Did you know? While it is normal to observe frost on the pipes and valves on a Liquid Nitrogen dewar, it is not normal to observe frost on the tank exterior. Frost here can be caused by a failure in the insulation. Other signs of failure include sweating on the outside of the tank (as pictured) or pressure relief devices on top of the tanks being damaged. If you notice any of these signs of tank failure immediately notify your PI and EH&S.
Incident Spotlight- Student Sustains Cold Burns When Touching Liquid Nitrogen
A researcher inserted metal racks into a liquid nitrogen tank when her right hand came into contact with the chemical; she sustained cold burns to her index, middle and ring fingers. The researcher reported the incident immediately to her PI, and went to the emergency room for medical attention. At the time of the incident the researcher was wearing appropriate PPE including a pair of latex gloves underneath the cryogenic gloves; however, the chemical had penetrated the gloves upon submersion.
What do you think happened? What could have been done differently?
Learn more about the incident and how it was caused at the UCLA Website
Air Quality Tip: Keep Drains Wet
Drains are equipped with a U-shaped pipe, called a p-trap, which blocks odors when full of water. Infrequently used drains and sinks will dry out, allowing these odors to escape. If you have ever noticed foul odors in the lab and cannot find a source, check floor drains or fume hood drains that are not frequently used. Pour about 500mL of water down the drain. If that does not fix the problem call EHS or Facilities Operation Center and request staff come to look at it.
Waste Minimization - Fee “FIFO” Fum!
“First In, First Out”
It may sound like a nursery rhyme, but this acronym is widely used in the logistics and food industries as a reminder to all to move out perishable items in the correct order to prevent these items from expiring. This same concept applies in the laboratory setting as well, like when purchasing and using chemicals in your lab.
Think of the milk carton example: you (presumably) wouldn’t have two open containers of milk in your refrigerator at home at the same time. Rather, you would finish the First bottle In the refrigerator so that it is the First bottle Out.
Accurate inventories assist with purchasing only what is needed for your research. Chemicals that are purchased in bulk that are unused ultimately end up in hazardous waste disposal, which leads to…
Fee! Unnecessary costs associated with the hazardous waste disposal of unused chemicals.
Oh Fum. Who would’ve guessed that the giant in “Jack and the Beanstalk” worked in a laboratory?
