MVE LN2 Tx, Operator'S Manual, Page: 4 / 9

4 — Ln2 Tx Instructions
LIQUID NITROGEN
SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
Transferring LN2 and operation of the storage Dewar controls
should be in accordance with the manufacturers/supplier Instruc-
tions. During this transfer, it is important that all safety precau-
tions written on the storage Dewar and recommended by the
manufacturer be followed.
WARNING
• Nitrogen is a potential asphyxiate and can cause rapid suffo-
cation without warning. Store and use in area with adequate
ventilation. DO NOT vent container in confined spaces.
DO NOT enter confined spaces where gas may be pres-
ent unless area has been well ventilated. If inhaled, remove
to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If
breathing is difficult, supplemental Oxygen may be re-
quired. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.
• Liquid Nitrogen can cause severe frostbite to the eyes or
skin. DO NOT touch frosted pipes or valves. In case of
frostbite, consult a physician at once. If a physician is not
readily available, warm the affected areas with water that is
near body temperature.
• Never place LN2 in a sealed container without a pressure
relief device. The expansion ratio of LN2 to N2 gas is ap-
proximately 1 to 700; i.e. 1 cubic foot of LN2 becomes 700
cubic foot of N2 gas at 0psi when evaporated.
The two most important safety aspects to consider when han-
dling LN2 are adequate ventilation and eye and skin protection.
Although Nitrogen gas is non-toxic, it is dangerous in that the
gas will displace the Oxygen in a normal breathing atmosphere.
Liquid products are of even greater threat since a small amount
of liquid evaporates to create a large amount of gas. Therefore, it
is imperative that cryogenic supply and storage Dewars be stored
and operated in open and well-ventilated areas.
Persons transferring LN2 should make every effort to protect
the eyes and skin from accidental contact with liquid or cold gas
issuing from the Dewar. Protect the eyes with a full-face shield or
chemical splash goggles. Safety glasses (even with side shields) are
not adequate. Always wear cryogenic gloves or equivalent when
handling anything that is or may have been, in contact with the
liquid, cold gas, cold pipes, or equipment. Long-sleeve shirts and
cuff-less trousers of sufficient length to prevent liquid from enter-
ing the shoes are recommended.
RECOMMENDED FIRST AID
Every site that stores and uses LN2 should have an appropri-
ate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) present. The MSDS may
be obtained from the manufacturer/distributor. The MSDS will
specify the symptoms of overexposure and the first aid to be used.
A typical summary of these instructions is provided as follows.
• If symptoms of asphyxia such as headache, drowsiness,
dizziness, excitation, excess salivation, vomiting, or uncon-
sciousness are observed, remove to fresh air. If breathing is
difficult, give oxygen. If breathing has stopped, give artificial
respiration. CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY.
• If exposure to cryogenic liquids or cold gases occurs, restore
tissue to normal body-temperature (98.6°F) as rapidly as
possible, and then protect the injured tissue from further
damage and infection. Call a physician immediately. Rapid
warming of the affected areas is best achieved by bathing it
in warm water. The water temperature should not exceed
104°F (40°C). Under no circumstances should the frozen
part be rubbed, either before or after warming. If the eyes
are involved, flush them thoroughly with warm water for at
least 15 minutes. In case of massive exposure, remove cloth-
ing while showering with warm water. The patient should
not drink alcohol or smoke. Keep warm and rest. CALL A
PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY.