WHA International is proud to announce that CEO Gwenael Chiffoleau, Ph.D., has been appointed Chair of ASTM International Technical Committee G04 on Compatibility and Sensitivity of Materials in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres.

Established in 1975, ASTM Committee G04 develops and maintains industry standards focused on understanding oxygen fire hazards and promoting safety. The committee has jurisdiction over 22 ASTM standards and includes more than 85 members representing nine countries. Its work spans test methods, recommended practices, and hazard evaluation guidance.

As Chair, Dr. Chiffoleau will coordinate the G04 Executive Subcommittee (G04.90), which meets virtually every month, and lead the full committee, which meets in person twice per year. His first in-person meeting as Chair will take place June 16-18 at MIT.

A Committee Focused on Real-World Oxygen Risk

ASTM G04’s scope is clear and highly practical: to develop and publish test methods, definitions, recommended practices, and classifications for materials and systems intended for use in oxygen-enriched atmospheres.

Key documents under G04’s jurisdiction include:

• G63 Standard Guide for Evaluating Nonmetallic Materials for Oxygen Service
• G88 Standard Guide for Designing Systems for Oxygen Service
• G93 Standard Guide for Cleanliness Levels and Cleaning Methods for Materials and Equipment Used in Oxygen-Enriched Environments
• G127 Standard Guide for the Selection of Cleaning Agents for Oxygen-Enriched Systems
• G128/G128M Standard Guide for Control of Hazards and Risks in Oxygen Enriched Systems
• Manual 36 Standard Guide for Control of Hazards and Risks in Oxygen Enriched Systems: Second Edition

Advancing Oxygen Safety Together

WHA staff members have a long history of volunteering their time to advance the work of ASTM G04. They actively contribute technical expertise, research data, and field experience to strengthen and evolve oxygen safety standards.

In recent years, WHA staff members have:

• Led a major rewrite of ASTM G93 cleaning standard.
• Presented oxygen safety research at the ASTM G04 Symposium, sharing findings relevant to oxygen fire hazards and materials behavior.
• Participated in ASTM workshops on particle impact ignition, supporting improved understanding of ignition mechanisms in high-pressure oxygen systems.

ASTM leadership positions have also included:

• Barry Newton, PhD – Former Executive Committee leader; responsible for ASTM G72, G74, and G145; ASTM Fellow (2001).
• Elliot Forsyth, PE – Former G04 Committee Chair and Practices Subcommittee Chair; ASTM Fellow (2021), chaired major revision of ASTM G88.
• Gwenael Chiffoleau, PhD – Former Practices Subcommittee Chair; Executive Subcommittee member; contributor to ASTM G124 research, chaired major revisions of ASTM G175.
• Brad Forsyth – Chair of the G04 Practices Subcommittee; chaired major revision of ASTM G93 cleaning standard.
• Harold Beeson, PhD – Key contributor to oxygen cleaning standards; Chief Editor of ASTM Manual 36, recipient of ASTM’s Dudley Award.

This collaboration reflects a shared mission: translating real-world oxygen incidents and test data into clear, actionable guidance that engineers, safety professionals, and system designers can rely on.

Leadership Grounded in Practice

Dr. Chiffoleau’s appointment reinforces the close connection between WHA’s consulting, testing, and training work and the standards that guide industry practice. ASTM G04 does not operate in theory alone; it addresses real ignition, combustion, and compatibility challenges that companies face every day.

WHA remains committed to working hand in hand with ASTM and the broader oxygen community to improve safety, reduce fire risk, and strengthen the technical foundation of oxygen system design worldwide.