Toxic gases are hazardous materials that can cause serious injury or death. These materials are typically shipped in compressed gas cylinders.
Classifications
The Santa Clara County Toxic Gas Ordinance (TGO) classifies toxic gases as Class I, Class II, or Class III, depending upon the material and concentration, with Class I being the most hazardous.
Per the TGO, if the quantity of a Class I, Class II, or Class III toxic gas exceeds more than one pound in a cylinder or more than two one-pound cylinders in a control area (a control area can be either a specific section of a building or an entire building), very stringent control measures and a permit from the county are required.
The use of all gases must meet Fire Code requirements; the specifics depend on the toxicity and other hazards of the gas. For more information on gas and fire emergency monitoring systems, see the Toxic Gas Alarm Systems table.
The table below helps identify what steps you should take to ensure your lab/environment is ready to support the use of toxic gases or gases with a toxic component. If you have questions, contact EH&S at (650) 723-0448 or toxicgases@lists.stanford.edu
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What to do? |
How to do it? |
|---|---|
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Determine if the material is regulated by the TGO. |
Refer to the Stanford TGO Data Table to determine TGO classification. |
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For any use of a TGO-regulated material, obtain written approval from the PI and retain records for at least one year. |
Follow guidance found in Restricted Chemicals & High Risk Procedures. |
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Obtain a permit from the county for TGO-regulated materials if more than two 1-lb cylinders will be located in a control area. |
Contact EH&S’s Fire Marshal’s Office for guidance at 723-0448. |
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For any gas containing a toxic component, regardless of concentration or quantity:
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Review the process for creating SOPs. *Completion of the questionnaire not required for gases used in the Stanford Nanofabrication Facility. |
