Thermo Scientific Forma 8602 Operating And Maintenance Manual page 93

• Do not overfill containers.
Filling above the bottom of the necktube (or specified max-
imum level) can result in overflow and spillage of liquid
when the necktube core or cover is placed in the opening.
• Never use hollow rods or tubes as dipsticks.
When a warm tube is inserted into liquid nitrogen, liquid
will spout from the top of the tube due to gasification and
rapid expansion of liquid inside the tube.
Nitrogen Gas Can Cause Suffocation Without
Warning
• Store and use liquid nitrogen only in a well-ventilated
place.
As the liquid evaporates, the resulting gas tends to displace
the normal air from the area. In closed areas, excessive
amounts of nitrogen gas reduce the concentration of oxy-
gen and can result in asphyxiation. Because nitrogen gas is
colorless, odorless and tasteless, it cannot be detected by
the human senses and will be breathed as if it were air.
Breathing an atmosphere that contains less than 18% oxy-
gen can cause dizziness and quickly result in unconscious-
ness and death.
Note: The cloudy vapor that appears when liquid nitrogen is
exposed to the air is condensed moisture; not the gas itself.
The issuing gas is invisible.
• Never dispose of liquid nitrogen in confined areas or
places where others may enter.
Disposal of liquid nitrogen should be done outdoors in a
safe place. Pour the liquid slowly on gravel or bare earth
where it can evaporate without causing damage. Do not
pour the liquid on pavement.
A-2 Model 8600 Series
If a person seems to become dizzy or loses consciousness
while working with liquid nitrogen, move to a well-ventilated
area immediately. If breathing has stopped, apply artificial res-
piration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Call a physi-
cian. Keep warm and at rest.
If exposed to liquid or cold gas, restore tissue to normal
body temperature (98.6°F) as rapidly as possible, followed by
protection of the injured tissue from further damage and infec-
tion.
Remove or loosen clothing that may constrict blood circu-
lation to the frozen area. Call a physician. Rapid warming of
the affected part is best achieved by using water at 108°F.
Under no circumstance should the water be over 112°F, nor
should the frozen part be rubbed either before or after rewarm-
ing. The patient should neither smoke nor drink alcohol.
First Aid
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