Australian Standard The storage and handling of non-flammable cryogenic and refrigerated liquids SWP055

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1 Use this form to assist you to complete risk assessments for hazardous activities and processes. Any serious or ongoing hazards should be reported via RiskWare to ensure that appropriate corrective actions are tracked and completed. Faculty/School: Faculty of Science / Risk Assessment Reference Number: Risk Assessment Name: School of Molecular Bioscience Initial Issue Date: Oct 2015 Next Review Date: Oct 2016 containers offsite SMB055.2 Prepared by: Ben Monaghan Responsible supervisor/s: Markus Hofer (Chair WHS committee) & Dianne Fisher (Safety Officer) Identify the activity and the location Activity or process: Location: Research and teaching labs at SMB and Liquid Nitrogen reservoir at Chemistry Identify who may be at risk This may include fellow workers, students, visitors, contractors and the public Persons at risk: All staff and students at SMB that do the procedure and/or need the equipment and visitors, contractors and the public Risk assessment team (Who was consulted?): WHS committee at SMB List of Legislation, Code of Practice, Australian Standards, Guidance Materials used to determine control measures Australian Standard The storage and handling of non-flammable cryogenic and refrigerated liquids SWP055 Risk Assessment Methodology Assessing the risk is a brainstorming exercise, which is most effectively carried out in a team environment with the people required to complete the activity or process. Most activities or processes are broken down into a variety of separate tasks. For each task, consider the hazards, the potential harm or negative outcomes and the conditions required for those negative outcomes to occur. Whenever assessing the health and safety risks associated with a task, always consider the following primary risk factors. The physical activities required to complete the task e.g. repetitive movement, high force, physical exertion, awkward posture The work environment e.g. lighting, work layout, traffic, thermal comfort, working in isolation The nature of the hazard itself e.g. working with chemicals, microorganisms, radiation, machinery, potentially violent clients The individual workers involved, e.g. level of training, skills, experience, health, age, physical capacity The information gathered from the risk assessment process must be used to develop a Safe Work Procedure (SWP).

2 Task or scenario Hazard/s Associated harm, e.g. what could go wrong? Existing Risk Controls Current risk rating Use the Risk Matrix Any additional controls are required? 1 Residual risk rating Use the Risk Matrix Accidents while transporting liquid dewar to and from filling point Transporting liquid between two locations exposes the carrier and other persons encountered en route who are not wearing personal protective equipment to potentially severe cryogenic related injuries. Transport and storage in small confined spaces (i.e. lift, car, room etc.) may result in asphyxiation. Have a current driver s license Be authorised to drive the SMB ute. Appropriate tire pressure of dewar and ute. Use SMB crane if necessary. Use a buddy. Medium L5 Transport and storage in unsuitable containers may result in the vessel exploding. Dewar could tip over and fall off the edge of ute or dock. Exposure to cryogenic liquid through dispensing liquid Direct contact with skin or eyes may result in severe burns (frost-bite) or permanent tissue damage and loss of sight. Serious injury can result within seconds of contact. Asphyxiation risk if there is a leak. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, enclosed shoes, lab coat/gown, a face shield or safety glasses/goggles, respirator). Know the risks of the cryogenics you are working with: attend a cryogenics/gas safety course suggested by University of Sydney OHS, and read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and comply with any SDS requirements. Medium L5 1 Always consider whether or not it is possible to eliminated the hazard or hazardous task altogether. If this is not possible, refer to the hierarchy of risk controls.

3 Consult SOP before using cryogenics, and observe all risk control recommendations. Report any leaks after leaving area of the leak Accidents while filling liquid dewar Using vessels not intended for cryogenic agents risks rupture of the vessel and a SERIOUS spill and injury. Securing or uncoupling dewar onto and from SMB ute ALWAYS use approved cryogenic vessels, e.g. metal dewars for liquid. Properly attached hose fittings using spanners Maintain hose and fittings Low L5 Potential Nitrogen Spill if dewar integrity damaged. Dispensing and working with Liquid: Direct contact with skin or eyes may result in severe burns (frost-bite) or permanent tissue damage and loss of sight. Serious injury can result within seconds of contact. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (eg gloves, enclosed shoes, lab coat/gown, a face shield or safety glasses/goggles, respirator). Page 3

4 Implementation of Additional Risk Controls Additional controls needed Resources required Responsible person Date of implementation RiskWare Reference Safe Work Procedure (SWP) DONE WHS committee N/A Train workers to complete process in accordance with SWP Time supervisor and workers Supervisor N/A University and local WHS training Time Supervisor N/A List emergency controls for how to deal with fires, spills or exposure to hazardous substances and/or emergency shutdown procedures 1. If an emergency occurs, turn off the main tank valve, the liquid valve on the container and vent valve on the container. 2. If a very large amount of cryogenic material like liquid is spilled (>1 L) leave the area immediately and notify nearby workers to also leave. Consult your supervisor. No particular cleanup is necessary, but it is important to allow the gas to dissipate before returning to work. (time required depends how well ventilated the area is, most likely 5-10 min, but longer for lessventilated spaces). 3. Any large spills (>1L) or incidents resulting in injury must be reported to your supervisor immediately and via the online incident report form within 24 h. Near misses (dangerous situations not leading to an incident) should also be reported. 4. A large-scale uncontrolled leak of a cryogenic agent could constitute a serious emergency. For example, a rupture in the hoses or the main tank of liquid cylinder outside the Chemistry Building would require the immediate notification of University Security (1-3333) and possibly also emergency services (000 or 0-000). REVIEW Scheduled review date 1 year 2 years 3 years Are control measures in place (YES/NO) Are controls eliminating or minimizing the risk (YES/NO) Are there any new problems with the risk (YES/NO) Reviewed by: Actual Review date:

5 Risk Matrix. RISK ASSESSMENT FORM