We all want to be relatively safe when working in our garages. I myself will be having a young son of mine with me. There are hundreds of people on this site that talk about the dangers of PVC pipe for airlines, and hundreds of people that say they have been using it with no problems.
I myself would like to see PHOTOS of exploded airline and MULTIPLE documented cases of PVC failure. I just Googled “ PVC air explosion” and the top ten replies turned up this 22 year old document. When I have time I may look for more compelling proof but for the source to be quoted so often I would HOPE it is correct.
(This document was shortened to fit the 10,000-character limit)
Occupational Safety & Health Administration
OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
The Use of Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe in Above Ground Installations.
OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins - Table of Contents by Year OSHA Hazard
Information Bulletins - Table of Contents by Year
* Information Date: 19880520
* Record Type: Hazard Information Bulletin
* Subject: The Use of Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe in Above Ground Installations.
May 20, 1988
MEMORANDUM FOR REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS
THRU: LEO CAREY
Director
Office of Field Programs
FROM: EDWARD BAIER
Director
Directorate of Technical Support
SUBJECT: Safety Hazard Information Bulletin on
the Use of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipe
in Above ground Installations
The Dallas Regional Office has brought to our attention a potential serious hazard
existing with the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic pipes for transporting
compressed gases in above ground installations. An employee in a Texas plant was
injured recently by a rupture in a PVC compressed air line. Plastic projectiles from
the point of rupture caused lacerations of the employee's hand. This is noteworthy
because the Plastic Pipe Institute, in its Recommendation B dated January 19, 1972,
recommends against the use of thermoplastic pipe to transport compressed air or
other compressed gases in exposed plant piping. (See attachment.)
Furthermore, sections 842.32, 842.43 and 849.52(b) of the American National
Standards Institute/American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ANSI/ASME) B31.8-1986,
Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems Standard, limit the operating
pressure of plastic piping distribution systems to 100 pounds per inch (psi) and
prohibit the installation of such systems above ground except where ". . . the above
ground portion of the plastic service line is completely enclosed in a conduit or
casing of sufficient strength to provide protection from external damage and
deterioration." (Excerpts attached.)
Additional consensus standards applicable to PVC compressed gas systems include
American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) D1785-86, Standard Specification for
Polyvinyl Chloride Plastic Pipe, Schedules 40, 80, and 120, and ASTM D2513-86a,
Standard Specification for Thermoplastic Gas Pressure Piping Systems.
Please disseminate this bulletin to all Area Offices, State Plan States and
Consultation Projects.
Attachments
February 14, 1989
Mr. Jack Cannova Tempe
Industrial
412 W. Dryon Street
Tempe, Arizona 85283
Dear Mr. Cannova:
In response to your recent inquiry concerning our regulatory position on the use of
plastic pipe for compressed air systems, I trust this letter will clear up any
confusion over the issue.
It is our position that PVC pipe shall not be used as a means of transporting
compressed air. This position follows the manufacturer's own statements that PVC is
unsuitable for compressed air systems. We do allow the use of certain ABS materials
that are specifically designed for compressed air systems. One such product is
"Duraplus" air line piping system ABS pipe. However, as in any such system, the
manufacturer's specifications on acceptable pressure and temperature considerations
must be followed.
In closing, misapplication of a product, such as using PVC for compressed air
systems, may result in citations and penalties being issued dependent upon the
specific conditions.
I appreciate your concern and inquiry into this potential safety hazard.
Sincerely,
SAM A. ROGERS
Bureau Chief
October 5, 1988
Mr. Tim Arbogast
Arizona OSHA
800 W. Washington
Phoenix, Arizona 85007-2922
Dear Mr. Arbogast:
It has recently come to my attention that there is a severe safety regarding the
improper usage of plastic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. This pipe is designed for
the transmittal of liquids, and is dangerous when used for transmitting compressed
air or gas. Unfortunately, PVC has been frequently used with compressed air in
construction projects across the country.
The state of Washington has notified the public that PVC pipe is not to be used in
compressed air systems. I have also learned that the state of Nevada is in the
process of making a similar determination and announcement. Additionally
manufacturers of this product advise against its use with compressed air in their
catalogue publications.
I believe that it is in the best interests of the citizens of our state if your
office would expeditiously make such an announcement. A notice to users of the
hazards of PVC pipe - when used improperly - would have the effect of preventing
possible severe injury to people who work with or near this product.
By way of this letter, I am contacting the Department of Labor, OSHA, in Washington,
D.C. and asking their officials to report to me on actions taken on the Federal
level to restrict the use of this pipe and to notify users of the potential hazards
involved in improper use of PVC pipe.
Your timely consideration of this request is appreciated.
Sincerely,
DENNIS DeCONCINI
United States Senator
STATE OF WASHINGTON
Department of
Labor & Industries
Hazard Alert
For more information, call: 1-800-423-7233
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 26, 1988
PVC pipe not to be used in compressed air systems
OLYMPIA -- The Department of Labor and Industries warned today that plastic
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe cannot be used in compressed air piping systems
without the risk of explosion.
When PVC piping explodes, plastic shrapnel pieces are thrown in all directions.
"We're seeing more incidents of explosive failure, and we're citing more employers
for using PVC air system piping," said Paul Merrill, senior safety inspector in
L&I's Spokane office.
"It's probably just a matter of time before someone gets seriously injured in one of
these explosions unless everyone pays more attention to the manufacturer's
warnings," Merrill said.
Last year, a section of PVC pipe being used for compressed air exploded 27 feet
above a warehouse floor. A fragment of the pipe flew 60 feet and embedded itself in
a roll of paper. Fortunately, nobody was in the area at the time.
A PVC pipe explosion in a new plant in Selah broke an employee's nose and cut his
face.
PVC piping buried 3 feet underground at a Yakima manufacturing plant exploded,
opening up a crater approximately 4 feet deep by 3 feet across.
Only one type of plastic pipe has been approved for use with compressed air. That
pipe, Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), is marked on the pipe as approved for
compressed air supply.
By law, employers must protect their workers by avoiding the use of unapproved PVC
pipe in such systems. Existing compressed air systems which use PVC piping must be
completely enclosed, buried or adequately guarded according to specifications
approved by a professional consulting engineer.
NOTICE TO EMPLOYERS: If you have questions about the suitability of a material for
air system piping, call Labor and Industries at the number listed above for a free
consultation.
NOTICE TO EMPLOYEES: If you suspect that a pressurized PVC piping hazard exists,
bring it to the attention of your employer. If you do not obtain satisfactory
results, you may file a confidential complaint with the Department of Labor and
Industries. Complaints are investigated promptly.
THE INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION OF ARIZONA
DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH
P.O. BOX 19070
PHOENIX, ARIZONA 80005-9070
HAZARD ALERT
We have recently been made aware of a potentially serious hazard involving the
prohibited use of unprotected plastic (PVC( piping to transport compressed air and
other compressed gases in above ground installations.
While in Arizona we are not aware of any incidents of ruptured or exploding plastic
pipes, States such as Washington and Texas have experienced incidents and injuries.
Despite the lack of incidents in Arizona, we full recognize the potential for
similar occurrences in this State and thereby request that you review your
facilities and replace any such unsafe installations.
The Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health will be providing a program
of awareness, assistance, and enforcement. This notice will be going to
representatives of industry associations, labor organizations, print and electronic
media.
Through our consultation and training program we will be providing assistance based
upon requests received from employers. Through our compliance programs, we will be
conducting unannounced inspections to ensure compliance with manufacturers'
specifications and American National Standards Institute and American Society of
Mechanical Engineers' Standard B 31.8-1986, which limits the operating pressure of
212-370-7341
RECOMMENDATION B
THERMOPLASTIC PIPING
FOR THE TRANSPORT OF COMPRESSED AIR
OR OTHER COMPRESSED GASES
