Safety

Caring for Liquid Nitrogen While Protecting Your Health

Your safety is extremely important to us. Liquid nitrogen must be handled with care and respect due to its extreme cold temperature and rapid expansion when vaporizing.

Important Safety Information

• Liquid nitrogen is extremely cold. At atmospheric pressure, it boils at -320°F (-196°C).

• Very small amounts of liquid nitrogen vaporize into large volumes of gas.
  One (1) liter of liquid nitrogen expands to approximately 24.6 ft³ (0.7 m³) of nitrogen gas.

• Nitrogen gas is colourless and odourless and can displace oxygen, creating a serious asphyxiation hazard.

Safe Handling Guidelines

• Never allow unprotected skin to come into contact with liquid nitrogen or objects cooled by liquid nitrogen.
  Cold objects may stick to skin and cause severe injury when removed.

• Use tongs with insulated handles to remove items from liquid nitrogen.

• Always keep containers upright.

• Use only containers specifically designed for cryogenic (low-temperature) liquids.

• Do not overfill containers.

• Use proper transfer equipment. Never use hollow rods or tubes as dipsticks.

• Keep containers clean and dry at all times.

• Do not use strong alkaline or acidic cleaners that could corrode the metal shell.

• Store and use liquid nitrogen only in well-ventilated areas.

• Never transport or store liquid nitrogen in confined or unventilated spaces.

Required Protective Clothing

Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE):

• Safety goggles or face shield

• Cryogenic gloves

• Long trousers

• High-top or closed-toe shoes

First Aid Measures

Inhalation (Dizziness or Suffocation)

• Immediately move the affected person to fresh air.

• If the person is not breathing, begin artificial respiration.

• If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen, if available.

• Seek immediate medical assistance.

Frostbite

• Wash the affected area with lukewarm water for at least 5 minutes.

• Do not rub the affected area.

• Obtain immediate medical treatment.

Medical Use Warning

WARNING:
Administration of nitrogen may be hazardous or contraindicated. For use only by or under the supervision of a licensed practitioner who is experienced in the use and administration of nitrogen and familiar with:

• indications and effects

• dosage and methods of administration

• frequency and duration of use

• hazards, contraindications, side effects, and required precautions

General Hazard Warning

WARNING: EXTREMELY COLD LIQUID AND GAS UNDER PRESSURE

• Can cause rapid suffocation

• Can cause severe frostbite

• Store and use only with adequate ventilation

• Do not allow liquid to contact eyes, skin, or clothing

• For liquid withdrawal, wear face shield and gloves

• Do not drop containers

• Use a suitable hand truck for container movement

• Cylinder temperature must not exceed 52°C (125°F)

• Close valve after each use and when empty

• Use a backflow prevention device in piping

• Always use in accordance with the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)