To prevent this, always test the ampules for tight-sealing by placing in a dye solution for two minutes prior to freezing. When removing a sample container from the liquid nitrogen, wear safety goggles, lab coat, and insulated gloves. Quickly place the ampules in a beaker of warm water inside a Styrofoam ice bucket, and cover immediately. All these precautions can be obviated by the use of the plastic vials available and designed specifically for cryogenic use. Needles and Syringes Needle punctures are one of the most frequent laboratory related injuries.
Incidents involve laboratory workers, maintenance and custodial personnel.
Discarding of needles in wastebaskets is prohibited. It is strongly recommended that cannulas be used, if a sharp needle is not needed. Needles must never be left lying about without the plastic guards in place. Needles must never be recapped unless under certain conditions, an approved needle-capping device can be used. Refer to Section P for additional information covering needles and syringes.