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Foundation Training in

Laboratory Safety

Faculty Safety Managers

David Gentry, Stefan Hoyle, Jan de Abela-Borg

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Module 3Gases and cryogenics

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Common gases - physical properties and hazards

CARBON DIOXIDE (GASEOUS)

Description:Colourless, odourless gas.Pungent odour at high concs.

Relative density (Air = 1):1.52

Flammable?No

Workplace Exposure Limits:1.5% (short term), 0.5% (long term)

Hazards:Intoxicating at high concentrations (5%+)

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Common gases - physical properties and hazards

CARBON DIOXIDE (SOLID)

Description:Translucent white solidPellets or flakes.

Relative density (Air = 1):1.52

Flammable?No

Workplace Exposure Limits:1.5% (short term), 0.5% (long term)

Hazards:Cold burns / frostbiteSublimes to form gaseous CO2 – asphyxiation risk

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Common gases - physical properties and hazards

Don’t play games with

dry ice!

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Common gases - physical properties and hazards

NITROGEN (GASEOUS)

Description:Colourless, odourless gas. Present in air ~ 78%

Relative density (Air = 1):0.97

Flammable?No

Workplace Exposure Limits:None

Hazards:Asphyxiation by reduction in O2 content of air

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Common gases - physical properties and hazards

NITROGEN (LIQUID)

Description:Colourless, odourless liquid (-196oC)

Relative density (Air = 1):Cold gas / vapour heavier than airExpansion factor of x700

Flammable?No

Workplace Exposure Limits:None

Hazards: Asphyxiation – evolved gas will displace air Cryogenic burns Frostbite and hypothermia in certain circumstances

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Common gases - physical properties and hazards

HYDROGEN

Description:Colourless, odourless gas

Relative density (Air = 1):0.07

Flammable?Extremely

Workplace Exposure Limits:None

Hazards:Fire and explosion

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Hazard information

MSDS and Hazard Labels

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Foreseeable risks

Regulator failure

Failure of pipe work or tubing connecting cylinder to other equipment

Over pressurisation

Damage caused by impact e.g. falling cylinder or vessel

Damage caused by fire

Uncontrolled release of gas due to:

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The control hierarchy

Prevent or minimise the risk of release at source

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Disperse the gas before it reaches a critical level

2

Warning systems should the gas reach a critical level

3

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Control measures

Ensure that regulators, pressure vessels etc. are subject to maintenance and inspection regimes

Ensure cylinders are secure and away from sources of heat

Training – ensure that users are familiar with the equipment and the properties of the substances they are handling

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Control measures

Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Ventilation – ensure that it is adequate

Ensure the physical environment is suitable for liquid nitrogen dispensing e.g. floor surfaces, adequate space for manoeuvre

Consider fixed point gas detection monitors / alarms

Ensure emergency procedures have been considered

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Some Do’s………

Always:Store bulk quantities of cylinders upright in

purpose-designed storage areas

Segregate full and empty cylinders

Segregate flammable and non-flammable

gases

Keep cylinder valves clean

Ensure the correct regulators are fitted

Ensure the regulator is designed to take the

cylinder pressure

Observe for faults and leaks at each time of

use

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Never:

Tamper with cylinders in any way

Dispose of cylinders in any way other

than returning them to the suppliers

Oil or grease cylinder fittings

Use PTFE tape to achieve a seal

Use non-standard cylinder keys

‘Snift’ hydrogen or toxic gases

……… and some Don’ts

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Manual handling cylinders and vessels

Make use of the BOC ‘point-to-point’ service on sites where this is in force

Plan your route in advanceAvoid moving cylinders through populated work areasReport problems with paths and roadways to EstatesBe aware of your physical capabilities – some jobs need to

be carried out by two peopleUse purpose designed trolleys

Never roll a cylinder

Don’t attempt to catch a cylinder if it falls

Never transport a cylinder off site without consulting BOC /

College Safety Department

Never travel in a lift with liquid nitrogen vessels

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Removing specimens from liquid nitrogen vessels

Store the samples in the vapour phase

Place the vial into secondary containment immediately after removal

Wear appropriate PPE e.g. full face visor

There is a risk that vials may explode as liquid nitrogen warms and converts from liquid form to gaseous

PRECAUTIONS:

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Carrying out and recording the risk assessment

STEP 1: Identify the hazards STEP 2: Identify who may be at risk

STEP 3: Establish control measures

STEP 4: Record the assessment

STEP 5: Review the assessment

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Accidents do happen……

CO2 cylinder safety valve vented

Cylinders left unsupported

Cylinders obstructing fire escape route

Leaks from reducing valve

Cylinders dropped / fell in transit

Liquid nitrogen vessel toppled in transit

Burst silicone tubing carrying gas

Connector tubing became detached

Failure of trolley wheels on liquid nitrogen vessel

Structural failure in neck of liquid nitrogen vessel

Lasers, radiation, and an assortment of other

potential hazards in the laboratory

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Radiation

• All persons working with ionising radiations must be registered.

• All work with ionising radiations must be registered.

• Before starting work with ionising radiation you must:

• 1. Register as a Radiation Worker with the Safety Dept.

• 2. Attend Safety Department ‘Principles of Radiation Protection’ Course.

• 3. Attend Local Induction Training Course (RPS will arrange).

• 4. Ensure your work is registered with the Safety Dept.

• http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/safety/guidanceandadvice

Lasers

95% of laser accidents are caused by:

•Unanticipated eye exposure during alignment

•Misaligned optics and upwardly directed beams

•Available laser eye protection not used

Suitable and sufficient training is vital to ensure competency!

•All work with lasers in college must be registered

•All people working with lasers must be registered•All college Departments where lasers are used

must have a Departmental Laser Safety Officer (DLSO)

•Anyone wishing to work with lasers must see the DLSO before they start work

• they will then be informed of the Departmental procedure for registering

and risk assessing the work.

•All work with class 3B & class 4 lasers must be registered with the Safety Department.

•Before starting work you must attend the College Laser Course and have an eye test.

•You will receive further training locally as required.

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Magnetic fields

Safety issues:

•Nitrogen and Helium

•Risk assessment / code of practice

•Training

•Limited access

•No metal tools, swipe cards, mobile phones

•Gauss lines

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High / low pressure / vacuum

Safety issues•Implosion / Explosion•Risk assessment •Training

High Voltage / Electricity

Safety issues:

•Risk of electrocution / burns / death

•Overload of systems

•Fire

•‘Competent ‘design

•PAT and electrical testing

•Segregation from liquids

•Risk assessment

•Training

•Lone working issues

•Interlocks

Centrifuges

Main causes of rotor failure:Incorrect Loading

Overloading

Corrosion/Stress Corrosion

Fatigue / Old Age

Before each run:Is my rotor corrosion-free?

Is the anodising intact?

Is the rotor within its service life?

Are the ‘O’ rings in place and not degraded?

Are samples balanced and loaded?

Is the rotor secure?

Is the lid in place?

After every run:Keep it clean

Keep it dry

Remove rubber cushions

Store upside down in a warm place

Polish regularly

Rotor Care – What it means in practice:

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Machine tools

Safety issues

Machines:

•Risk of injury

•Guarding

•Emergency stops

•Training / competency

•Lock off key

Soldering:

•Respiratory problems e.g. due to colophony

•Burns / fire

•COSHH

•LEV (dispersal or extraction)

Slips, trips, heights, manual handling etc

What next for you ?

Risk Assessments

Go through risk assessments associated with your work with your

supervisor and review as required, write new where necessary.

Local training

Will be ongoing as you progress.

Further information available on Dept and Safety Dept websites.

Training needs analysis

Speak to supervisor and discuss training needs for now and future using Dept training needs analysis form (book and attend identified courses)

Local lab inductions

including emergency procedures and waste routes

Your Department – Physicshttp://www3.imperial.ac.uk/physics/about/safety

Your DeptartmentChemistry Safety web site: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/chemistry/about/safety

Chemistry Safety Handbook – YOU MUST READ THIS http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/pls/portallive/docs/1/7289602.PDF

Chemistry Department People with Safety responsibilities:

Head of Dept: Tom WeltonFaculty Safety Manager: Jan de Abela-Borg  

Department Laser Safety Officer: Saif Haque

X-Ray Radiation Protection Supervisor: Oscar Ces

3H Radiation Protection Supervisor (C1/C2): William Heal

3H Radiation Protection Supervisor (Miller/Thanou groups): Maya Thanou

Biological Safety Officer: Jan de Abela-Borg

First Aid Coordinator: Simon Mann

Chemical Safety Officer C1/C2: Chris Braddock

Chemical Safety Officer RCS1: Joachim Steinke

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Assessor: Sara Jagambrun

Chief Services Technician: Pete Sulsh

Safety info and contacts in Dept of Life Sciences

Head of Dept: Prof Ian Owens

Chair of Life Sciences H&S committee: Dr. Pietro Spanu

PG safety representative : Ms Catherine Reynolds

Faculty Safety Manager: Mr Stefan Hoyle

Flowers building: Mr. Mark Jay / Dr Francis Girard

Biochemistry building: Mr. Samuel Bamigbade / Mr. Mick Rogers (Chief Services Technician)

SAF building: Ms. Fiona May / Mr Ian Morris (Chief Services Technician)

RCS1 (and Biochemistry): Mr. Dave Featherbe

Bioreactor and X-ray Facility: Dr. Jeremy Moore

Cross Faculty NMR suite: Dr. Pete Simpson

Electron Microscopy centre: Dr. Raffa Carzaniga

Biophysics (Huxley Building): Mr John Akins / Mr David Gentry (FSM for Dept of Physics)

Silwood Campus: Ms Ros Jones

Life Sciences Safety web site: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/naturalsciences/staff/healthandsafety/ls

Building or campus handbooks (via web page above) – Refer to the relevant document