Compressed gases are any materials or mixtures in containers having an absolute pressure exceeding 40 psi at 70F (20C) or exceeding 104 psi at 130F (54.5C). These cylinders are found in various locations across campus, especially at labs, medical buildings, and Facilities Services shops.
Handling of compressed gases may be considered more hazardous than the handling of liquid and solid materials because of the following properties: high pressure, ease of diffusion, low ignition points for flammable gases, low boiling points, and in some cases lack of visual and/or odor detection of hazardous gases. Because of these properties, failure to follow proper procedures can result in injury and property damage. Thus, employees handling compressed gases need to have the requisite knowledge to protect themselves against the hazards of this material.
Compressed gas cylinders come in different shapes and designs, which are mostly based on the pressure of the gases they contain. In general, they are grouped as high-pressure cylinders, low-pressure cylinders, and cryogenic containers.
The high pressure cylinders are typically tall and narrow, thick-walled, heavy when empty, generally made of steel or aluminum, and can withstand up to 10,000 psi. Common examples are nitrogen, helium, hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide cylinders.
Low-pressure cylinders are typically fatter and lighter than high pressure; they have thin-walled, welded seams, and can withstand up to 500 psi. Common examples are liquefied petroleum gases (LPG, like propane) and refrigerant gases.
There are multiple hazards associated with compressed gases. They can be toxic (e.g. methyl bromide, anhydrous ammonia, chlorine, etc.), flammable (e.g. hydrogen, acetylene, etc.), corrosive (e.g. ammonia, chlorine, hydrogen chloride/ bromide, etc.) and oxidizing (e.g. nitrous oxide, oxygen, etc.). In contrast, some of them can be inert (chemically uncreative), non-flammable, and/or non-toxic. For example, nitrogen and carbon dioxide are non-flammable, while argon and helium are inert gases. Despite this property, they can still be harmful in some other ways. In the event of a leak, inert gases can quickly displace air in a large area creating an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, toxic gases can create poison atmospheres, and flammable or reactive gases can result in fire and explosion.
Besides the chemical characteristics of these gases, the cylinders on their own can be hazardous due to their physical size and weight. A gas cylinder can break containers and crush feet. If their valves are broken off, they can travel far and out of control causing significant injury and damage. Some of the specific hazards of compressed gases are listed below:
One of the most common questions we get asked at EH&S is how to properly store and secure compressed gas cylinders. We hope the information provided below will answer those questions. Please contact the EH&S office at (252) 328 -6166 or saf...@ecu.edu if you have further questions.
Generally, Compressed gas cylinders should be stored in a level, cool, dry, well- ventilated, fire-resistant area that meets all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Storage must also comply with Compressed Gas Association (CGA) standards.
Store cylinders away from sources of ignition or excessive heat. They should be stored away from direct rays of the sun or any other excessive heat sources. Do not exposure cylinders to temperatures above 125oF. Pressure-relief devices are installed on most cylinders to prevent the rupture of a normally pressurized cylinder when it is inadvertently exposed to fire or high temperatures.
Store cylinders in an upright position, whether full or empty. Also, cylinders should always be secured in an upright position except, if necessary, for short periods of time while cylinders are actually being hoisted or carried.
Cylinders should not be stored near elevators or gangways, or in locations where heavy moving objects may strike or fall on them. They should be stored away from heavy traffic, emergency exits, or places that subject them to tampering by unauthorized persons. Do not store cylinders in hallways.
All cylinders must be secured to a wall, bench, or other fixed support, double-chained at 1/3 and 2/3 position of the cylinder height (see photo below). Cylinder stands (see photo below) are an alternative to straps. Note: storing on portable carts is not allowed, only for transport.
Never open the cylinder valves unless the regulator is completely closed. Likewise, always turn off the cylinder by first closing the main cylinder valve and then the regulator. The pressure gauges should go back to zero
Contract Buy Out Program: This position may be eligible for the Physician/Provider Contract Buy Out Program (CBOP), this authorizes VHA to buy out service contracts (Locum agreements, loan repayments, sign-on bonus contracts, Physician-owned practices) in exchange for employment at certain rural/highly rural facilities for a period of obligated service (min 4 yrs). For additional information & eligibility requirements contact the VHA Contract Buy Out Program Manager - vacontract...@va.gov
Roseburg is the heart of the scenic and recreational paradise known as the Land of Umpqua and Eugene is the 2nd most populous city in Oregon after Portland (an also referred to as the 'Emerald City').
Roseburg (Home City of Roseburg), Eugene (Eugene, OR Website Official Website (eugene-or.gov)), North Bend (Coastal community- City of North Bend, Oregon - Official Website (northbendoregon.us)) and Brookings (Southern Coast; Brookings, OR - Official Website Official Website) offer an abundant of outdoor adventures and experiences that is bordered by picturesque rivers and lush valleys. Roseburg, Oregon is known for its 359 miles of streams along the north and south forks of the Umpqua River. The Roseburg area reflects small-town values, has dedicated business leaders and a strong education system from K-12 to our local community college. The community possesses a hardworking, well-trained workforce. These characteristics have proved instrumental in drawing new residents and companies to the region, while keeping families here for generations.
Moreover, you will find the college culture, focus on the arts, recreational activities, scenic views, coastal charm and green activism inviting and authentic. Come explore the Northwest while taking care of our wonderful Veterans!
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards.
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): May be authorized to highly qualified applicants.
Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Learn more
EDRP Authorized: Contact V20Compen...@va.gov and VHAEDRPPro...@VA.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases
Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME)
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory
CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification)
Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided
Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting
The Staff Physician or PACT Provider delivers direct patient care to Veterans in a clinical setting at one of the four clinical locations within the Roseburg VA Healthcare System (RVAHCS): Roseburg VA, Eugene Health Care Center (HCC), Brookings VA Clinic, or the North Bend VA Clinic. The Physician can be assigned to the Same Day Access Clinic (SDAC) where he/she/they will provide urgent, not emergent, patient care to Veterans in a walk-in clinical setting at the Eugene Health Care Center (HCC).
The Roseburg VA Healthcare System places great emphasis on the delivery and continuity of patient care. The Primary Care Staff Physician provides direct patient care to the Veteran population full time and works as a member of a Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT). A PACT Team is patient centered, interdisciplinary in nature, and comprised of a nurse care manager (RN), a clinical associate (Licensed Practical Nurse or Medical Assistant/Health Tech), and a Medical Support Assistant (MSA). The PACT Team is responsible for the longitudinal management of the patient.
The Physician assesses the safety needs of patients, practices, promotes, and implements current safety policies and procedures, and improves environmental and operational safety as needed. The Provider identifies QI issues and participates in QI monitoring and in evaluation of clinical practice. The Provider utilizes QI findings to improve quality of care and provides l
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm
Call: No call
Compressed Tour: Available
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is NOT a virtual position