EMERGENCY PROCEDURE GUIDE

LIQUID NITROGEN INFORMATION SHEET

EMERGENCY CONTACT:
Police or Fire Brigade: 111

NON FLAMMABLE GAS CLASS: 2.2 UN NUMBER: 1977

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION/PROPERTIES
HAZARDS
0

HAZCHEM: 2RE

Appearance: Colourless, odourless Boiling Point: -195.8 C Flash Point: Non-flammable Form: Liquid

Fire Mobile cylinders exposed to heat should be moved away from heat source. Health Liquid and cold vapour can cause severe frostbite with death of tissue, even through normal gloves.
Cold vapour will irritate lungs. Gas acts as an asphyxiate by displacing Oxygen in the atmosphere. Prompt medical attention is mandatory in all cases of over exposure to nitrogen. Ensure own safety before attempting to rescue an unconscious person from an enclosed area. Inhaled: Asphyxiation in high concentrations includes rapid, gasping respiration, rapid fatigue and vomiting, cyanosis and may lead to loss of consciousness and death. Rescue personnel should be equipped with breathing apparatus and an oxygen resuscitator. Eye: Cryogenic liquid can cause tissue freezing or frostbite if splashed in the eyes. Skin: Cryogenic liquid or items that have directly immersed in liquid nitrogen can cause tissue or frostbite on dermal contact. Hypothermia: Prolonged exposure to liquid nitrogen can cause an abnormally low body temperature.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES IF THIS HAPPENS: DO THIS: FOR ALL EMERGENCIES

Move people from immediate area; keep upwind or cross wind, send messenger to notify Fire Brigade and Police. Tell them the location, material, quantity, UN number and emergency contact. Indicate condition of vehicle and damage observed. Tanker/Vehicle Carry out action under FOR ALL EMERGENCIES Accident Shut off engine and leave off until vapour hazard is removed. Check for spills or leaks. Do not move vehicle, as movement could cause spillage. Warn other traffic. Spill or leak Carry out action under FOR ALL EMERGENCIES Do not enter vapour cloud. Move people from area, do not stay in a Nitrogen enriched area. Avoid breathing vapours and contact with skin and eyes. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective gloves. Fire Carry out action under FOR ALL EMERGENCIES. Liquid or Gas will not burn or support combustion. Mobile cylinders exposed to heat should be moved away from heat source. Do not approach container suspected of being hot. Do not stay in a Nitrogen enriched atmosphere. Withdraw all personnel from area and warn against entry.

FIRST AID
Inhaled Move affected person to fresh air, lay down, rest. If not breathing, apply resuscitation. Preferably using an oxygen resuscitator if available. Keep warm. Transport to a Hospital or Doctor. Hold eyes open immediately and wash continuously with water or with a sterile saline solution, for at least 15 minutes. Transport to Hospital or Doctor. 0 0 Irrigate affected area with tepid water (30 - 35 ) if available for 15-30 minutes. Apply sterile dry dressing and treat as a thermal burn. If tepid water is unavailable use tap water. Do not apply any form of direct heat. Seek medical attention. Summon ambulance; recommend admission to hospital for observation. Move person to a warm place. Wrap in blankets. Seek medical attention. Avoid heat. Summon ambulance; recommend admission to hospital for observation.

Eyes Skin Cold Burns Hypothermia

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

SAFE HANDLING INFORMATION

Storage and transport: Keep cylinders sheltered from rain or water at all times, this can cause ice to form and seal the cylinder and explosion may occur. Protect cylinders from physical damage. Cylinders should be stored below 450C in a secure, dry, well ventilated firm area, away from heavy traffic areas and emergency exits. Liquid cylinders (portable) must be transported with an open topped vehicle and the load is to be secure. Wear leather gloves and eye shield when transferring liquid nitrogen.