Cryogenic Liquids
Sacramento Sparks Reno Welding Supply
Harris Gas is a certified wholesale distributor of cryogenic liquids. We are duly licensed by the California State Board of Pharmacy and proudly serve our local home medical providers, hospitals, urgent-care facilities, veterinarians, dentists, dermatologists, elder-care facilities and much more. Because we distribute various gases and gas mixtures regularly, we want to make sure that our customers are fully aware of what they are dealing with. Today we are going to go over the dangers of working with cryogenic liquids and how to prevent harmful accidents from happening.
Please understand that safety is the number one priority when handling cryogenic liquids. The Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety states that cryogenic liquids and their associated cold vapors and gases can produce effects on the skin similar to a thermal burn. Brief exposures that would not affect skin on the face or hands can damage delicate tissues such as the eyes. Prolonged exposure of the skin or contact with cold surfaces can cause frostbite. Prolonged breathing of extremely cold air may damage the lungs. Even if you handle and work with cryogenic liquids on a daily basis please prioritize your safety because one mistake could lead to one of, if not more than one of, these health risks.
Although those health risks sound scary, luckily, they can be prevented by proper handling practices. This includes wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Personal protective equipment includes special cryogen gloves, safety goggles, full face shield, impervious apron or coat, long pants, and high topped shoes. Also, make sure to use tongs or proper gloves when handling objects that come in contact with your cryogenic liquid. Make sure your work area is well ventilated. When you transfer or pour cryogenic liquid you should do so slowly to minimize boiling and splashing. Last but not least, you want to make sure that your cryogenic liquid is stored in containers that are designed for the pressure and temperature to which they may be subjected. The last thing you want is to set aside your cryogenic liquid and come back to it with the container ruptured.
Dealing with cryogenic liquids is no joke. Take it seriously as it could do some major damage. The safe handling practices listed above sound like common sense but you would be surprised at how many injuries occur because safety was not taken seriously. All we want you to understand is that cryogenic liquids can do a lot of harm and because of that you should act safely when handling them at all times.
For more information on cryogenic liquids contact us at Harris Gas!
