Following an incident on May 17, in which a worker received serious cryogenic burns after immersing their hands in a container of liquid nitrogen, it is important to review the risks associated with using this substance in the mining industry.
Resources Safety & Health Queensland has released a safety notice detailing the risks of liquid nitrogen use and the procedures that can be undertaken to prevent them.
The Mine Safety and Health Management System is responsible for managing the risks associated with the safe use and handling of liquid nitrogen or similar substances.
When particular event occurred in May, the worker was not wearing the correct personal protective equipment, as reported by Work Health and Safe Queensland inspectors.
Liquid nitrogen, which has an extremely low temperature and can expand to a very large volume of gas, is commonly used in the mining industry. Liquid nitrogen vapour can rapidly freeze skin tissue and eye fluid, resulting in cold burns, frostbite, and permanent hand and eye damage.
To mitigate the risks, it should always be handled slowly in well-ventilated areas while wearing eye, face and skin protection.
Only approved containers with loose-fitting lids should be used to store the substance. A tightly sealed container will build up pressure and likely explode.
Workers handling liquid nitrogen should ensure they are wearing a suitably rated full face shield, safety or chemical splash goggles and loose-fitted thermal insulated or leather gloves, and ensure their arms and legs are fully covered.
When working with potentially dangerous substances, site senior executives must ensure risk-assessed procedures are developed and provide appropriate PPE.
They should ensure site procedures are followed and complied with, and provide site-specific training, including the keeping of training records.
Reviewing information and assessing existing controls about safety surrounding liquid nitrogen use is important to prevent future incidents.