ANSI/CGA G-13-2024: Storage and Handling of Silane
The chemical compound silane has a variety of uses in industrial and commercial sectors, including adhesives, sealants, and coatings. Silane, however, is extremely toxic by inhalation. In fact, there have been several fatal industrial accidents caused by silane leaking into the air and combusting or detonating. As such, implementing the appropriate precautions are paramount when handling silane. ANSI/CGA G-13-2024: Storage and Handling of Silane and Silane Mixtures (an American National Standard) (4th Edition) governs the installation of systems and sources that are used to store, transfer, or contain silane or silane mixtures.
What Is Silane?
Explosive in its pure form, silane is a colorless, flammable, and toxic gas that is made up of silicon and hydrogen atoms. It is also known as silicon hydride (IV), silicon tetrahydride, or monosilane. Furthermore, silane is a pyrophoric gas, which means it can spontaneously ignite at temperatures below 130°F, causing burns and fires. Due to its flammability, the production of silane gas requires strict safety measures. Consequently, implementing the appropriate safeguards like those detailed in ANSI/CGA G-13-2024 are essential for assuring the safety of production workers.
What Is ANSI/CGA G-13?
ANSI/CGA G-13-2024 prescribes the controls for the installation of silane systems and the recommended methods for storage or transfer of silane or its mixtures from a source of supply to a point of use to provide protection against injury, loss of life, and property damage. This American National Standard includes guidance for siting, design of equipment, piping and controls, and the fabrication and installation of silane gas storage and closed-use systems. Additional guidance on operational steps associated with the use of silane and silane mixtures as well as fire protection, gas monitoring, ventilation, and related safeguards are provided.
The requirements of ANSI/CGA G-13-2024 apply to pure silane and silane mixtures with a silane content greater than 1.4% by volume. A concentration of 1.4% has been chosen as it represents the lower flammability limit (LFL) for this material in air under conditions of normal temperature and pressure. Silane containers include tube trailers, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) modules, cylinder packs with manifolded cylinders, and individual cylinders. Silane mixes containing other hazardous components (e.g., toxics) may have additional requirements beyond this standard.
Fire Protection System for Silane
ANSI/CGA G-13-2024 provides specifications for a fire protection system for silane. The standard maintains “do not attempt to extinguish a silane flame” because shutting off the source of the gas is the preferred method of control. If shutdown is not practicable, ANSI/CGA G-13-2024 states to let the fire burn until the container is either determined to be empty or the flame decreases to a point where shutoff is able to be achieved without endangering personnel.
ANSI/CGA G-13-2024: Storage and Handling of Silane and Silane Mixtures (an American) National Standard) (4th Edition) is available on the ANSI Webstore.
