Relevant To: / [Organization]
Title: / LIQUID NITROGEN HANDLING
Initiated: / [Date] / Revised: / [Date}
Author: / [RHC or Org. Name}
POLICY: Precaution will be taken to assure safe handling of liquid nitrogen to prevent burns and other injuries.
PROCEDURE:
Ensure adequate ventilation in the room is maintained to prevent excess concentration of gas and to allow for adequate percentage of oxygen, by keeping door open while filling container. Protective equipment consisting of goggles and gloves will be donned to protect against accidental exposure to gas.
To refill cryac gun, hold gun away from body and open by holding the top firmly, unscrewing from the bottom, to avoid spillage of residue liquid nitrogen. Place gun on even sturdy platform. Use ladle to fill LN gun or decanter. Pour liquid nitrogen slowly to allow for any bubbling or boiling over. Take care to keep container and ladle away from body. Never attempt to move or tilt main dewar. LN gun should be filled no higher than the shoulder of the container. For a single lesion, a small amount will be sufficient in gun or vented container.
Always replace the stopper in Dewar container immediately after each use. Holding the gun away from the body, firmly screw turret (top) onto the LN gun, noting if vapor escapes between turret and flask, then re-tighten to ensure the gun is sealed securely.
Replace all protective equipment into storage container to be sure it can be located and is accessible for future use.
Cryac gun or vented container can be taken to exam rooms and placed on counter to avoid accidental spillage. Small amounts of liquid nitrogen can be taken outside of the clinic and allowed to evaporate by pouring on sidewalk or rocks. Liquid nitrogen evaporates very quickly. It should not be put down a sink inside the clinic. Proper safety attire should be worn when handling. Container will be returned to the assigned storage location.
In transporting LN within the facility, be sure the LN gun or vented container is properly lidded. Only vented container or a LN Gun may be used to transport LN within the facility.
To transport LN from one facility to another, the vented thermos may be filled and placed in its carrying case to ensure it stays in the upright position. Only vented thermos will be used to transport LN outside of the facility. The vented thermos will be carried in the back seat in a Pelican case.
Areas containing liquid nitrogen storage tanks will be properly identified by signage. Competencies will be assigned to any staff who will be handling liquid nitrogen.
SCHEDULING GUIDELINES / 1