POLICY

A. Purpose

This policy describes the restrictions and conditions for persons who handle cryogens or who operate cryogenic-liquid-handling systems at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab).
Cryogenic liquids include, but are not limited to, liquid nitrogen, liquid helium, and liquid argon.

B. Persons Affected

Berkeley Lab employees, visitors, affiliates, and subcontractors who handle cryogens or who operate cryogenic-liquid-handling systems at the Laboratory

C. Exceptions

None

D. Policy Statement

1. The primary hazards associated with cryogenic liquids are:
   1. Thermal hazards due to extremely low temperatures
   2. Pressurization hazards due to inadequate venting

   3. Oxygen deficiency due to oxygen displacement (for inert cryogens)

      There are additional hazards including any hazardous characteristics associated with the cryogenic liquid (e.g., flammability of hydrogen). See Work Processes A and F for more details on hazards.
2. Cryogenic liquids are obtained by:
   1. The Principal Investigator placing an order for a portable cryogenic liquid dewar through a request to the on-site chemical supplier or
   2. The Principal Investigator making a request to the Facilities Division to connect to a cryogenics liquid tank (the Facilities Division has responsibility for the Laboratory's bulk cryogenic systems and for their safe design, operation, and maintenance.)
3. Orders and Facilities Requests should be followed with a note or call to the Cryogenic Liquids Subject Matter Expert (SME) to start assessment processes.
4. Before work with cryogenic liquids is undertaken, an oxygen-deficiency risk assessment must be conducted (Work Process A).
5. Prior to use, persons who handle cryogens or who operate cryogenic-liquid-handling systems at Berkeley Lab must complete training that covers:
   • Awareness of hazards related to the equipment
   • Methods for controlling those hazards
   • Proper operating procedures applicable to the equipment (Work Process B)
6. Ensure all hazards associated with the handling of cryogenic liquids in an area are identified and controlled (Work Processes C, D, E, F. J, K, and L).
7. Line management must ensure:
   1. Only equipment intended for cryogenic service is used
   2. Equipment, commercial or otherwise, is not modified in a fashion that could defeat the designed safety features of the equipment or otherwise create an unforeseen hazard, such as inadequate venting of cryogen spaces
   3. Equipment is appropriately designed, fabricated, and used for cryogenic use (See Work Processes D, J, K, and L of Pub-3000 Chapter 29.
8. Users of cryogenic systems must follow training guidance and written procedures covering:
   1. Operation of cryogenics systems (Work Processes G, H, I, J, K, L, and M)
   2. Use of controls for cryogenic liquid handling, including personal protective equipment (PPE) (Work Processes C, D, H and I)
   3. Transportation of cryogenic liquids (Work Process N)
   4. Disposal of cryogenic materials (Work Process O)
   5. Reporting of incidents with cryogenic liquids (Work Process P)

E. Roles and Responsibilities

See Pub-3000 for roles and responsibilities related to the execution of this policy's implementation.

F. Definitions/Acronyms

See PUB-3000 Chapter 29) for technical terms related to the details of this policy and its implementation.

G. Recordkeeping Requirements

H. Implementing Documents

I. Contact Information

For assistance on cryogenic-liquid applications, including safety engineering and industrial hygiene, contact:
EH&S Subject Matter Expert for Cryogens
Alyssa Brand
(510) 486-7246
[email protected]

For assistance with cryogenic system repairs, maintenance, and modifications, contact:
Facilities Division
Mike Botello
(510) 486-7941
[email protected]

J. Revision History

DOCUMENT INFORMATION

Source Requirements Documents

• 10 CFR 851.21(C)(a)(5), Worker Health and Safety Program; Hazard Identification and Assessment; Evaluate operations, procedures, and facilities to identify workplace hazards.
• 10 CFR 851, Worker Safety and Health Program
• 29 CFR 1910.101, Compressed Gases
• 49 CFR 173.316, Cryogenic Liquids in Cylinders
• ANSI/ASME B31.3, Process Piping
• ASME Section VIII Division 1, Pressure Vessels

Implementing Documents

Other References

• Compressed Gas Association, Pamphlet P-12, Safe Handling of Cryogenic Liquids
• Compressed Gas Association, Pamphlet P-12, Safe Handling of Cryogenic Liquids, 6.7
• NFPA 55, Standard for the Storage, Use, and Handling of Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Liquids in Portable and Stationary Containers, Cylinders, and Tanks
• Public Law 91-596, Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
• International Fire Code (IFC) Chapter 32 "Cryogenic Fluids"
• DOE Guide 440.1-8, Implementation Guide for Use with 10 CFR Part 851, Worker Safety and Health Program, Section 3.3.2.1.5