Department of Biology
Local rules for decanting liquid nitrogen in main departmental storage areas
- All users must be trained and authorised to dispense liquid nitrogen by a competent person
- For decanting from non-pressurised dewars, training can be delivered by a fellow lab member. Use of the BOC LN2 compound is only allowed following training by a biology infrastructure team member.
- Liquid nitrogen may only be dispensed into containers designed for liquid nitrogen use of the narrow neck style.
- Liquid must not be dispensed into small volume wide necked vessels even where designed for liquid nitrogen use.
- Wear PPE provided (Gloves and eye/face protection must be worn) at all times during the dispensing process
- E021 is an open area with no door, if disepensing anywhere else doors must be opened to allow dispersal.
- If working in E012, an oxygen deficiency monitor is in place - if an alarm sounds, immediately shut off delivery valve (if safe to do so) and evacuate the room. Report the incident to biol-infrastructure-group@york.ac.uk The monitor will reset once the level of oxygen has returned to normal. (Oxygen deficiency monitor in Room B/E/012 supplied and serviced by GDS Technologies, Leeds (T 0113 2860 166). Service carried out twice per year. Service records kept by Lucy Hudson Operational Manager Tel 8745).
- Decanting activities should normally be restricted to normal working hours (Weekdays 08:00 to 18:00hrs).
- Most pressurised dewars have been removed from the department now that the BOC LN2 compound is in place, however if using pressurised dewars and you notice liquid leaking from the delivery hose or joints - Stop filling and report the problem to biol-infrastructure-group@york.ac.uk