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Liquid Nitrogen Safety Information

Nitrogen makes up the major portion of the atmosphere, 78 percent by volume. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, nontoxic and almost totally inert gas, and is colorless as a liquid. Nitrogen is nonflammable, will not support combustion, and is not life supporting. It can act as a simple asphyxiant by diluting the concentration of oxygen in air below levels necessary to support life. Inhalation of nitrogen in excessive concentrations can result in dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness and death. Death may result from errors in judgment, confusion, or loss of consciousness that prevents self-rescue.

Gaseous nitrogen must be handled with all the precautions necessary for safety with any nonflammable, nontoxic compressed gas. All precautions necessary for the safe handling of any gas liquefied at very low temperatures must be observed with liquid nitrogen. Extensive tissue damage or burns can result from exposure to liquid nitrogen or cold nitrogen vapors.

First aid care

First aid for inhalation:

• nitrogen is generally inert but can cause asphyxiation due to displacement of oxygen in the atmosphere
• rescuers wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus or airline respirator should move an affected individual from the hazardous exposure to fresh air at once
• perform artificial respiration if the person is not breathing
• if breathing is difficult, administer oxygen and seek medical attention

First aid for skin contact:

• in case of exposure to liquid nitrogen or cold gas, restore tissue to normal body temperature as soon as possible and protect the injured tissue from further damage and infection
• rapid warming of the affected part is best achieved by bathing it in warm water
• the water temperature should not exceed 105°F
• under no circumstances should the frozen part be rubbed either before or after warming.