Cryogenic Safety
  • Cryogenic Burns
  • Safe Handling of Cryogenic Gases
  • Cryogenic Safety Wear

EFFECTS
As the living skin tissue is rapidly cooled local pain may be experienced. This may be transient. Affected areas can become pale yellow and waxy because local blood circulation closes down and skin lipids solidify. When cold burns thaw, intense pain can occur and, if the area affected is large, the person injured may go into shock. Contact with surfaces at cryogenic temperatures tends to cause the flesh to "stick", so do not remove clothing or free hands or limbs from uninsulated equipment.

FIRST AID
The aim is to slowly raise the temperature of the area affected back to normal. For minor injuries, make the injured person comfortable and loosen any clothing that may restrict blood circulation. Do not pull clothing away from the burned or frozen area. Place the affected part in tepid water (<40°C). The skin should gradually change colour; back to pink via blue. Use a sterile burn dressing to protect the injury and get the patient to the nearest hospital casualty department.

DO NOT
Permit smoking or alcohol consumption Give analgesics (aspirin, paracetamol etc) Use a direct heat source eg a radiator For major injuries, send for an ambulance. Apply first aid measures as far as possible. Provide medical staff with a copy of the MSDS by way of guidance. In areas where the air temperature is low there is a risk of hypothermia. Also, breathing cold vapour could provoke an attack of asthma. Actual freeze-burn damage to the lungs themselves could follow severe exposure that has frost bitten the mouth, pharynx and airway.

 

AWARENESS AND TRAINING
Make sure users are aware of the properties, hazards and procedures associated with cryogenic gases and that they have the appropriate first aid skills and a knowledge of the emergency procedures. Put in place the relevant safety signs and notices and have readily available the standard operating procedure for the equipment. Make sure users have received practical instruction in its safe and proper use.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Check that it is appropriate and available. For the hands provide non-absorbent, insulated gloves; for the face and throat a flip-up visor; for the body an apron, ideally of a non-woven fabric to avoid liquid penetration. Splashes must not be trapped against the body so avoid gauntlet style gloves, pull sleeves down over glove wristbands, avoid open pockets and put trouser bottoms over the tops of safety shoes or boots.

CONTAINER MOVEMENT
Before moving a dewar, assess the route and consider:

  • rest stops
  • movement through populated work areas
  • clutter
  • lifts (never travel in lift with dewar)
  • stairs (hazardous due to slips, trips and, hence, spills)
  • paths and roadways (are they sound and even?)
  • kerbs (can be a problem for the small wheels fitted to dewar trolleys)
  • whether the destination for the gas is ready to accept it

 

All cream hide cryogenic gloves, fully lined with 3M 'Thinsulate'. Knitted wrist, vein patch. Welted front seams. Moisture-resistant.

IDEAL FOR HANDLING LIQUID TRANSFER HOSES

Cream hide cryogenic gloves with blue-coated nylon backs. Hide reinforced finger-tips and back straps. 3M 'Thinsulate' lined. Knitted wrist & hide vein patch. Moisture-resistant leather.

• A 'HANDY' VERSION OF THE GLOVE ILLUSTRATED ABOVE
• FOR LIGHTER DUTY
• HOSPITAL & LABORATORY USE

Browguard and Polycarbonate Face Shield

Full length, anti splash, decanting apron

Cryogenic Phase Seporater

• Cut down on splashing

• Cut down fogging

Phase Separator Sizes available to fit standard cryogenic transfer hoses are:

• 1/2" BSP (male) PART NUMBER: 99-031
• 3/8" BSP (male) PART NUMBER: 99-030

In each case the phase separator just screws directly into your existing stainless steel transfer hose outlet. [4' liquid nitrogen decanting hose (all stainless steel, 1/2" BSPM to 1/2" BSPF)
© Gas Safety UK 2007