IGC Update

These are topics that IGC is currently working on

• WG-1 are monitoring discussions on BLEVE, potentially affecting design of trailers (including fire resistant mudguards and engine fire suppression systems)

• WG-2 are continuing discussions on cylinder wall thickness during periodic inspections with ECMA

• WG-1 members are contributing to task force for approval of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles for Transport of Dangerous Goods in the next revision of ADR

• The scope of WG-14 has been revised in line with EIGA’s hydrogen narrative to cover all methods of hydrogen production

• New working group WG-18 (Nitrous Oxide) has been created to collect and share knowledge on nitrous oxide production

IGC's next meeting is scheduled on 24th and 25th January 2022

Classification of CO2 for endoscopy applications

WG15 reached a major achievement: the avoidance of upgrade in classification of CO2 for endoscopy applications. "Guidance on classification of medical devices" published in October 2021 by the Medical Device Coordination Group (MDCG) has officially included gases for insufflation as class IIa instead of class III.

Doc 193 – Guidance for Safety and Reliability of Oxygen Self-Fill Systems

(revision of Doc 193/14) Doc 193 is a guideline on these systems working in a home environment with high pressure oxygen and to provide advice to the manufacturers, designers, purchasers, homecare service providers, users (patients or care givers) and prescribers.

CEEAG – Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection and energy

Just before Christmas, the College of Commissioners endorsed the new CEEAG, which now includes NACE 20.11 (Industrial Gases). This is highly welcomed ! The CEEAG will be formally adopted in January 2022 and will be applicable from that moment.

Doc 134 – Potentially Explosive Atmospheres EU Directive 1999/92/EC

(revision of Doc 134/12) Directive 1999/92/EC, on minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres, also known as ATEX 137, defines the minimum requirements to protect workers from potentially explosive atmospheres. This publication has been issued to facilitate and harmonise the interpretation and implementation among EIGA members of the required risk assessments and specifically the classification of areas where an explosive atmosphere can occur according to the directive and related standards.

Doc 923/22 – Guidelines for Crisis Management

(revision of Doc 923/14) The media and public are becoming more aware and sensitive to crisis that occur in many industries and are less tolerant to these events. This publication seeks to cover the key subject areas related to preparing for and managing any types of crisis that the industrial and medical gases industry could face.

Awareness Package TP INC 44 - Recent Incidents in the Industrial and Medical Gases Industry (SAC 168)

At each meeting of the EIGA Safety Advisory Council (SAC), the members exchange information on gas industry related incidents (accidents causing injuries, property or environmental damage and near-misses). SAC discusses and analyses these incidents. This information is used by SAC to determine the priorities for safety alerts, safety information, new and revised documents, campaigns etc.

In this Awareness Package (members only) are the summaries and photographs of recent incidents discussed at SAC.