Liquid Nitrogen Container Safety Instructions

Nitrogen gas is odorless, colorless, tasteless ... and it can kill you! LN2 gas is not toxic but it displaces the oxygen in the air and can cause suffocation. That is why liquid nitrogen tanks must always be stored and used only in areas that are fully ventilated. Do not transport tanks in a closed vehicle. Nitrogen gas is extremely cold and your eyes can be damaged by exposure to this gas even when the contact is too brief to freeze the skin. When liquid nitrogen evaporates the cloudy vapor that you see is condensed moisture, not nitrogen gas. The gas itself is invisible.

Store your tank only in a clean, dry, ventilated area. Moisture, caustic cleaners or anything which might cause corrosion should be removed at once. Wash containers with plain water or mild detergent solution and then wipe dry. In addition, tanks should be stored in an upright position to prevent spillage. Tipping them over will cause the liquid nitrogen or nitrogen vapor to pour out and will greatly reduce the tank's holding time. Tanks should be handled with extreme care and caution and never dropped or jarred as this might damage the vacuum system. Large tanks are heavy and cannot be easily and safely carried but the optional roller base provides for safe and easy movement.

DO NOT OVERFILLTHE TANK. Check the liquid nitrogen level in your containers at least weekly and do not allow the liquid nitrogen level in the tank to get lower than 5 inches which is enough to maintain the low temperature necessary to avoid damage to the ampules, canes, straws or vials you have stored in the tank. Use special plastic, solid metal or wooden dipsticks. Never use hollow tubes or pipes as the boiling nitrogen will force LN2 up the tube and into your face. Always wear insulated or heavy leather gloves and goggles when measuring nitrogen levels. The rate of evaporation and days between refills depends upon the storage conditions (temperature, drafts, sunlight), age and condition of tank and how often you open the tank. If the tank is covered with frost or condensation the vacuum could be damaged. If damaged, transfer the contents to another tank and remove the damaged one from service.