Risk Of Injury When Handling Liquid Nitrogen Or From Touching Extremely Cool Objects. Risk Of Asphyxiation From Inhaling Nitrogen Gas. - As00.00-Z-0003-01A

Wear heat protective gloves, protective clothing and full eye protection. Ensure that the work area is adequately ventilated. 

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Potential risks 

Risk of injury 

Contact with liquid nitrogen or extremely cool objects causes frost damage to the skin similar to burns, and severe injury to the eyes.

Risk of suffocation 

When liquid nitrogen evaporates this produces a nitrogen gas which can cause asphyxiation without any noticeable warnings, if it is present in high concentrations.

Safety instructions/precautions 

• It is not permitted to eat, drink or smoke or to store food products in the work area.
• Ensure that the work area is adequately ventilated. Never use liquid nitrogen in the area of maintenance pits.
• Treat containers, equipment, valves, etc. with particular care, dry well before filling and secure against falling over.
• Do not  attempt to eliminate icing on containers using a flame or glowing objects.
• Avoid spilling liquid nitrogen when transferring it or when filling into containers. Always fill vessels only up to the mark.
• Wear protective clothing, full eye protection, thermally insulated gloves (e.g. leather, Kevlar).
• Only store liquid nitrogen in containers provided for this purpose.

First-aid measures 

• Do not rub affected areas of the skin, instead warm them up by pouring plenty of lukewarm water over them and then cover with sterile dressings.
• Immediately remove moistened clothing.
• Take unconscious persons immediately into fresh air and provide artificial respiration, if necessary.
• Consult a physician immediately.