Due to the combustion risk from hydrocarbons, all pipework, fittings, valves and other equipment which might be used in oxygen-enriched atmospheres needs to be scrupulously cleaned.

AODC 029 - Oxygen cleaning - was published by IMCA's predecessor organisation in 1984 to provide guidance on the use of two basic procedures for such work, covering volatile solvents and aqueous-based detergents. Since that guidance was published, there have been technical and regulatory developments, notably the Montreal Protocol, which has prevented the use of volatile (chlorinated) solvents due to their ozone depleting potential and chlorofuorocarbon (CFC) base.

IMCA has therefore revised and updated the guidance to take account of such developments, providing up-to-date advice to enable contractors to develop and operate a cleaning process for this type of equipment.