Gases

Gases are materials that exist as individual molecules in the air at room temperature. Gases are measured as a percent volume of air, or parts per million (ppm). One percent volume of air is equal to 10,000 parts per millions (10,000 ppm).

Examples of gases found in the maritime industry include:

• Gases used for welding and cutting, such as oxygen and acetylene
• Gases used for heating and fuel, such as propane and methane
• Naturally occurring gases founds in crude oil tanks, such as hydrogen sulfide
• Diesel exhaust

Toxic gases can irritate the skin, throat, eyes, or lungs (which is a local health effect), or they may pass from the lungs into the bloodstream to damage other parts of the body (which is a systemic health effect).

To learn more about Shipyard Chemical Hazards visit our Shipyard Chemical Hazards & Toxic Substances Online Training web page.