Gases

Introduction

Gases and vapours are commonly encountered in the workplace at normal atmospheric pressure or elevated pressure. They arise from very many industrial processes. Generally, vapours are produced through evaporation of volatile liquids. The risks they present can be flammable and explosive, toxic, and asphyxiating. Furthermore, there are additional risks associated with the use of pressurised gas systems. In this article, the properties of gases/vapours, their type and typical occurrences in the workplace, and the methods used to control risk and mitigate effects are discussed.Gases and vapours are, henceforth, referred to collectively as gases in this article…