CBS Safety document on liquid nitrogen

Attachment: CBS Safety document on liquid nitrogen

Lab Safety

Liquid Nitrogen

Liquid nitrogen is very cold (-195°C). Splashes and spatter can cause cold burns and frostbite. Protect your face and skin, and always use gloved hands or tongs to manipulate items that have been in contact with liquid nitrogen.

When working with liquid nitrogen, you must wear insulated gloves and a face shield. Gloves should be loose enough that they could be removed rapidly if they came in contact with liquid nitrogen.

Rapid evaporation of liquid nitrogen can displace oxygen. Keep the door to the room open when dispensing liquid nitrogen from bulk storage dewars. If you spill any quantity of liquid nitrogen, evacuate everyone from the area, and allow time for the ventilation system to return oxygen levels to normal.

Always keep liquid nitrogen in vacuum jacketed/insulated container designed for storage of cryogenic liquids.

To avoid explosion of pressurized containers, liquid nitrogen vessels must be equipped a means to relieve pressure (i.e. relief valves or loose fitting lid).

Please refer to the CBS Health & Safety website for further guidelines.

In case of an emergency dial 2000 or 519-840-5000

Revision Information
Revision Date: