1. 1 Foundation Training in Laboratory Safety Faculty Safety Managers David Gentry, Stefan Hoyle, Jan de Abela-Borg

2. sdfgafgafga 2 Module 3 Gases and cryogenics

3. sdfgafgafga 3 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%+)

4. sdfgafgafga 4 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

5. 5 Common gases - physical properties and hazards Don’t play games with dry ice!

6. sdfgafgafga 6 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

7. 7 Common gases - physical properties and hazards NITROGEN (LIQUID) Description: Colourless, odourless liquid (-196 o C) 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

8. sdfgafgafga 8 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

9. 9 Hazard information MSDS and Hazard Labels

10. 10 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:

11. 11 The control hierarchy Prevent or minimise the risk of release at source 1 Disperse the gas before it reaches a critical level 2 Warning systems should the gas reach a critical level 3

12. 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. 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

14. 14 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

15. 15 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

16. 16 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. 17 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:

18. 18 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

19. 19 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 20

21. 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

22. 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.

23. 23 Magnetic fields Safety issues: Nitrogen and Helium Risk assessment / code of practice Training Limited access No metal tools, swipe cards, mobile phones Gauss lines

24. 24 High / low pressure / vacuum Safety issues Implosion / Explosion Risk assessment Training

25. 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

26. 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:

27. 27 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)

28. Slips, trips, heights, manual handling etc

29. 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

30. Your Department – Physics http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/physics/about/safety

31. Your Deptartment Chemistry Safety web site: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/chemistry/about/safetyhttp://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 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 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

32. 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 http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/naturalsciences/staff/healthandsafety/ls Building or campus handbooks (via web page above) – Refer to the relevant document