Taylor-Wharton KeepFull Telemetry System - Manual (Page 4)

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR LIQUID NITROGEN
Nitrogen is an inert, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas
which makes up four-fifths of the air you breathe. Liquid ni-
trogen is obtained by cooling air until it becomes a liquid and
then removing the oxygen which makes up the other fifth of
the air. Liquid nitrogen is at a temperature of -320°F (-196°C)
under normal atmospheric pressure.
Extreme Cold - Cover Eyes and Exposed Skin
Accidental contact of liquid nitrogen or cold issuing gas with
the skin or eyes may cause a freezing injury similar to frost-
bite. Handle the liquid so that it won’t splash or spill. Protect
your eyes and cover the skin where the possibility of contact
with the liquid, cold pipes and cold equipment, or the cold
gas exists. Safety goggles or a face shield should be worn if
liquid ejection or splashing may occur or cold gas may issue
forcefully from equipment. Clean insulated gloves that can
be easily removed and long sleeves are recommended for
arm protection. Cuffless trousers should be worn outside
boots or over the shoes to shed spilled liquid.
Keep Equipment Area Well Ventilated
Although nitrogen is non-toxic and non-flammable, it can
cause asphyxiation in a confined area without adequate ven-
tilation. Any atmosphere which does not contain enough oxy-
gen for breathing can cause dizziness, unconsciousness, or
even death. Nitrogen being colorless, odorless, and taste-
less cannot be detected by the human senses and will be
inhaled normally as if it were air Without adequate ventila-
tion, the expanding nitrogen will displace the normal air with-
out warning that a non-life-supporting atmosphere is present.
Store liquid containers outdoors or in other well ventilated
areas.
Dispose of Waste Liquid Nitrogen Safely
Dispose of waste liquid nitrogen out-of-doors where its cold
temperature cannot damage floors or driveways and where
it will evaporate rapidly. An outdoor pit filled with clean sand
or gravel will evaporate liquid nitrogen safely and quickly.
CAUTION: When installing field fabricated piping,
make certain a suitable safety valve is
installed in each section of piping be-
tween shut-off valves.
For more detailed information concerning safety pre-
cautions and safe practices to be observed when
handling cryogenic liquids consult CGA pamphlet
P-12 “Handling Cryogenic Liquids” available from
the Compressed Gas Association, 1235 Jefferson
Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.
NOTE: Argon is an inert gas whose physical prop-
erties are very similar to those of nitrogen.
For handling of liquid argon, follow the safe
practices described for the handling and
use of liquid nitrogen.
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