Liquid Nitrogen Hazards

Local rules & Guidance June 2013 Summary of Hazards: Liquid Nitrogen Liquid Nitrogen is potentially lethal. You must abide by the rules. • One Litre of Liquid Nitrogen will make 683 litres of Nitrogen gas. • Liquid Nitrogen ‘boils at minus 196o Centigrade Hazards Nitrogen composes approximately 80% of the atmosphere. • Extreme cold causes some materials to become brittle. It is colourless, odourless, tasteless, and it replaces oxygen very quickly. Fault reporting Nitrogen is heavier than air so fills the room from floor level upwards. & Emergency Contacts One litre of Liquid Nitrogen will expand to 683 litres of nitrogen gas and can deplete the oxygen in a confined space very quickly, therefore it can cause asphyxiation. When materials such as metal, stone or plastic are exposed to cryogenic liquids they become brittle and get damaged if dropped or knocked. The boiling point of Liquid Nitrogen is -196oC thus any liquid spilt on exposed skin or clothing will cause cryogenic burns.  If a ‘Fan Fail’ light (Red) is lit or any other fault is showing on the panel Instructions for the Buddy The victim may not be aware that asphyxia is setting in. This is why we have a mandatory buddy system. The buddy must be an authorized Liquid Nitrogen user The Buddy should stand outside the room. Be on the lookout for any unusual behaviour in the worker or their collapse. If the alarm light on the panel starts to flash, tell the worker to exit immediately. First Aid for Cryogenic burns Flush affected areas with copious amounts of tepid water for a minimum of 15 minutes. Do not apply any form of direct heat. Loosen restrictive clothing. Protect frozen parts with loose, dry, sterile dressings. Do not apply any creams. Should collapse happen, without putting yourself in danger, Keep the patient warm. Shout loudly for help. Arrange transport to hospital. Take a deep breath and hold it. Pull the casualty out into fresh air. Ensure ambulance crew or hospital Phone reception for first aiders and defibrillator. is advised of details of accident and If the Oxygen level in the room drops to 17.5% the siren will activate. When the alarm activates you must leave the room until the oxygen level rises above 19.5% and the alarm can be reset. The full alarm mode shuts off the supply of Nitrogen from the external supply tank and it must be reset by an authorized person. first aid administered. treatment already Safe working procedures . The following rules MUST be followed: All users MUST read and sign the Risk Assessment form available on G12 door.  If all three of the fans fail (red lights on the ventilation control panel are illuminated) IT IS FORBIDDEN TO ENTER THE ROOM.  If the alarm is sounding then you must leave the room until the Oxygen level rises above 19.5% and the alarm can be reset.  If decanting, both the user and the buddy must sign the record sheet.  Open valve slowly to enable pressure release before decanting from mobile vessel. Personal Protective Equipment Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn when handling liquid nitrogen or materials that have been stored in it. This includes:  Laboratory coat  Gloves *  Eye/face protection* *These should not be removed from G12.  Shoes that cover the feet (i.e. no open-toed shoes Storage Vials (1ml – 2ml) Sample Storage Guidance Leaks can occur if stored in liquid phase meaning that, expansion of liquid nitrogen inside the vial into gas at room temperature can cause an explosion. Your eyes are at risk. Sample sorting Close cryostore lid when sorting samples to reduce vapour escape from store. Manual Handling Samples may become contaminated Thermal gloves and eye protection must be worn when storing or recovering samples. Forceps are recommended to aid dexterity when manipulating sample vials wearing gloves. Page 2 When lifting sample towers out of the cryostore ensure good posture and support lower back to prevent over extension. 31-Jul-15