From: Joseph Biscardi
Date: September 3, 2024
Subject: Safety Newsletter September 2024


Issue #14                                                                                     September 2024

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Safety Moment- Liquid Nitrogen Filling

You have probably seen cryogenic liquid being filled near the loading docks of Smart Energy, Science 2, Biotech, or Pharmacy. Did you know, one of the main risks of Liquid Nitrogen is the asphyxiation hazard caused by displaced oxygen? This is why these procedures must be done in a well ventilated area. When filling tanks or transferring liquid indoors, make sure to do so in a well ventilated area or use the provided snorkels.

Incident Spotlight

There was a near-miss incident at Ames National Lab in February of 2023, where a researcher was pushing a nitrogen tank down the hallway and tipped over, briefly pinning the researcher to the ground.  It was later determined the accident happened when the caster caught on the door threshold.
 Please  review any procedures you have for using cryogens. LN2 dewars should always be transported using a spotter, make sure to come to a complete stop when encountering uneven floors or rugs, and make sure to plan your path to avoid uneven surfaces.
Read the full document attached to the bottom of the email

Chemical Inventory Posting Updates

One of the very common violations we find during inspections is Chemical Inventory being out of date. Since annual inspections are on the horizon, please take a moment to work with the inventory administrator in your lab to submit a new inventory. Please post it and email it to cheminv@binghamton.edu

 

All Drains Lead to the Susquehanna River






Regardless of where your lab is located within the university, the sinks and sanitary sewers ultimately discharge into the Susquehanna River, buy why is this relevant to your laboratory?

  • Many chemicals have toxic effects to the environment. They can be acutely toxic to vegetation and wildlife, have a chronic bioaccumulation effect, persist in our aquifers indefinitely, or volatilize as a gas in our soils (vadose zone). Improper disposal of toxic chemicals like this would have an immediate feedback on our local environment and ecology.
  • Chemicals that may be “safe” for drain disposal today have the potential to be illegal in the future. That puts the university at risk of environmental non-compliance through EPA CERCLA regulations, which many industries and organizations are now dealing with in New York State and across the country.

In an effort to minimize any potential incidents, EH&S recommends disposing of all chemical wastes through the hazardous waste management program. 
 


Attachments:
  • 39073_2023-AMSO-AMES-0002.pdf
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