Nitrogen Safety Guidelines

Working with nitrogen in gas or liquid form can be dangerous if you do not take the proper safety precautions. While nitrogen is naturally in the air we breath and does not cause bodily harm the same cannot be said for high concentrated doses of the gas. Both the gas and liquid forms of nitrogen can cause severe bodily damage or in the worst cases death. Following nitrogen safety guidelines while working with the substance will help prevent any problems. Nitrogen safety should be taught to any employees that have to handle or work near nitrogen.

Liquid Nitrogen Safety

Liquid nitrogen has hundreds of uses in the workplace they range from computer coolant to food storage as well as cryogenics and so much more in between. There are several safety precaution to take while working with liquid nitrogen.

The temperature is -320F which makes it extremely cold. Any contact with your skin even for a second can cause severe frostbite. It can also permanently damage your eyes. The best way to prevent frostbite from occuring is to wear the proper protective safety gear. Anytime you are working with liquid nitrogen you should wear insulated gloves that can be easily removed if the liquid is spilled on them. You will also need a face mask and goggles. The face mask will protect you from splashes but are often open on the sides this is why you will also need goggles to protect your eyes. A long splash resistant lab coat to prevent any from getting on clothes or otherwise exposed skin. Finally you should always wear closed toe sturdy work shoes when using liquid nitrogen.

If a surface is sprayed with liquid nitrogen avoid immediate contact. The surface will be frozen and skin can be torn off if you touch it before it warms up again. Another safety issue is storage. If you are storing the liquid you must make sure to leave plenty of extra room in the container. The liquid nitrogen will expand and could cause the container to burst if there is no room. If a container of liquid nitrogen explodes you must exit the room as quickly as possible. The large amount of nitrogen will cause choking almost instantly.

Nitrogen Gas Safety Tips

Nitrogen gas while it is found naturally in our air is incredible dangerous in high amounts. If you inhale to much nitrogen it can be deadly. You must make sure to take the proper safety measures when working with nitrogen gas.

If you are working with nitrogen gas make sure the area is well ventilated. Open any doors or windows. This will help reduce the amount of nitrogen in the air if an accident should happen. A great way to protect yourself from accidentally breathing in nitrogen is to wear a respiratory. This will give you oxygen while prtoecting you from nitrogen gas in the air.

If a co-worker becomes ill from the nitrogen it is best to call 911 as soon as possible. Do not run over to them and try to help with the proper safety gear on. This will only cause you to fall ill from the gas. Once you are wearing the proper safety gear it should be safe to remove the person. Bring them to an open area that is well ventilated.

By using these nitrogen safety guidelines you will be making the workplace safer. Nitrogen is deadly in both liquid and gas form so you should be sure to constantly follow your workplace safety guidelines.

 

• zhca16c2295e9319be2fd05a32480a74a6.jpg