10.3.2 DO NOT pour cryogenic liquids down the sink - they will waste pipes causing potentially dangerous leaks. 10.3.3 DO NOT store cryogenic substances or allow them to vaporize in enclosed areas, including: fridges, cold rooms, sealed rooms and basements. 10.3.4 Cylinders with leaking valves should be moved to outdoor areas for cryogen evaporation, IF movement can be safely conducted. Portable oxygen monitoring should be conducted to evaluate safe conditions. 10.3.5 Large cryogen cylinders should be returned to supplier for safe disposal. 11.0 Information & Training Requirements 11.1 Training should be given in all aspects of the use and handling of cryogenic materials. A combination of on the job skills, instructions and information covering the following topical areas provides a minimum standard to which all users should be trained: Understanding of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), the risks involved and where to obtain information Understanding the risks and effects of oxygen depleted atmospheres Conducting a risk assessment Use of PPE Handling cryogenic materials Moving containers of cryogenic materials (>1 Emergency procedures Spillage procedures, and if necessary Manual handling of larger storage vessels Dispensing bulk quantities (> 1 liter) 11.2 OSHA Hazard Communication Requirements The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) found at Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.1200, is established to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are evaluated and that information concerning their hazards is transmitted to employers and employees. The responsible work unit must ensure the pertinent Safety Data Sheets (SDS), as prepared to meet current OSHA requirements are readily accessible to users and emergency responders. These SDS requirements include the OSHA format and content changes reflecting adoption of certain Globally-Harmonized System (GHS) requirements. 11.3 Training Proficiency – Personnel performing cryogen handling, transfer, and filling operations must receive necessary training and supervisory oversight to ensure these operations with cryogens can be performed safely. 11.4 Training Documentation – Training records must include the nature of the training, content, the date and length in hours, instructor(s), participants, and pertinent verification. 11.5 Training Frequency – Training shall be conducted prior to working with cryogenic materials, and as necessary for personnel to retain proficiency. Typically, this involves some form of annual or periodic refresher of key information and practices. 12.0 Records
PPE Decision Matrix Operation Potential Hazard Face Shield and Safety Glasses (with Side Shields) Safety Glasses (with Side Shields) Cryogen Gloves Closed-Toe Shoes Long (No Cuffs) Lab Coat or Shirt Remarks Pouring small (<5 liters) volume of LN2 between open containers Eye or skin injury from splashing X Recommended1 X X Recommended1 Avoid pouring cryogens from above chest level Work with experimental samples immersed in LN2 in small (~1 L) dewar Frostbite and burns from cold surface contact X Recommended1 X X Recommended1 Thermally insulated hand may be an effective alternative to gloves Handling chilled metal transfer lines Frostbite and burns from cold surface contact X X X X X Dispensing LN2 from a pressurized line to an open dewar2 Frostbite and burns from cold surface contact, eye and skin injury from splashing X X X X X X Closed pressurized line LN2 or LHe transfer Frostbite and burns from contact with the unexpected release of pressurized cryogen liquid or gas X X X X X X 1 Recommended. For a few limited operations, cryogen gloves or long-sleeve shirts/lab may not be needed. 2 When using a phase separator between the pressurized LN2 line and the open non-pressurized dewar, the risk of a cryogen splash is substantially reduced. Table Reference: Table D-2. Summary of PPE Requirements for Cryogen Use; Chapter 29 – Safe Handling Practices for Cryogenics; Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, ES&H Manual.