argon and nitrogen may cause a |
| 08:09 | hazard by displacing oxygen in the air. Permanent oxygen monitors are situated in all normally |
| 08:16 | accessible spaces, which might become oxygen deficient. Signs are posted at the entrances |
| 08:22 | to all confined spaces, listing requirements for entry. Heed the requirements and, if you |
| 08:28 | are wearing a personal oxygen monitor or five-minute escape pack, know how and when to use them. |
| 08:34 | When an oxygen monitor alarm sounds, immediately don the five-minute escape pack, leave the |
| 08:41 | area and notify the control room. |
| 08:49 | You are the most important part of any safety program. |
| 08:52 | Your knowledge and use of safety procedures will go a long way in helping to keep the |
| 08:57 | FFTF a good place to work. |