Safetygram 17

Dangers of oxygen-deficient
atmospheres
Workers can become asphyxiated by exposure to atmospheres deficient of oxygen, that can lead to serious injury or loss
of life. Oxygen is the only component of the air we breathe capable of supporting life. Air is composed of approximately
21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen and other trace components. Asphyxiation is the greatest hazard associated with nitrogen
and other inert gases, such as argon and helium. However, the addition of any gas, except oxygen, to air reduces the
oxygen concentration through displacement and dilution. Breathing as little as one or two breaths of air containing
too little oxygen can have serious and immediate effects, including unconsciousness. Because there are no warning
signs of reduced oxygen concentrations, these environments are extremely dangerous.

Effects of oxygen-deficient atmospheres

Effects of exposure to low oxygen concentrations can include giddiness, mental
confusion, loss of judgment, loss of coordination, weakness, nausea, fainting,
loss of consciousness and death.

The immediate effects of low oxygen environments are due to our body’s oxy-
gen transport system. Blood absorbs oxygen from the air in our lungs to fuel
the cells in our bodies. The brain is the body organ most sensitive to the lack
of oxygen. Within five seconds after inhaling only a few breaths of oxygen-
free gas, there is a rapid drop in the oxygen concentration of the blood. Mental
failure and coma follow a few seconds later. Symptoms or warnings are gener-
ally absent, but even if present, the loss of mental competence, weakness, loss
of coordination, or fainting prevents victims from helping themselves or even
summoning help. Death follows in just two to four minutes.

Warning: Exposure to atmospheres containing less than 10% oxygen can

rapidly overcome a person and bring about unconsciousness without
warning so they are incapable of helping themselves. Lack of sufficient
oxygen can cause serious injury or death.

Table 1 describes the health effects of inhaling oxygen concentrations at less

than normal levels. However, it is not unusual for the exposed person to be
unaware of the symptoms. They may even experience a false sense of security
and well-being. Poor physical health and high degrees of physical exertion
aggravate the symptoms of oxygen-deficient exposure. Some symptoms of
oxygen deprivation are noticed at high altitudes where the density of air, and
therefore the mass of oxygen, is much lower per unit volume.
Precautions Table 1: Effects of Oxygen-Deficient Exposure
Workers handling gases should review Oxygen concentration Health effects of persons at rest
the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) (% vol)
for information on gas properties and 19 Some adverse physiological effects occur, but they may
safe handling. For example, the MSDS not be noticeable.
shows the specific gravity or relative 15–19 Impaired thinking and attention. Increased pulse and
vapor density of the gas. Gases with breathing rate. Reduced coordination. Decreased
a relative vapor density less than ability to work strenuously. Reduced physical and
intellectual performance without awareness.
one, such as helium, are lighter than
12–15 Poor judgment. Faulty coordination. Abnormal fatigue
air and can collect near the ceiling.
upon exertion. Emotional upset.
Conversely, cold vapors and gases with
10–12 Very poor judgment and coordination. Impaired
a relative vapor density greater than
respiration that may cause permanent heart damage.
one, like argon, are heavier than air Possibility of fainting within a few minutes without
and will tend to settle at or near the warning. Nausea and vomiting.
floor, or in low spots or depressions, <10 Inability to move. Fainting almost immediate.
such as culverts, ditches and man- Loss of consciousness. Convulsions. Death.
holes. These areas may contain little
or no oxygen, while surrounding areas
have normal air composition.

Workers handling gas cylinders or A formal risk assessment is required Oxygen-deficient atmospheres may
other containers must read the label to identify all hazards and evaluate exist in poorly ventilated areas, con-
to identify the product. The container the controls needed to ensure the fined spaces, areas immediately out-
color or outlet connections are not safety of workers. Typical controls side confined spaces, enclosures and
reliable methods for product identi- would include training, atmospheric low-grade areas. When working in
fication. In industrial incidents, inert monitoring, implementing safety pro- confined spaces, all the requirements
gases have been inadvertently used as cedures for work and energy isolation, of confined space regulations must be
breathing air because of interchange- providing an attendant and posting of strictly followed. Effective emergency
able couplings and poor or nonexis- warning signs. procedures for entry and rescue can
tent labeling. avoid serious injuries or fatalities.
When using inert gas systems, always
provide adequate air movement and Low oxygen levels can also exist in
ventilation, such as exhaust or floor “open areas,” including areas with
fans. Be aware that increases in gas ventilation, laboratories, buildings and
consumption rates may require ad- outside near equipment.
ditional ventilation.

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Visual or odor indicators cannot de- Emergency response First aid
tect an oxygen-deficient atmosphere. Workers involved in emergency Persons exposed to oxygen-deficient
The only way to detect low oxygen activities must not allow emotions atmospheres should be quickly
concentrations is with real-time mon- to override safe work procedures moved to fresh air. If the victim is not
itoring. Use of a continuous oxygen and training. Only trained, qualified breathing, artificial respiration should
monitor is strongly recommended in personnel equipped with supplied be administered immediately. If the
work areas where high concentrations air and necessary safety equipment victim is breathing, give supplemental
of gas can accumulate. should attempt a rescue in accordance oxygen.
with safe rescue procedures. You
A release of a cold vapor, such as from
cannot hold your breath and safely
cryogenic liquid nitrogen, can form a
enter areas with low oxygen levels.
visible vapor cloud or plume created
Tragically, without supplied air equip-
by the condensation of atmospheric
ment, attempts to save someone in an
moisture. As the released gas warms
oxygen-deficient atmosphere most
up to ambient temperature, the vis-
often result in additional victims.
ible vapor cloud may disappear before
the oxygen concentration returns to
a sufficient level. Do not rely on the
absence of a visible cloud as evidence
of normal air concentrations. Even
outside, asphyxiation can occur in an
oxygen-deficient vapor cloud.

Workplace safety regulations com-

monly regulate work in atmospheres
containing less than 19% to 19.5% oxy-
gen. When it is necessary to work in
an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, sup-
plied air must be provided. Air can be
supplied with either an air-supplied
respirator or self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA).

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Emergency Response System
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for assistance involving Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. products

Technical Information Center

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