Handling of Liquid Nitrogen : Guidance and Information Sheet.

This document covers the basic rules for the handling of Cryogenic gases, mainly Liquid Nitrogen but also Argon, Helium and other cryogenic gases. For brevity the references to Liquid Nitrogen are to be read as being any cryogenic gas. This basic guidance document commences with guidance on use of lifts, because it is the issue which has generated the most questions. The document then continues with general guidance, and is for all staff and students at the University of Newcastle who have to use or transport Liquid Nitrogen. If departments have established written procedures then they are to be followed in preference to this guidance.

Use of Lifts.
It is unlikely that a well-maintained and properly handled Dewar will spill its contents whilst being transported in a lift and so place an accompanying handler at risk of injury or death. Additionally it is unlikely that a lift will breakdown whilst a Dewar is being transported. There is a small risk that should a person remain in a closed lift for a prolonged time the venting gases may reduce the Oxygen level sufficiently to cause harm. However to eliminate these risks the following practice should be followed when transporting Dewars. No one should accompany the Dewar. One person should send and another should be waiting to receive the Dewar from the lift. Use the key controlled Goods lift whenever possible. If service lifts must be used then they should not be used by other people whilst the Dewar is being moved.

Hazards.
The two properties of liquid nitrogen that present potential hazards are that : It is extremely cold. At atmospheric pressure, liquid nitrogen boils at -196 C. Small amounts of liquid vaporise into large amounts of gas. Roughly 700 times expansion. Cold Burns. Extremely low temperatures can freeze flesh very rapidly. When spilled on a surface the liquid tends to cover it completely and intimately, cooling a large area. The gas issuing from the liquid is also extremely cold. Delicate tissue, such as eyes, can be damaged by an exposure to cold gas alone which would be too brief to affect skin. Unprotected body parts contacting objects cooled by liquid nitrogen may stick fast. This may result in injuries by flesh being torn whilst attempt to withdraw from the object. It is often stated that small splashes of Liquid Nitrogen will run off bare skin due to a vapour layer forming between the skin and the liquid. This must never be relied upon.

2 Asphyxiation. Liquid Nitrogen rapidly vaporises to gas with about 700 times the liquid volume. By displacing air the gas may kill by asphyxiation. When the Oxygen concentration in air is sufficiently low, a person can become unconscious without any warning symptoms. Over Pressure. Because Liquid Nitrogen boils rapidly users must ensure that it is never used in a closed system. Cold fingers and similar devices have exploded when either an ice dam is formed within the apparatus or when inexperienced users created a closed system by shutting all valves. Tape exposed glass parts to minimise the hazard of flying glass shards. Therefore do not use thermos flasks, and it may be necessary to punch holes in cryovials. Cryotube Explosions. Cryotubes used to contain samples stored under liquid nitrogen may explode without warning. Tube explosions are thought to be caused by liquid nitrogen entering the tube through minute cracks and then expanding rapidly as the tube thaws. When thawing Cryotubes take the following precautions : Wear a face shield, or at least safety goggles. Wear heavy gloves. Wear a buttoned lab coat and trousers or long skirt. Place the Cryotube in a heavy-walled container (e.g., a desiccator) or behind a safety shield while it is thawing.

Embrittlement. Many ordinary materials cannot withstand cryogenic temperatures. Laboratory plumbing is one example, therefore never dispose of cryogenic liquids down the drain. Materials exposed to cryogenic temperatures for long periods or which have undergone periodic warming and freezing should be examined for cracks and crazing.

Precautions.
Local rules for Liquid Nitrogen safety. Local rules exist for handling Liquid Nitrogen in association with specialist equipment. All such local rules must be adhered to. Storage of Dewars on rooms. Storing single Dewars of up to 25L in rooms is considered acceptable. However the storage of large numbers of small Dewars or Dewars over 25L capacity may require additional precautions to be taken. In these circumstances consideration should be given to : the size of the room; the storage conditions; ventilation levels; and, the possible use of low Oxygen level alarms. Further advice on a case by case basis is available from the Safety Office. Dewars must not be stored in sealed rooms (e.g. walk in refrigerated rooms) because the reduced ventilation may be inadequate to mitigate against spillage and general evaporation. Containers.

3 Use only containers designed for low-temperature liquids. Cryogenic containers (e.g. Dewar flasks) are specifically designed and made of materials that can withstand the rapid changes and extreme temperature differences encountered in working with Liquid Nitrogen. Even so, these special containers should be filled SLOWLY to minimise the internal stresses that occur when any material is cooled. Excessive internal stresses can damage the container. Do not cover or plug the entrance opening of any Liquid Nitrogen refrigerator or Dewar. Do not use any stopper or other device that would interfere with venting of gas. Cryogenic liquid containers are generally designed to operate with little or no internal pressure. Inadequate venting can result in excessive gas pressure which could damage or burst the container. Check the unit periodically to be sure that venting is not restricted by accumulated ice or frost. Protective Clothing. When using or decanting Liquid Nitrogen a face shield or safety goggles must be used. Always wear appropriate gloves when handling anything that is, or may have been, in immediate contact with Liquid Nitrogen. Use tongs to withdraw objects immersed in the liquid, and handle the object carefully. Do not put hands (even in the best gloves) into Liquid Nitrogen. Appropriate gloves are thermal protective gloves which are specifically designed for cryogenic use preferably with close fitting ribbed cuffs to prevent liquid Nitrogen from spilling inside the glove. Alternatively use cryogenic long half arm gloves that fit loosely, so that they can be removed quickly in the event of an incident. The surface of the glove should be textured to provide a sure grip on cold slippery surfaces thus helping to prevent other associated accidents. Inadequate protective clothing can absorb the Liquid Nitrogen and result in even more severe burns than would otherwise have resulted. Additionally, when handling liquid in open containers, it is advisable to wear high-top shoes. Trousers (which should be cuff-less if possible) should be worn outside the shoes. Training. Safety precautions must be followed to avoid potential injury or damage. Do not attempt to handle liquid nitrogen until you fully understand the potential hazards, their consequences, and the related safety precautions.

Handling of Liquid Nitrogen.

Decanting of Liquid Nitrogen. Never overfill Dewars. Spillage damages flooring and may cause injury. Insert pipes and funnels slowly to avoid splashing. Great care should be exercised to ensure that space is left to replace lids/tops on Dewars especially those that insert a considerable distance into the vessel. Spills and splashes can set off oxygen monitors. Moving Dewars away from the sensors on oxygen monitors before topping up and taking care to minimise splashing as suggested will avoid alarms being set off unnecessarily. Maintenance of Dewars. All large Dewars (25 litres or larger) should be subject to annual maintenance checks. Smaller Dewars should be visually inspected each time they are refilled and any defects must be reported to the appropriate Departmental Superintendent. Condensed moisture or frost on the outer shell of a refrigerator or Dewar and abnormally rapid evaporation of the liquid nitrogen are indications of vacuum loss. If vacuum loss is evident or suspected, transfer the materials stored in the unit to another refrigerator as soon as possible and remove the unit from service. Use correct equipment. Use a phase separator or special filling funnel to prevent splashing and spilling when transferring Liquid Nitrogen into or from a Dewar or refrigerator. The top of the funnel should be partly covered to reduce splashing. Use only small, easily handled Dewars for pouring liquid. When liquid cylinders or other large storage containers are used for filling, follow the instructions supplied with those units and their accessories. Never use hollow rods or tubes as dipsticks. When a warm tube is inserted into liquid nitrogen, liquid will spout from the bottom of the tube due to vaporisation and rapid expansion of liquid inside the tube. Wooden or solid metal dipsticks are recommended. Transport. Only use closed "onion" (25 litre) Dewars and "transport" Dewars when moving Liquid Nitrogen. Always work in pairs when moving a Dewar. Keep unit upright at all times. Tipping the container or laying it on its side can cause spillage of liquid nitrogen. It may also damage the container and any materials stored in it. Rough handling can cause serious damage to Dewars and refrigerators. Dropping the container, allowing it to fall over on its side, or subjecting it to sharp impact or severe vibration can result in partial or complete loss of vacuum. To protect the vacuum insulation system, handle containers carefully. Do not "walk", roll or drag Dewars across a floor. Large units are heavy enough to cause personal injury or damage to equipment if proper lifting and handling techniques are not used. Do not place Liquid Nitrogen containers in closed vehicles where the nitrogen gas that is continuously vented can accumulate. Disposal.

5 Never dispose of cryogenic liquids down the drain. Ordinary materials may not be able to withstand cryogenic temperatures without failure. Laboratory plumbing is a common example. Allow waste Liquid Nitrogen to evaporate naturally in a fume hood or, preferably, pour the liquid slowly on gravel or bare earth, from which other people are excluded, where it can evaporate without causing damage. Do not pour the liquid on the pavement.

First Aid.
Skin/Eye Contact. Immediately flush thoroughly with copious quantities of tepid water (the water must not be hotter then 44 C). In case of frostbite spray with water. DO NOT apply any form of direct heat. DO NOT rub affected parts either before or after warming. Move the patient to a warm place (22 C). Arrange for the casualty to be transported to hospital without delay. While waiting for transport : Remove or loosen restrictive clothing. Continue to flush the affected area with copious quantities of tepid water. Protect any frozen parts with bulky, dry, sterile dressings. Do not apply to tightly. Keep patient warm and at rest. Ensure ambulance crew/hospital is advised of details of accident and first aid treatment already administered. The patient should neither smoke, nor drink alcohol. Anoxia. However, attempts to rescue affected persons from confined spaces or where oxygen deficient atmospheres may be present should only be made by those trained in the use of breathing apparatus and confined space entry procedures. The Fire Brigade should be called in all instances where a trapped person requires rescue. If a person seems to become dizzy or loses consciousness while working with liquid nitrogen, move to a well-ventilated area immediately. If breathing has stopped, apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and at rest. The patient should neither smoke, nor drink alcohol.