To expand on the point regarding the oxygen sensor, we have a large suite with both  600MHz and 800MHz NMRs equipped with oxygen sensors that are tied into the ventilation system, such that if the sensor detects a drop in oxygen the ventilation for the room is increased (along with both a visible and audible alarm sounding).  In addition to the refilling of the LN2/He, there is also the concern of the magnet quenching and releasing the liquid nitrogen/helium.    Also important to remember that ferromagnetic materials need to be kept outside the 5-gauss perimeter (e.g. many tools, gas cylinders, chairs with steel components etc.). 

Regina, I echo what’s been said about a “no entry” zone around the magnet for anyone with medical devices that could be impacted.  We found that marking the floor was not enough to keep the reminder fresh – you can get plastic stanchions and chains very inexpensively that help remind everyone about the barrier (also reminds folks to remove watches, wallets and cell phones when approaching the magnet!).

The other tidbit would be to make sure you have adequate ventilation in the room – preferably install a permanent oxygen monitor and have it regularly calibrated and maintained.  Depending on the configuration of your room and ventilation, refilling the liquid helium/nitrogen can create a potentially hazardous atmosphere in the room, as can system leaks.

Regards,

Misty L. Bogle

Corporate Health, Safety & Product Stewardship Manager

Vertellus Specialties Inc.

201 N. Illinois Street, Suite 1800

Indianapolis, IN  46204

Colleagues,

Any good lessons learned from the installation or operation of an NMR from a safety standpoint.  We are just about to start installing a new unit and besides the manufacture specs and my CIH’s recommendations,  I wanted to reach out there and see if anyone has any good tidbits.

Regina M. Frasca, NRCC-CHO
Cal State University San Marcos
Director of Risk Management & Safety
Work: 760-750-4502
Fax:    760-750-3208
rfrasca**At_Symbol_Here**csusm.edu

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