Location, location, location! If you determine that these are required, location is absolutely critical. Cold cryogen vapors are heavier than air, O2 deficiency will be at floor level. I have seen facilities that have them located in the ceiling because its convenient. They should be close to the breathing zone to be effective. Deadzones in a room are also a no no. Do some smoke testing to see what the typical air currents are
Eugene Ngai
Chemically Speaking LLC
From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU> On Behalf Of Shannon Nephew
Sent: Wednesday, June 2, 2021 3:01 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] benchmarking O2 monitoring with cryogen use
We have oxygen monitors (PureAire monitors) in our NMR facility and in our gas cylinder tank room. Never any issues so far, but the peace of mind is definitely reassuring.
They weren't super expensive and the customer support was great.
Shannon
SHANNON C. NEPHEW,
MS, CSM
Chemical Hygiene Officer, Hudson Hall Science Complex Building Manager
Science Programs and Facilities Support Professional
Hudson Hall 317
101 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
(o) 518-593-9612
On Wed, Jun 2, 2021 at 2:28 PM Stuart, Ralph <Ralph.Stuart**At_Symbol_Here**keene.edu> wrote:
> >In my experience, except for very small laboratories, or those with very low exhaust rates (like SEM labs) oxygen monitoring is not required unless the owners try to stack a 10 day supply of cryogens on hand at all times.
Or if they are storing dry ice or liquid nitrogen in a cold room, assuming that that location will extend the life of their stockpile of those items. (Fresh air in cold rooms is 0%.) We have found 16% O2 levels in those situations.
- Ralph
Ralph Stuart, CIH, CCHO
Environmental Safety Manager
Keene State College
603 358-2859
ralph.stuart**At_Symbol_Here**keene.edu
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