Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Standard Operation Procedure

Title: Safe Handling of Liquid Nitrogen Lab: Dept of Biological Sciences

Written by Approved by Issue date

Ref. No DBS/SOP/011 Rev. No Page: 001 3

Review date

Michelle MOK LS

A/P Sanjay Swarup

07 April, 2008

1. Purpose The objective of this SOP is to provide guidance on the safe handling of liquid nitrogen as to protect staff and students from the risk of injury and property damage of NUS. 2. Scope This SOP is applicable to all laboratories in Department of Biological Sciences. 3. Responsibility 3.1 Principal Investigators PIs have the primary responsibility for the implementation of this SOP in their work area. This involves: a. Proper storage, transfer and use of liquid nitrogen. b. Providing appropriate PPE to all users. c. Training of all users. 3.2 Users Users of Liquid Nitrogen must: a. Adhere to safe handling procedures as stated in this SOP b. Wear appropriate PPE when handling c. Attending required training sessions prior handling of Liquid Nitrogen. 4. Procedures 4.1 Handling a. Appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn when handling liquid nitrogen. This includes special cryogen thermal gloves, safety goggles, full face shield, impervious apron or coat, long pants, and high topped shoes. Gloves should be impervious and sufficiently large to be readily removed should a cryogen be spilled. Watches, rings, and other jewelry should NOT be worn. b. Unprotected body parts should not come in contact with vessels or pipes that contain liquid nitrogen because extremely cold material may bond firmly to the skin and tear flesh if separation is attempted. c. Objects that are in contact with liquid nitrogen should be handled with tongs or proper gloves.

Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Standard Operation Procedure

Title: Safe Handling of Liquid Nitrogen Lab: Dept of Biological Sciences
Written by Approved by Issue date

Ref. No DBS/SOP/011 Rev. No Page: 001 3

Review date

Michelle MOK LS

A/P Sanjay Swarup

07 April, 2008

d. Transfers or pouring of liquid nitrogen should be done very slowly to minimize boiling and splashing. e. Work areas should be well ventilated 4.2 Storage a. Liquid nitrogen should be handled and stored in containers that are designed for the pressure and temperature to which they may be subjected. The most common container for liquid nitrogen is known as dewar flask, which is a double-walled, evacuated container. b. Containers and systems containing liquid nitrogen should have pressure relief mechanisms. c. Cylinders and other pressure vessels such as dewar flasks used for the storage of liquid nitrogen should not be filled more than 80% of capacity, as to protect against possible thermal expansion of the contents and bursting of the vessel by hydrostatic pressure. If the temperature of the cylinder increase to above 30oC, a lower percentage (i.e., 60 percent capacity) should be the fill limit. d. Dewar flasks should be shielded with tape or wire mesh to minimize flying glass and fragments should an implosion occur. e. Dewar flasks should be labeled with the full cryogenic liquid name (i.e. Liquid Nitrogen) and hazard warning information. f. Transportation of liquid nitrogen via elevators should be accomplished by using a warning tag while elevator is unmanned. g. Liquid nitrogen containing equipment or containers should be stored in a well-ventilated area with tiled flooring instead of vinyl flooring to prevent damage to the floor. Training All staff using or handling liquid nitrogen must receive training, which includes hazards associated with its use, care, selection and use of protective equipment and emergency procedures. New users of liquid nitrogen should receive working instruction and guidance from experienced members of the staff. First aid a. Warm the affected area of the body rapidly by immersion in water not to exceed 40oC, with body heat, or by exposure to warm air. In the event

4.3

4.4

Department of Biological Sciences National University of Singapore Standard Operation Procedure

Title: Safe Handling of Liquid Nitrogen Lab: Dept of Biological Sciences
Written by Approved by Issue date

Ref. No DBS/SOP/011 Rev. No Page: 001 3

Review date

Michelle MOK LS

A/P Sanjay Swarup

07 April, 2008

of massive exposure, the emergency shower should be used to warm the body. All clothing must be removed prior to showering. Maintain the affected area of the victim at normal body temperature until medical help arrives. b. Calm the victim and prevent aggravation of the injury. People with frostbitten feet should not walk on them. Do not rub or massage the affected parts of the body. c. Prevent infection use a mild soap to clean the affected area. Dressings need to be applied if the skin is intact. d. Flush eyes, if affected, with warm water for 15 minutes. 5. Safety precautions Temperature of liquid nitrogen is -196C. Contact with liquid nitrogen can cause tissue damage, therefore proper Personal Protective Equipment should be worn when handling liquid nitrogen. Personal Protective Equipment: a. Protective clothing suitable for handling these liquids shall be provided with particular attention given to gloves and eye/face protection. b. Dry asbestos (substitute) or dry leather gloves (when handling equipment that has been in contact with the liquid). If gloves are worn, they should be loose fitting and easily removed. c. Lab coat or overalls are advisable to minimize skin contact, also, wear trousers over shoe/boot tops to prevent shoes filling in the event of a spillage.