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POSITION PAPER

EUROPEAN INDUSTRIAL GASES ASSOCIATION

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Position Paper PP-01 January 2001

Gas Cyl ind ers - Colour Coding

1 INTRODUCTION

Colour coding is covered in Europe by EN 1089-3 published in February 1997. This new Europeanstandard replaces all existing national standards but contradictory regulations are still in existence in some

countries. In addition, some aspects of EN 1089-3 are optional, while others might lead to differentinterpretation. Consequently, national organisations (Germany, Austria, Switzerland and more recentlyFrance) have published recommendations on how to apply this EN standard.

The aim of this document is to propose to all EIGA members a recommendation taking into account thealready existing national recommendations. It is anticipated that EN 1089-3 will be revised based on thisdocument to remove any ambiguity.

2 SCOPE

To propose an interpretation of the EN 1089-3 standard (to get a fully harmonised colour coding system

in Europe) by recommending the options to follow and the necessary clarifications.

3 EIGA RECOMMENDATION

3.1 General

To implement as soon as practically possible EN 1089-3, following the options described below.

Notes : For the countries where EN 1089-3 cannot be applied yet because of existing national regulations,to lobby the national authorities to get EN 1089-3 accepted.

Concerning LPG, only those corresponding to UN N1965 are excluded. Other hydrocarbons suchas UN N1011 or 1978 are covered.

3.2 Recommendation for the options

3.2.1 Inert gases other than medical

Same colour as for medical gases (see 4.2.2 of EN 1089-3) that is :

Argon : DARK GREEN

Nitrogen : BLACK Carbon dioxide : GREY Helium : BROWN

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Position Paper 01 January 2001

EUROPEAN INDUSTRIAL GASES ASSOCIATION

AVENUE DES ARTS 3 5 s B-1210 BRUSSELS

PHONE +32 2 217 70 98 s FAX + 32 2 219 85 14 s E-mail : info@eiga.org - www.eiga.org

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3.2.2 Mixtures of inert gases (not used for inhalation)

It is recommended to use only BRIGHT GREEN for such mixtures.

3.2.3 Mixtures used for inhalation (medical or not)

3.2.3.1 Oxygen mixtures with 2 components

a) follow clause 4.4 of 10893b) clarifications :

Synthetic air means O2/N2 mixtures with oxygen concentration between 20and 23 %. Any other O2/N2 mixtures shall bear the colour BRIGHT GREEN (O2< 20 %) or LIGHT BLUE (O2 > 23 %). For oxygen mixtures with helium, carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide, use the twocolours as indicated by EN 10893 for all oxygen concentrations.

3.2.3.2 Other mixtures

Use the general rule as per clause 4.1 of EN 10893 (that is for example LIGHT BLUE foroxidising mixtures and BRIGHT GREEN for inert mixtures).

Warning : These inert mixtures may contain non inert components, such as toxic,flammable or oxydising gases.

3.2.4 Toxic gases and mixtures

If after calculating following ISO 10298, the gas or gas mixture is toxic, one colour (yellow) shouldbe used (the secondary hazard(s) will then show from the label, but a second colour may beused to indicate the secondary hazard).

3.2.5 Shoulder with two colours configuration

Follow only configuration a) of figure b 2) which involves concentric rings (see EN 1089-3) whichis a more economical way of painting.

3.3 Colour of the cylindrical part (not covered by EN 10893)

Medical gas cylinders : WHITE (RAL 9010) *(Medical gases mean : gases or gas mixtures classified either as medical gases or medical device gases)

* Most countries are in the process of introducing WHITE for the body of the medical cylinders, but some countries currently

use a different colour.

Cylinders used for Gases other than medical but used for inhalation: WHITE or any other colours

(free choice).Applications other than medical and/or inhalation: the colour WHITE shall not be used.

All technical publications of EIGA or under EIGAs name, including Codes of practice, Safety procedures and any other technical

information contained in such publications were obtained from sources believed to be reliable and are based on technical information and

experience currently available from members of EIGA and others at the date of their issuance.

While EIGA recommends reference to or use of its publications by its members, such reference to or use of EIGAs publications by its

members or third parties are purely voluntary and not binding. Therefore, EIGA or its members make no guarantee of the results and

assume no liability or responsibility in connection with the reference to or use of information or suggestions contained in EIGAs

publications.

EIGA has no control whatsoever as regards, performance or non performance, misinterpretation, proper or improper use of any

information or suggestions contained in EIGAs publications by any person or entity (including EIGA members) and EIGA expressly

disclaims any liability in connection thereto.EIGAs publications are subject to periodic review and users are cautioned to obtain the latestedition.