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Handling Liquid Nitrogen
Appendix A
Warning Contact of liquid nitrogen or cold gas with the skin or eyes may
cause serious freezing (frostbite) injury.
s
Handle liquid nitrogen carefully.
The extremely low temperature can freeze human flesh very rapidly.
When spilled on a surface the liquid tends to cover it completely and
intimately, cooling a large area. The gas issuing from the liquid is also
extremely cold. Delicate tissue, such as that of the eyes, can be damaged
by an exposure to the cold gas which would be too brief to affect the skin
of the hands or face.
Never allow any unprotected part of your body to touch objects cooled
by liquid nitrogen.
Such objects may stick fast to the skin and tear the flesh when you attempt
to free yourself. Use tongs to withdraw objects immersed in the liquid,
and handle the object carefully.
Wear protective clothing.
Protect your eyes with a face shield or safety goggles (safety glasses without
side shields do not give adequate protection). Always wear gloves when
handling anything that is, or may have been, in immediate contact with
liquid nitrogen. Insulated gloves are recommended, but heavy leather
gloves may also be used. The gloves should fit loosely, so that they can be
thrown off quickly if liquid should splash into them. When handling
liquid in open containers, it is advisable to wear high-top shoes. Trousers
(which should be cuffless if possible) should be worn outside the shoes.
Thermo Scientific
HFC Series
A -1
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