Hazards of Nitrogen and Other Inert Gases

An authoritative discussion of safety considerations for professionals and operators working with or around nitrogen and other inert gases

In Hazards of Nitrogen and Other Inert Gases: How They Can Be Safely Managed, experienced refinery supervisor and manager M. Darryl Yoes delivers a thorough discussion of the use of nitrogen and other inert gases in the refining industry and other industries where they are commonly used. The author includes a complete exploration of the hazards of working with and around nitrogen, as well as case studies of incidents involving nitrogen in both gas and cryogenic forms, and other inert gases, including carbon dioxide, argon, and neon.

Yoes walks readers through the most critical safety aspects of working with asphyxiants such as inert confined space entry and discusses how to avoid and prevent catastrophic incidents. The book offers self-quizzes, essential terms, key workflows, and checklists for routine practice.

Readers will also find:

• A thorough background on nitrogen use and the hazards that flow from working with it
• Comprehensive explorations of incidents involving asphyxiation, hypoxia, and cold burns resulting from nitrogen (gas and liquid form) and other inert gases
• Practical discussions of the prevention of catastrophic incidents involving inert gases
• Additional discussions of other inert gases, including carbon dioxide and helium

Perfect for all operations personnel who work with or around asphyxiants, including petroleum refining and petrochemical plant operators, line supervisors, and process and mechanical engineers, this book will also benefit new operators and advanced students learning about or working with nitrogen and other inert gases.

M. Darryl Yoes is an experienced refinery supervisor and manager with over fifty years' experience in the industry. He is a process safety management consultant for refining and petrochemical plants, as well as a construction safety management consultant for major construction projects around the US. Mr. Yoes is the author of Process Operations Safety: The What, Why, and How Behind Safe Petrochemical Plant Operations, published by Wiley (2025).