Purpose

It is in the interest of enhanced safety, as well as improved efficiency, that industry publications are consistent wherever gases are produced, distributed, or used. It has become increasingly important and beneficial for the industry to share safety practices and reduce the variability in safety standards and operating practices. 

Increase industry safety, improve efficiency, and decrease liability by sharing best practices and learnings, and implementing them consistently on a global scale.

Leverage harmonized positions to promote a unified industry message to external standards bodies.

Eliminate duplicate regional efforts to address the same topics to more effectively use industry resources.

Identify and address gaps and differences in association publications, regional regulations, and external standards

Provide developing regions with access to safety information developed by the industry’s leading subject matter experts.

Project Examples

These are some examples of publications that have been developed through the International Harmonization Process. A full listing of harmonized publications and how to obtain them through the Regional Gas Associations can be found here.

Cleaning of Equipment for Oxygen Service

Aligns multiple industry positions on the cleaning methods and requirements for equipment used in the production, storage, distribution, and use of liquid and gaseous oxygen into a single consistent position.

Use of Residual Pressure Valves

Addresses potentially serious safety issues resulting from the backflow of contaminants into cylinders by creating a global position on the use of residual pressure valves in certain applications.

Perlite Management

Incorporates learnings from recent incidents and near misses to enhance safety and reduce the likelihood of future incidents involving perlite releases and eruptions.

Nitrogen Trifluoride; Fluorine & Fluorine Mixtures; Arsine; Phosphine

These four publications were substantially revised to include the latest information on toxicity, ventilation best practices, container handling, transport, and emergency response.

Fire Hazards of Oxygen and Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres

Provides personnel working in potentially oxygen-enriched environments an understanding of the hazards and information on mitigation techniques.

Hydrogen Pressure Swing Adsorber Mechanical Integrity

 Established industry best practices for maintenance and inspection of hydrogen PSA vessels, piping, and piping components  to support system reliability and safe operations.