Pressurized System Safety Guide

Small-Scale Laboratory Setups

• Retain all manufacturer's documentation related to environmental, temperature, and pressure ratings of each component in the system and retain it with other written design specifications for future reference.
  
  
• Limit the maximum allowable working pressure, MAWP, and temperature to that of the lowest rated component in the system.
  
  
• Use the minimum size system possible to minimize the amount of stored energy.
  
  
• Make sure all components, including soldered or brazed joints, in the system are rated for the chemical environment(s) to which they will be exposed.
  
  
• Use pressure relief devices set at or below the MAWP of the system unless it is impossible to be overpressurized. A gas regulator is not a pressure relief device.
  
  
• Isolate hazardous substances, components, and operations through the use of barricades, shielding, gas cabinets, or remote operation if the consequences of component failure or a process gas leak are unacceptable.
  
  
• Do not subject glass equipment to pressure above atmospheric, except under the following conditions:
  
  
• Specially constructed glassware for pressure use which is thoroughly shielded on all sides.
  
  
• Pyrex "Double-Tough" glass pipe may be used at temperatures not exceeding 450 degrees Fahrenheit and pressures up to 50 PSI in sizes through 3 inches.