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NFPA 53, Recommended Practice on Materials, Equipment, and Systems Used in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres

2021 NFPA 53 Recommended Practice - Current Edition
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  • Description

    Improve safety in oxygen-enriched atmospheres (OEAs) with the latest edition of NFPA 53, Recommended Practice on Materials, Equipment, and Systems Used in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres.

    NFPA 53, Recommended Practice on Materials, Equipment, and Systems Used in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres, was created by industry experts to help ensure users have the vital information they need for the safe use of oxygen (liquid/gaseous) and the design of systems for use in OEAs. Designers, engineers, and facility managers in the health care, industrial, and fire service fields use this recommended practice to make it easier to select materials and components that can be used safely in these types of environments.

    NFPA 53 applies to the following:

    • Gas and compressed air supplies
    • Medical applications, including home oxygen systems
    • Spaceflight operations
    • Industrial processes
    • Welding applications
    • Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
    • Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA)
    • Underwater tunneling and caisson work
    • Commercial and military aviation

    Important distinctions were made in the 2021 edition of NFPA 53 to ensure safety in OEAs.

    In this edition, annex material was provided to explain the differences in OEA thresholds between various standards and organizations. Revisions were made to help ensure SI/US unit conversions are available and accurate throughout the recommend practice. 

    Help protect lives and stay informed about OEA safety with the 2021 edition of NFPA 53, Recommended Practice on Materials, Equipment, and Systems Used in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres. (Print, 68 pp., 2021)

  • Table of Contents (2021 Current Edition)

    NFPA® 53 Recommended Practice on Materials, Equipment, and Systems Used in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres, 2021 Edition

    Chapter 1 Administration
    1.1 Scope.
    1.2 Purpose.
    1.3 Application.
    1.4 Interpretations.
    Chapter 2 Referenced Publications
    2.1 General.
    2.2 NFPA Publications.
    2.3 Other Publications.
    2.4 References for Extracts in Recommendations Sections.
    Chapter 3 Definitions
    3.1 General.
    3.2 NFPA Official Definitions.
    3.3 General Definitions.
    Chapter 4 Types of Systems Used in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres
    4.1 General.
    Chapter 5 Materials Selection
    5.1 General.
    5.2 Nonmetals.
    5.3 Metals.
    Chapter 6 Component Selection
    6.1 Material Recommendations.
    6.2 General Design Recommendations.
    6.3 Specific Component Design Guidelines.
    6.4 Components.
    Chapter 7 System Design
    7.1 Design Considerations.
    7.2 Worst-Case Conditions.
    7.3 Fire-Stopping Techniques.
    7.4 Personnel Qualifications.
    7.5 Oxygen Transmission.
    7.6 Shutoff.
    7.7 Electrical Equipment.
    7.8 Cleaning for Oxygen Service.
    7.9 Combustibles.
    7.10 Applicable Standards.
    Chapter 8 Fire Extinguishment
    8.1 Oxygen Supply.
    8.2 Extinguishing Systems.
    8.3 Fixed Systems.
    8.4 Water Hose.
    8.5 Diluents.
    8.6 Limiting Fire Spread.
    8.7 Nontoxic Agents.
    8.8 Wetting.
    8.9 Instructions and Drills.
    Annex A Explanatory Material
    Annex B Training and Education
    Annex C Utilization of Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres
    Annex D Fire Experience
    Annex E Fundamentals of Ignition and Combustion in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres
    Annex F Materials for Use in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres
    Annex G Informational References
  • 2016 Edition Description

    NFPA 53 combines new requirements and real-world experience to advance safety in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres (OEAs).

    Developed by experts, NFPA 53, Recommended Practice on Materials, Equipment, and Systems Used in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres is your single source for the latest criteria for the safe use of oxygen (liquid/gaseous) and the design of systems for use in oxygen and oxygen-enriched atmospheres. Information is provided for the selection of materials, components, and design criteria that can be used safely in oxygen and OEAs.

    Extensively used by designers, engineers, and facility managers in health care, industrial, and fire service fields, NFPA 53 applies to:

    • Gas and compressed air supplies
    • Medical applications, including home oxygen systems
    • Spaceflight operations
    • Industrial processes
    • Welding applications
    • Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
    • Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA)
    • Underwater tunneling and caisson work
    • Commercial and military aviation

    Improvements make it easier to select materials and components, and offer important lessons learned:

    • Expanded Table F.3.3.8 now includes heat of combustion and autoignition temperature data, in addition to oxygen index data, that can be used to determine the suitability of a longer list of nonmetallic materials for oxygen service.
    • Must-read new Fire Experience reports in Annex D share vital examples of fire and explosion incidents, based on recent field experience and incident reviews.

    As information about safety in OEAs continues to progress, make sure you stay up-to-date and informed. Save time while you protect lives with the 2016 edition of NFPA 53. (Print, 60 pp., 2016)

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