Cryogenic PPE by Task: What to Wear for Bench Work, Vessels, Decanting and Dry Shippers
A single line in a risk assessment saying "cryogenic PPE to be worn" leaves every decision to the person at the vessel. Writing PPE by task is clearer, easier to train and easier to audit. Bench handling of frozen samples Moving visotubes, goblets or vials between a transfer container and a rack: safety glasses and wrist length cryogenic gloves, adding a face shield if the transfer container holds open liquid rather than vapour. Working in a storage vessel Lifting canisters or racks and retrieving samples: a face shield over safety glasses, mid arm or elbow length gloves, a waterproof apron and closed footwear. Decanting and filling The highest splash risk and the task most often rushed. Wear the full set: face shield, glasses, elbow or shoulder length gloves, a full length apron and trousers worn outside closed boots, never tucked in. Charging and loading dry shippers The full set while liquid is being poured in, then face shield, glasses and gloves for loading once the free...