It goes without saying that prioritizing team safety delivers a wide range of benefits. Employees tend to view their organization more positively, and fostering a well-managed safety culture gives staff greater confidence, improving productivity and motivation while reducing absenteeism and downtime.
Image Credit: THICHA SATAPITANON/Shutterstock.com
Reducing risks also reduces costs, resulting in fewer accidents, lower staff turnover, and a reduced risk of legal action. Beyond the organization itself, a strong safety culture improves reputation and standing with suppliers, partners, and investors.
Other articles have addressed efficiency and sample security, both of which are essential requirements in any cryogenic laboratory. However, safety must remain the top priority. When it does not, colleagues, samples, and even the entire operation are placed at risk.
How safety can easily be overlooked
To be clear, safety rules are not deliberately ignored in cryogenic laboratory installations. However, disjointed setups, poor ergonomics, shortcuts, inadequate training, and minimal compliance with regulations are frequently found.
These conditions expose laboratories to significant risks, often without awareness. The question is how this situation comes about.
Procurement may be the problem
In some cases, procurement practices are the root cause. For example, one supplier may provide the freezers, another the gas, and another the pipework.
Each supplier then assumes responsibility only for their specific contribution rather than the complete installation, creating safety gaps. At Air Products, the entire installation is reviewed, regardless of which elements are supplied.
Follow the right regulations
Another issue relates to regulatory differences. Some equipment suppliers are unaware that standards applied in other countries do not necessarily meet United Kingdom regulations. As a result, purchasers and users may unknowingly fail to comply with the correct requirements.
In such cases, customers are advised on the steps required to meet applicable safety regulations. Wherever possible, solutions are identified that allow existing equipment to be used safely. However, there are occasions when gas supply cannot be provided because it would not be possible to do so safely.
Regulations also continue to evolve. Practices considered acceptable 10 years ago may no longer meet current standards. If any part of an older installation is modified, the entire system must be reviewed against the latest regulations, and guidance must be provided on what is required for compliance.
Complying with codes
The British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA) produces the Codes of Practice for the installation and use of gases in cryogenic laboratories. These codes provide guidance and recommendations on safe and effective practices related to the use of compressed gases.
As a member of the BCGA, Air Products ensures that all relevant statutory regulations are applied in designs and installations covered by these codes. Laboratories are also expected to carry out their own risk assessments to ensure compliance during inspections by regulatory authorities.
Things you can do to help, and how Air Products can assist
At Air Products, safety is treated as a fundamental priority. It is embedded in all operations, particularly in industries where gases and equipment are supplied for critical applications. Air Products has consistently aimed to meet and exceed safety regulations, maintaining high standards, especially within cryogenic laboratory environments.
Helpful advice and guidance
A wide range of additional guidance is available. As part of its safety commitment, Air Products provides an extensive online resource that includes a series of Safetygrams. These downloadable PDF documents cover many safety aspects related to gases and associated equipment.
For cryogenic freezing, the most relevant Safetygrams include number 7 (Liquid Nitrogen), number 16 (Safe Handling of Cryogenic Liquids), number 27 (Cryogenic Liquid Containers), and number 49 (Safe Operation of Liquid Nitrogen Freezers for Cryogenic Freezing).
Make sure staff are trained
Air Products also offers fully accredited online training courses covering gas safety, which can be delivered on-site for group training. Training increases awareness of potential hazards and ensures staff remain up to date with current regulations, supporting safe and effective working practices.
Putting the right safety culture in place
Under United Kingdom law, employers hold primary responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of employees and others affected by their work. Employees also have a duty to safeguard their own safety and that of others.
Whether operating a small laboratory or a large organization such as a hospital or university, liability may arise if a serious accident or incident occurs. For this reason, it is crucial to minimize unnecessary risks by ensuring that laboratories are designed safely and that staff receive appropriate training and have access to personal protective equipment.
Put safety first
Safety is an important element of any cryogenic laboratory, and overlooking it can lead to dangerous or even life-threatening situations.
Mitigating risk is integral to operating an efficient and secure laboratory. Air Products specialists are available to review entire laboratory installations, taking a holistic approach to ensure all safety considerations are addressed and providing confidence that safety requirements are fully met.
Acknowledgments
This article was produced using materials originally authored by Stephen Robinson at Air Products.
About Air Products PLC
Air Products touch the lives of consumers around the globe in positive ways every day. With approximately 16,000 employees and operations in 50 countries, we serve customers across a wide range of industries from food and beverage to medical, energy, and transportation. We supply a unique portfolio of atmospheric and process gases, equipment, and services.
Founded in 1940, Air Products has built a reputation for its innovative culture, operational excellence, and commitment to safety and the environment. Our passionate, talented, and committed employees from a diversity of backgrounds are driven by Air Products’ higher purpose to create innovative solutions that benefit the environment, enhance sustainability and address the challenges facing customers, communities, and the world.
Sponsored Content Policy: News-Medical.net publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of News-Medical.net, which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in medical research, science, medical devices and treatments.