This publication is a guide that applies to safety in the location, installation, operation, and maintenance of certain oxygen and nitrogen generators. Included are systems using PSA and membranes for nitrogen production, PSA and vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) for oxygen production, and catalyst-based oxygen removal systems for nitrogen purification. For systems using cryogenic technologies for the production of nitrogen, oxygen, or both, see CGA P-8, Safe Practices Guide for Cryogenic Air Separation Plants.

Emphasis has been placed on equipment and operational features that are unique to these system processes. Limited coverage has been given to plant equipment such as air compressors used in other industrial applications and for which safe practices in design, installation, and use have already been established elsewhere. While important supplemental equipment such as in-plant transfer piping is included, liquid backup for pipelines and cylinder filling facilities that are an adjunct to some oxygen and nitrogen generators are not covered. Also, coverage is not extended to equipment such as product transmission piping outside the generator boundaries.

While many references have been cited in this publication that give information relating to air separation plants, related equipment, and their products, the reference section is not intended to be all inclusive. Not all federal, state, provincial, territorial, or local requirements, regulations, and ordinances are listed. Further, as this publication is not intended as a universal safe practices manual for specific design and safety features, it is important to refer to the operating manuals of the equipment supplier.