Cryogenic Liquids and Solids
Cryogenic liquids (such as liquid nitrogen) and solids (such as solid carbon dioxide, ‘dry / card ice’) are widely used throughout Queen Mary laboratories and related areas and are proven valuable tools for academic research and teaching.
These substances have hazardous properties (i) they are extremely cold liquids or solids (ii) and evaporate or sublimate during increases in temperature to produce large volumes of gas which deplete oxygen levels in an inadequately ventilated space.
If handled, stored, transported or disposed of unsafely these substances can cause injury (cold burns, frostbite, hypothermia), ill health (via physical trauma) and in a worse-case scenario, fatalities (asphyxiation in an inadequately ventilated area).
It is important that all who handle these substances are aware of the hazardous properties, be trained and know how to handle these substances safely without causing harm to themselves and others.
Queen Mary Documents:
The Policy defines the safe management and working requirements for cryogenic liquids and solids in the context of Queen Mary’s activities; identifies the roles and responsibilities for Heads / Managers / Supervisors of Schools / Institutes / Directorates conducting the work and for Queen Mary staff, students and others who may be affected by the work, and notes the key legal and compliance requirements specified in the relevant health and safety legislation and supporting guidance.
Guidance and additional resources on practical measures (including installation of cryogenic facilities, safe working procedures including personal and facility protection, dealing with accidents and emergencies, inspections, training, supervision and competency) for Queen Mary and resources for the risk assessment of work involving cryogenic liquids and solids are provided.
Liquid nitrogen – Laboratory Safety Procedure:
Storage and use of liquid nitrogen dewars_Risk Assessment Template
Liquid Nitrogen Poster January 2017 [PPT 369KB]
Industry / Sector Guidance documents:
British Compressed Gas Association (BCGA) Publications
Assistance:
For Queen Mary health and safety advisory assistance for cryogenic liquids and solids, contact the H&S Manager / Advisor for your Faculty / PS or the subject lead at http://www.hsd.qmul.ac.uk/contact-us/
All H&S staff can be contacted via the help desk at hs-helpdesk@qmul.ac.uk
For operational assistance (facility and equipment) with cryogenic liquids and solids at Queen Mary, contact
Alan Morais – On site BOC Customer Manager for Queen Mary
Phone 020 8981 1567 or Mobile 07385 361436
James Britz - BOC (Cover Manager)
07469030127
For emergency assistance (if person/s injured or harmed) in cryogenic facilities:
Phone Queen Mary Emergency Number 0207 882 3333
Ask for immediate response by the Fire Brigade and Medical Assistance.
State location of facility.
Do not re-enter facility until safe to do so.
