Hazards of Chemicals and GasesDOE-HDBK-1015/2-93COMPRESSED GASESRev. 0CH-05Page 21Many safety precautions that must be taken with compressed gases also apply to liquified gases.However, some additional precautions are necessary because of the special properties exhibitedby fluids at cryogenic temperatures.The properties of cryogenic liquids affect their safe handling and use. Table 1 presentsinformation to help determine safe handling procedures. None of the gases listed are corrosiveat ambient temperatures, and only carbon monoxide is toxic.Always handle cryogenic liquids carefully. They can cause frostbite on skin andexposed eye tissue. When spilled, they tend to spread, covering a surfacecompletely and cooling a large area. The vapors emitted by these liquids are alsoextremely cold and can damage tissues. The vapor boil-off may inert theimmediate vicinity.Stand clear of boiling or splashing liquid and its vapors. Boiling and splashingoccurs when a warm container is charged or when warm objects are inserted intoa liquid. These operations should always be performed slowly to minimizeboiling and splashing. If cold liquid or vapor comes in contact with the skin oreyes, first aid should be given immediately. Never allow an unprotected part of the body to touch uninsulated pipes orvessels that contain cryogenic fluids. The extremely cold metal will cause theflesh to stick fast to the surface and tear when withdrawn. Touching evennonmetallic materials at low temperatures is dangerous.Tongs, or a similar device, should be used to withdraw objects immersed in a cryogenic liquid.Materials that are soft and pliable at room temperature become hard and brittle at extremely lowtemperatures and will break easily.Workers handling cryogenic liquids should use eye and hand protection to protect againstsplashing and cold-contact burns. Safety glasses are also recommended. If severe spraying orsplashing is likely, a face shield or chemical goggles should be worn. Protective gloves shouldalways be worn when anything that comes in contact with cold liquids and their vapors is beinghandled. Gloves should be loose fitting so that they can be removed quickly if liquids are spilledinto them. Trousers should remain outside of boots or work shoes.
Integrated Publishing, Inc. - A (SDVOSB) Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business
