Cryogenics
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New hires must be trained by Rosanne in order to use liquid nitrogen.
Those who are trained to use liquid nitrogen are listed here.
Door Open When Dispensing
Door Open When Dispensing
Liquid nitrogen gas released in a confined space can displace sufficient oxygen to make the atmosphere incapable of sustaining life and cause asphyxiation without warning. Liquid to gas expansion ratio of nitrogen is 1:694 at 20 degrees Celsius, so liquid nitrogen gas released in a confined space can displace sufficient oxygen to make the atmosphere incapable of sustaining life and cause asphyxiation without warning.
NOTE: You must still wear safety glasses underneath the face shield.
Face Shields
Face Shields
The primary function of a face shield is to protect the head and face in case of a splash. A good face shield should have adjustments to fit many head sizes and should provide good coverage of the entire front of the head, including around the sides. Some mechanism to lock the shield in place so that it doesn’t slip down and touch the chest is recommended to improve comfort. The shield should have a sloped top surface to direct splashes away from the top of the head and to prevent splashes from getting behind the shield from above. Even better is a face shield with impact resistance, per ANSI Z87.1, which is indicated by a marking of “Z87+” on the face shield surface, but this is not a requirement. Some models have replaceable clear shields so that when the shield becomes scratched or dirty, it can be replaced without purchasing new headgear.
NOTE: You must still wear safety glasses underneath the face shield.
Long Pants/Trousers
Long Pants/Trousers
Full-length pants are mandatory for all activities involving cryogenic liquids; shorts and cropped pants are not allowed. Additionally, pants with cuffs can trap cryogenic liquid in the cuff's fold, which can lead to cryogenic burns by coming into contact with the skin. Therefore, cuffed pants are prohibited when working with cryogens (it is necessary to wear a layer of clothing to enter the labs). It is also advised to opt for loose-fitting pants, as this allows any spills or splashes of cryogens to roll off the fabric without causing significant heat transfer to the skin. Tight jeans or leggings offer less protection against cryogenic splashes.
Closed-Toe Shoes
Closed-Toe Shoes
It is increasingly common to wear athletic shoes into the laboratory, which are often designed to keep the feet cool, with webbed mesh tops for air flow. Unfortunately, if the shoes allow airflow, they will also allow cryogen into the shoe through the top in the case of a spill or splash, and are often time-consuming to remove. Appropriate shoes for use with cryogenic liquids should cover the entire top of the foot and should be able to at least temporarily repel liquids. Shoes with webbed or mesh tops are not permitted when handling cryogens*.
*Closed-toe shoes without mesh tops are required. Shoes with enclosed heel and entirely covered tops are recommended.
Cryogen Gloves
Cryogen Gloves
Cryogen gloves should be made of non-porous material and should never be confused with heat resistant gloves. Cryogen gloves used to handle hot objects will likely melt, while heat resistant gloves used for cryogens offer no protection from frostbite or burns and can actually trap cryogen against the skin in the porous material of the glove. Ideally, cryogen gloves will be loose fitting and easy to remove. This feature makes it easy to get the glove off in a hurry if cryogen ever becomes trapped inside the glove against the skin.
Before using cryogen gloves, always inspect them for ripped seams, tears or holes where cryogen could get inside the glove.
NOTE: Cryogen gloves are intended for handling very cold items and to protect against an accidental splash. They are NOT meant to be submerged in a cryogenic liquid.
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