Inert Cryogenic Liquids

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Policy Number:
UW-6067
Responsible Office:
Environment, Health and Safety

University Policy

Rationale/​Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that facilities where inert cryogenic liquids are used and stored have proper controls and that personnel in these facilities receive appropriate training.

Definitions:
Facility Manager
Individual responsible for the direct oversight or operational maintenance of a facility or space that utilizes inert cryogenic liquids.
Inert Cryogenic Liquids
Liquefied gases that are kept in their liquid state at very low temperatures, have boiling points below -150°C (- 238°F), do not undergo chemical reactions under normal conditions, and are non-toxic (e.g., argon, helium, nitrogen). For the purposes of this policy, liquefied carbon dioxide is also included.
Principal Investigator
For purposes of this policy, any individual who has primary responsibility for the operations of assigned laboratory space. In most instances, this will be a UW–Madison faculty member. In some instances, a facility director or department chair may assign the responsibilities outlined in this policy to a member of the academic staff (e.g., a supervisor of an instrumentation laboratory).
Scope:

This policy applies to all UW–Madison faculty, staff, and students who use inert cryogenic liquids (e.g., argon, nitrogen, helium) in university facilities, including research and teaching laboratories.

Policy:
  1. Responsibilities
    1. Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S)
      1. Establish reasonable limitations and requirements for laboratories/facilities using inert cryogenic liquids.
      2. Assess facilities housing inert cryogenic liquids to determine necessary controls including the potential need for oxygen monitoring.
      3. Coordinate with the Physical Plant and/or contractor to ensure oxygen monitors are installed consistent with campus standards.
      4. Provide training on general hazards associated with use of inert cryogenic liquids.
      5. Provide technical assistance to Principal Investigators and Facility Managers.
      6. Periodically review operations to ensure that all required elements of the safety plan are enacted.
      7. Determine which compressed or liquified gases are subject to this policy.
    2. Principal Investigator (PI), Facility Manager, or other personnel in charge of laboratories or facilities
      1. Contact EH&S prior to initial purchase, rental, or use of inert cryogenic liquids in excess of 25 liters.
      2. Provide information as requested by EH&S related to risk assessments (e.g., space designs, instrument manuals, measurements, locations of use, quantities).
      3. Inform EH&S of changes in risk assessment related information.
      4. Implement and maintain the controls (e.g., administrative, engineering, personal protective equipment, signage/postings) and practices set forth by EH&S.
      5. Ensure appropriate personnel have general and facility-specific training on hazards and appropriate procedures for working with inert cryogenic liquids.
      6. Maintain documentation of required activities (e.g., training, standard operating procedures, maintenance records).
      7. Ensure that all oxygen monitors and other engineering controls are operating properly and that they are calibrated as required.
      8. Ensure that oxygen monitor installation and maintenance is appropriately funded.
    3. Individuals working in facilities that use inert cryogenic liquids
      1. Understand the hazards associated with the use of inert cryogenic liquids.
      2. Follow the policies and lab rules set forth by the PI or facility manager.
      3. Only operate systems for which they are trained and authorized.
      4. Notify PI or facility manager of any apparent safety hazard.
    4. Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M)
      1. Ensure laboratory ventilation is functioning properly.
      2. Maintain operational status of Physical Plant managed assets (e.g., oxygen monitors, fume hoods).
      3. Consult with EH&S on any projects involving >25 liters of cryogenic liquids.
  2. Storage
    1. Inert cryogenic liquids must be stored in containers rated for cryogenic materials.
    2. Storage containers must:
      1. be kept upright and in a well-ventilated area
      2. not be dropped, rolled, or stored on their side
      3. not be stored near elevators, walkways, unprotected platform edges, or in locations where heavy moving objects may strike or fall on them
  3. Transport
    1. Inert cryogenic liquid containers must be moved on a hand truck, cart, or other appropriate transportation method.
    2. Inert cryogenic liquid containers need to be secured while being transported and kept upright at all times.
    3. If inert cryogenic liquids must be transported by elevator, mitigating procedures (e.g., sending containers alone on elevators, informing building occupants about inert cryogenic liquid transportation activities) must be implemented based on a risk assessment.
  4. Training
    1. General inert cryogenic liquid training is provided through the Office of Chemical Safety.
    2. Lab/facility specific training must be provided by the PI/Facility Manager or designee.
    3. Training must cover the following topics:
      1. Properties and hazards of the inert cryogenic liquid being used
      2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements
      3. Facility-specific procedures (e.g., appropriate handling and filling methods)
      4. Proper use and function of engineering controls (e.g., oxygen monitors, instrument interlocks, fume hoods, other room ventilation)
      5. Administrative controls
      6. Incident/Exposure response and emergency contact
      7. Transport of inert cryogenic liquids
    4. Training must be documented with trainee signatures and training dates.
Related UW-Madison Policies:

UW-6066 Campus Chemical Hygiene Plan (CCHP)

Related UW–Madison Documents, Web Pages, or Other Resources:

Policy Administration

Approval Authority:
Assistant Vice Chancellor, Environment, Health & Safety
Policy Manager:
Director Of Chemical Safety/Chemical Hygiene Officer
Contact:
Director Of Chemical Safety/Chemical Hygiene Officer -- Jeffrey Zebrowski, jeff.zebrowski@wisc.edu, (608) 890-0993
Effective Date:
11-04-2014
Revised Dates:

08-05-2025

Retrieved:
10-26-2025 08:38:04