Foundation Training in
Laboratory Safety
Faculty Safety Managers
Stefan Hoyle, Jan de Abela-Borg
1
Module 3
Gases and cryogenics
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Objectives
Reinforce basics of risk assessment
Explain how gases and cryogenics can cause harm
Identify and understand control measures to minimise
exposure
Identify other potential hazards within the laboratory setting
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 solid
Pellets or flakes.
Relative density (Air = 1):
1.52
Flammable?
No
Workplace Exposure Limits:
1.5% (short term), 0.5% (long term)
Hazards:
Cold burns / frostbite
Sublimes 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 air
Expansion 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
10
Foreseeable risks
Uncontrolled release of
gas due to:
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
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The control hierarchy
1
Prevent or minimise the risk of release at source
2
Disperse the gas before it reaches a critical level
3
Warning systems should the gas reach a critical level
12
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
13
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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……… and some Don’ts
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
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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 advance
Avoid moving cylinders through populated work areas
Report problems with paths and roadways to Estates
Be aware of your physical capabilities – some jobs need to
be carried out by two people
Use 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
17
Removing specimens from liquid nitrogen vessels
There is a risk that vials may
explode as liquid nitrogen
warms and converts from
liquid form to gaseous
PRECAUTIONS:
Store the samples in the
vapour phase
Place the vial into secondary
containment immediately
after removal
Wear appropriate PPE e.g.
full face visor
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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
20
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
•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.
•You will receive further training locally as required.
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!
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
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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
Rotor Care –
What it means in practice:
Before each run:
After every 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?
Keep it clean
Keep it dry
Remove rubber cushions
Store upside down in a warm place
Polish regularly
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)
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What next for you ?
Local lab inductions
including emergency procedures and waste routes
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)
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 – what next?
Fieldwork
safety
Gases and
Cryogenics
training
Fire safety
and fire
prevention
CBS
training
RAFT
Laser
safety
training
Principles of
Radiation
Safety
Local lab training
Centrifuge
safety
Training needs analysis
Basic Laboratory Safety
(inc Bio-safety) training
INDUCTION
Your Department – Physics
http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/physics/about/safety
Your Deptartment
Chemistry 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 Welton
Faculty 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
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
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
Head of Dept: Prof Ian Owens
Chair of Life Sciences H&S committee: Dr. Pietro Spanu
Chair of Silwood H&S committee: Prof Susan Parry
PG safety representative : Ms Catherine Reynolds
Faculty Safety Manager: Mr Stefan Hoyle
Flowers building: Ms. Marian Blokpoel / Dr Francis Girard
Biochemistry building: Mr. Samuel Bamigbade / Mr. Barry Crook (Senior
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
Silwood Campus: Ms Ros Jones
Objectives MCQs
Short MCQ test to help us ensure
that the learning objectives for the
course have been met.......
What is the correct definition of a hazard?
A. Something with the potential to cause harm
B. A physical object that can cause significant injury
C. A process which always results in harm
D. Something that will cause significant injury
What is the correct definition of risk?
A. The likelihood that harm will occur to one or more
people
B. A description of the severity of harm from anything
C. How harm occurs to the environment, people or
equipment
D. The likelihood and severity of harm occurring
A biological agent in hazard group 2 cannot be used
at containment level:
A. 2
B. 1
C. 2, 3 or 4
D. 2 or 4
E. 3
A Class I microbiological safety cabinet provides:
A. Protection to the user and others in the lab only
B. 100% Protection to the user and samples in the cabinet
C. A negative pressure to protect the samples
D. Airflows that ensure a sterile environment is maintained in
the cabinet
E. Protection to the user and a sterile environment for any
samples
A Class II Microbiological safety cabinet cannot
be used when:
A. Changing the media on cells infected with a airborne
human pathogen
B. Creating aerosols when homogenizing human
tissues
C. Performing reactions using chemicals with a
inhalation risk
Which of the following is unlikely to affect the air flow in
a fume hood?
A. A person rushing passed the front of the hood
B. Positioning a double fridge beside the fume hood
C. Positioning a storage cupboard at right angles to the
fume hood
D. Slowly lowering the sash while an experiment is in
progress
E. Opening a window in the lab
The 5 steps of Risk Assessment are?
A) Identify the hazards /establish control measures / test
control measures / inform and instruct staff / record the
assessment
B) Identify the hazards / identify who may be harmed and
how / establish control measures / record the assessment /
review the assessment
C) Identify the hazards /establish control measures / test
control measures / record the assessment / inform and
instruct staff
Which of the following would you not do if your fume
hood breaks down during a hazardous procedure?
A) Make the experiment safe
B) Turn off ignition sources
C) Cool the equipment by spraying with tap water
D) Close reagent containers
E) Inform your demonstrator/supervisor immediately
Working in a fume hood would mitigate against
which of these routes of exposure to chemicals?
A) Ingestion
B) Inhalation
C) Skin contact
Which of the following is not a correct statement?
A. When liquid nitrogen becomes gaseous it expands
approximately 700 times
B. Nitrogen replaces the oxygen in the air and can lead to
asphyxiation
C. Gas cylinders should always be stored flat on the floor or
on a bench
D. Changing gas regulators requires specific training
E. Manual handling training is advisable for anyone moving
gas cylinders
To use a high power Class 4 laser which of these
action chains should you follow?
A.Turn laser on / Look for the beam to check if it is working /
Avoid looking directly down the beam / Wear a pair of safety
goggles
B.Register with the Departmental Laser Safety Officer / Attend
laser user Training / Wear a pair of Laser safety goggles /
Turn laser on
C.Register with the Departmental Laser Safety Officer / Attend
laser user Training / Await supervision and training for use of
the specific laser / Wear appropriate Laser Safety Goggles if
required.
You are untrained in the use of mechanical workshop equipment and
you need a hole drilled in a piece of metal as part of your research,
which of these action chains should you follow?
A. Ask a mate to instruct you how to drill a hole / Find the nearest power
drill / Find some Safety Glasses / Then drill the hole
B. Buy a power drill / Buy some Safety Glasses / Ask a mate to instruct
you how to use the drill / Then drill hole
C. Find some Safety Glasses / Find the nearest Lab Technician / Ask if
you can borrow their power drill / Then drill the hole
D. Go to the nearest mechanical workshop / Ask for a Mechanical
Technician / Ask them to drill the hole for you
E. Go into the nearest mechanical workshop / Find some Safety Glasses
/ Find the nearest Mechanical Technician / Ask to use their pedestal
drill
Did you benefit from the course?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Indifferent
Do you think the course will prove to be useful to you
in your work?
A.Yes
B.No
C.Don’t know
Did the course meet it’s learning objectives?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Partially
Was the quality of the talks good?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Sometimes