Studio Ghibli Piano Collection

BGM Playlist:

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind 1. Kazeno Densetsu (Legend of the Wind)0:00 My Neighbor Totoro 2. Kazeno Toorimichi (The Path of the Wind)03:38 3. Gogatsuno Mura (The Village in May)07:55 Kiki's Delivery Service 4. Kaasanno Houki (Mother's Broom)09:34 5. Hareta Hini (On a Clear Day)14:21 6. Machino Yoru (The Night in Town)16:59 7. Umino Mieru Matsu (A Town with an Ocean View)21:48 8. Yasashisani Tsutsumaretanara (Been Enveloped by Tenderness)24:59 Spirited Away 9. Itsumo Nandodemo (Always with Me)29:31 10. Chihirono Warutsu (Waltz of Chihiro)32:29 11. Inochino Namae (The Name of Life)35:38 Ocean Waves 12. Umini Naretara 38:17 Whisper of the Heart 13. Kantoriiroodo (Take Me Home, Countory Roads)43:02 Only Yesterday 14.Aiwa Hana Kimiwasonotane (The Rose)47:58 Porco Rosso 15. Marukoto Jiinano Teema (The Theme of Marco and Gena)51:24 Howl's Moving Castle 16. Jinseino Meriigoorando (Merry-go-round of Life)55:25 17. Sekaino Yakusoku (The Promise of the World)59:22 The Tale of the Princess Kaguya 18. Inochino Kioku (When I Remenber This Life)1:03:59 When Marnie Was There 19. Anna (Anna)1:1:09:12 The Wind Rises 20. Hikoukigumo (Vapor Trail)1:14:17 The Borrower Arrietty 21. Arrietty's Song 1:18:04 Tales from Earthsea 22. Teruuno Uta (Teru's Song)1:21:52 From Up On Poppy Hill 23. Sayonarano Natsu 1:25:21 Grabe Of The Fireflies 24. Hanyuunoyado (Home, Sweet Home)1:30:09 Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea 25. Himawarino ieno rondo 1:32:51 Laputa:Castel in the Sky 26. Kimiwo Nosete (Carrying You)1:37:43 Princess Mononoke 27. Ashitaka Sekki (The Legend of Ashitaka)1:41:09 28. Mononoke Hime (Pirincess Mononoke)1:46:15 29. Ashitaka to San (Ashitaka and San)1:51:16 All songs Arranged and Performanced by kno

What is a postdoc? What is the next step?

I’m a postdoc; what is the next step?

A postdoc is: 

• a member of staff who will, normally, have a PhD, and be employed to undertake research 
• commonly on an externally funded contract 
• responsible for their own career development but is entitled to the support of their Principle Investigator (PI) and the Postdoc Development Centre
• entitled to 10 days development training per year 
• entitled to 25 days leave plus bank holidays and college closure (if full time, pro-rata for part time)
• entitled to a Personal Review and Development Plan (PRDP) meeting once per year 

A postdoc can be expected to: 

• be asked to undertake a reasonable amount of teaching as part of their contract 
• act as co-supervisor to Master and PhD students 
• disseminate research findings 
• assist in writing grants/funding applications 
• act as a research co-investigator 
• do a reasonable amount of group or departmental administration 
• be managed in line with ‘Imperial Expectations’ along with all College staff. 

A postdoc is not: 

• a student 
• a PA or administrator 
• a permanent member of academic staff 
• automatically entitled to academic career progression 
• a full time supervisor or teacher* 
• a full time lab or project manager* 

*Although a reasonable amount of supervision, teaching, lab and project management can be beneficial to postdoc’s career progression.

Imperial College London: STEMB only, tenure does not exist, collegiate structure is very flat, promotion is not based on metrics / quotas / timing (consider you as individual) - balance more strength in one area with less in another, promote you as fast as you merit

The postdoc position (Research Associate Level B) tends to be a fixed term contract with a specific job role (research based). At the end of the contract the job terminates, there is no more funding available. 

Options: 

• Apply for another postdoc position in open competition 
• Apply for a Fellowship (personal award) funded by Research Councils, Charities, Foundations (usually requires an academic host/sponsor)
• Apply for a “permanent” job (industry, institute, university) 
• Change career direction 
• Probably need to change institution, research direction, career direction 
• Universities cannot create postdoc positions (financially impossible) 
• Universities can host postdoc positions using funding awarded to university staff (grants)

How do I go from a Postdoc/Fellow to a Lectureship?

Lecturers are appointed (not available through promotion). There needs to be a vacancy for a Lecturer, candidates apply in open competition .Board of appointment will interview shortlisted applicants.

Board looks for:

• Excellent research track record 
• Excellent publications 
• Strong research ideas and vision 
• Good department “fit” (aligns with department research strategy) 
• Teaching experience (lectures, tutorials, labs, project supervision, research student supervision) 

Appointed Lecturers are expected to contribute in 4 main areas:

• Research (must be strong) 
• Teaching (assigned by department) 
• Administration (small/negligible load at beginning) 
• Profession and Practice (contributions built up over time) 

The lecturer is a member of staff, funded by the university (usually). The lecturer remains a member of staff provided they perform to the department’s satisfaction and requirements and provided the department can afford the position.

I’m a Postdoc/Fellow: Can I be promoted?

Postdocs/Fellows tend to be on time-limited contracts - dictated by funding available (usually a fixed term grant or contract). When the funding ends, the contract ends. Occasionally longer-term funding (>5-10 yrs) is available and there may be flexibility to expand the job specification. This is rare but could offer opportunity for progression. If expansion of the job specification is possible, then a discussion during the annual Personal Review and Development Plan (PRDP) review may be appropriate. Progression from Postdoc to Research Fellow is the likely first step – this is totally dependent on available funding and the opportunity to expand the job specification. It is very unlikely that this opportunity could be paid for through core department funds - invariably requires external funding. The case of Teaching Fellows is similar. Frequently the Teaching Fellow is appointed on a fixed term contract – occasionally Teaching Fellows are funded through core department money. The Teaching Fellow contract and job specification is aligned to the department’s teaching requirements – this will not necessarily include time for research Progression of the Teaching Fellow is also dependent on the funding available and the flexibility of the job specification – again a conversation during PRDP.

How do I get promoted? 

Case for promotion discussed with Head of Department/line manager, often during the annual Personal Review and Development Plan (PRDP). Candidates prepare a paperwork package (information required for promotion is available on Promotions webpages), in line with departmental requirements and deadlines. Application for promotion is to the HoD/HoS. Department Promotions Panel (senior staff + other representatives) consider each case and decide to support the case or not support. Candidates supported by the department forward the paperwork to the College Candidates not supported by the department can make a personal application to the College. The College Promotions Panel consider the case independently from the department.

There are four primary areas of contribution that are considered in any case for promotion:

• Education 
• Research 
• Leadership and Management/Administration 
• Profession and Practice 

The balance of each of these areas of contribution will vary according to the job family. For members of the Academic job family, contributions expected in all four areas, with emphasis on research and education, particularly in the early years. For members of the Research job family, contributions are expected to be primarily in research although there are likely to be contributions in the other three areas. For members of the Learning and Teaching job family, contributions are expected to be primarily in education although there are likely to be contributions in the other three areas.

• High quality research 
• Excellence in teaching 
• Ability to raise funding (for research/education) 
• Excellence in research student supervision 
• Publish influential papers (quality not quantity) 
• Collaborate with others in/outside IC 
• Innovation and impact Ambition (realistic) & hard work 
• Doing well in REF and TEF

External visibility

• External visibility (putting it about) really matters especially as you progress.
• External visibility includes:
• Conference keynotes, plenaries, invited lectures, session chair, organisation etc 
• Active membership of editorial boards 
• Requests to review manuscripts 
• Award of medals & prizes 
• Membership of government/national/international committees 
• Active membership of learned institutions

Getting promoted : common failings

• Thinking that excellence in one area of contribution means that the other areas can be ignored 
• Failing to be Collegiate 
• Applying too early – be ambitious but be realistic 
• Paying insufficient attention to external visibility (external perspective is increasingly important as you progress)

http://www.imperial.ac.uk/human-resources/working-at-imperial/career-development-opportunities/academic-promotions/

Safe Handling and Use of Liquid Nitrogen

Introduction and Properties of Liquid Nitrogen

There are several potential hazards when using gases that are liquefied by cooling them to low temperatures. These may be referred to as cryogenic liquids. Liquid nitrogen is commercially produced by the process of air separation (not by electrolysis). The air is cooled to very low temperatures in an air separation column. At various points, different gases in the air distil off and are collected as liquids. Nitrogen makes up 78% of the air we breathe. The atmosphere is composed of 9 gases (Nitrogen 78%, Oxygen 21%, Argon just under 1%, plus 6 trace gases). The boiling point of liquid nitrogen is -196ºC. All cryogenic liquids are extremely cold. The boiling point of some liquids at atmospheric pressure are: Oxygen -183ºC, Nitrogen -196ºC, Argon -186ºC, Helium -269ºC and Carbon Dioxide -78.5ºC (sublimes).

The intense cold of cryogenic liquids can provide 3 sets of hazards: cold burns, frostbite and hypothermia. Because of the very cold temperature of cryogenic liquids, the liquid itself, cold vapour or gas can produce damage to the skin, like burns caused by heat. The frozen tissue is painless and appears waxy with a pale, yellowish colour. Thawing of the frozen tissue can cause intense pain and shock may occur during the re-warming process. If unprotected parts of your skin encounter un-insulated items of cold equipment they can become stuck and your flesh may be torn on removal. Never touch 'ice build-up' on cryogenic vessels with your bare hands. If exposed skin is stuck to cold surfaces such as un-insulated cryogenic pipework, you should isolate the source of the cold liquid and thaw the area with copious amounts of lukewarm (not hot) water until the skin is released. You should then treat the cold burn as just described and send the victim to the casualty department. If lukewarm water is not available, thaw the area with copious amounts of cold water until the skin is released – this will take longer than using lukewarm water. Again, you should provide initial treatment to the cold burn and then send the victim to the casualty department.

To treat someone who has a cryogenic burn make the casualty as comfortable as possible, lie them down. Flush the burn immediately under lukewarm running water for at least 10 minutes or until the pain subsides and the skin has returned to normal colour. Do not apply direct heat, hot water, lotions, ointments or creams. If a minor burn is larger than a postage stamp it requires medical attention. All deep burns of any size require urgent hospital treatment - continue with treatment until the ambulance arrives. Whilst wearing disposable gloves, remove jewellery, watch or clothing from the affected area before the area begins to swell. Do not try to remove clothing that is frozen to the skin; wait until it is thawed thoroughly. Cover the burn with clean, non-fluffy material to protect from infection or further injury. A plastic bag or kitchen film makes a good temporary covering. Apply kitchen film length-ways to prevent constriction of the area if the tissues swell. Observe for signs of shock due to fluid loss from severe burns: pale face; cold, clammy skin; fast, shallow breathing; rapid, weak pulse. Treatment until ambulance arrives: help them to lie down, raise and support their legs, loosen tight clothing, keep them warm. Never give alcohol or allow smoking. A sufficient number of people on your site must be trained in the immediate treatment of cryogenic burns.

Typical symptoms of hypothermia are: slowing down of physical and mental responses, unreasonable behaviour or irritability, speech or vision difficulty, and cramp and shivers. Anyone appearing to be suffering from hypothermia should be wrapped in blankets and moved to a warm place. Medical attention should be sought immediately. Direct heat should never be applied except under medical supervision. You should also be aware that transient exposure to very cold gas produces discomfort in breathing and can provoke an asthma attack in susceptible people.

Gauntlet gloves are not recommended because liquid can easily splash into the wide cuff. Non-absorbent leather gloves with elasticated wrists should be worn.

Gloves must always be worn when handling anything that is, or has been in, recent contact with LN2. Cryogenic gloves are designed to be used in the vapour phase only and should not be immersed into LN2 under any circumstances. Operators should wear garments with long sleeves which they can pull down over the elasticated wrist. Goggles, special cryogenic safety glasses or a face mask should also be used to protect the eyes and face. It is advisable for you to wear trousers with no turn ups (where liquid could collect). Trousers should be worn outside your safety boots for the same reason. It's advisable not to wear shoes with lace holes as splashing liquid could penetrate through these holes and burn the feet. Instead, you should wear boots that are specially designed for the purpose. Those shown here are waterproof and have the tongue sewn into the boot, which will not allow any liquid to run down inside the boot and soak the foot.

All operators must be fully trained in all aspects of cryogenics. They must know: how the vessel works, the properties of the gas they're using, what personal protective equipment (PPE) to wear, how to decant the liquid safely and what to do in an emergency. 

Hazards of Asphyxia

Each year approximately 20 deaths involving asphyxiation are reported to the European Industrial Gas Association. Most of fatalities are caused by people entering a confined space where there is an oxygen deficient atmosphere caused by the presence of an inert gas such as nitrogen. The expansion ratio of liquid nitrogen to gaseous nitrogen is 1:683. This means that 1 litre of liquid nitrogen, when it warms up and vaporises will produce approximately 0.7 m3 of gas. So, when liquid nitrogen warms up and vaporises it produces nearly 700 times its volume as gas. The resulting displacement of oxygen from the atmosphere may be sufficient to cause asphyxiation. Good working practices should ensure that the oxygen content in your workplace never falls below a minimum of 19.5%. If you entered an atmosphere where there is 1% oxygen you would faint almost immediately, without any warning. Where insufficient oxygen is present instant unconsciousness may occur, followed by death. Oxygen deficiency cannot be readily detected by the human senses, victims are usually unaware of the danger they are in.

Has a risk assessment been completed? Are numerous vessels stored in confined areas? Are operators fully aware of the potential hazards posed by asphyxia? Inhalation of only two breaths of a nitrogen rich atmosphere causes immediate loss of consciousness and death within 3-5 minutes. Oxygen deficiency may be caused by: spillage from portable open topped dewars, pipework leaks, disconnected hoses, valves inadvertently left open, discharge from relief valves / bursting discs and process vents not routed to a safe discharge area. At 15 º C and 1 Bar, nitrogen is lighter than air and will rise. However, it is very important to realise that very cold nitrogen gas is heavier than air and will initially accumulate in low lying areas.

All areas where cryogenic vessels are used, handled or stored should be appropriately ventilated either by forced extraction to an external location or by ensuring the number of workplace air changes per hour will prevent an accumulation of nitrogen gas.

A risk assessment must be undertaken for all areas where liquid nitrogen is stored, handled or used. If the assessment identifies the likelihood of an oxygen-depleted atmosphere below 19.5% occurring, it is recommended that fixed oxygen detection equipment is installed. When working in rooms where the oxygen content can change to a dangerous level during the working period, continuous monitoring equipment must be used. This is preferably a mains electrical supply system with back-up batteries, which are regularly tested, with visible and audible alarms both inside and outside the work/storage area. Alternatively, a battery-operated system may be installed, although care must be exercised due to the potential inherent problems with battery power. Personal oxygen monitors should also be considered for all personnel who meet liquid nitrogen. A key component of the risk assessment is a risk calculation which measures the potential reduction in oxygen levels in the workplace. Calculations need to include a sudden release of nitrogen gas into the atmosphere, a sustained release of gas over time, as well as natural evaporation.

Cryogenic Vessels

Cryogenic vessels fall into two categories: pressurised vessels designed to convert the stored liquid into gas at ambient temperature via an internal vaporiser and non-pressurised vessels (working flasks) designed to either store samples or to simply pour small volumes of liquid. When selecting a liquid vessel care should be taken to ensure that the correct vessel for the desired operation is specified.

Pressurised cryogenic vessels are double-walled vacuum vessels with multilayer insulation in the annular space. There are two types of pressure vessel that are manufactured: low pressure, and medium to high pressure. Some organisations also use low pressure containers called dewars. 

Low pressure vessels are self-pressurising with a built-in pressure raising circuit within the vessel. They normally range in size from 25 litres up to 500 litres. The inner vessel is attached to the outer vessel by welds around the neck, this keeps heat in-leak to a minimum (the amount of heat transferred into the contents of a vessel under standard ambient conditions for a given object). Although these vessels are well insulated, heat will continuously leak into the cryogenic liquid due to the extremely large temperature differential between the cryogenic liquid and the ambient temperature outside the vessel. This heat in-leak will cause some vaporisation of the cryogenic liquid to occur. When this happens, large volumes of gas will result. When the liquid vaporises within a closed vessel, the gas, if not released, will collect in the vapour space above the liquid and build pressure (the head pressure). If the head pressure continues to build a potentially dangerous situation may result. For this reason, pressurised cryogenic vessels are protected with a variety of pressure relief devices. 

Vaporisation rates within vessels vary but they are typically between 1% and 4% of the vessel’s volume per day. To stop the pressure building to a dangerous level the head pressure will be periodically vented to the atmosphere via the pressure relief valve. Whilst this is a normal and safe function of the vessel it must be remembered that the escaping gas will change the oxygen concentration in the air. NOTE - All pressure relief devices must be orientated in such a manner as to prevent the accumulation of water which could result in incorrect operation. In addition to the relief valve, vessels are also fitted with a bursting disc which operates independently from (and at a higher pressure than) the safety relief valve. On this vessel, the bursting disc is on the right and the pressure relief valve is on the left. Please note however that configuration on the top of a cryogenic vessel will differ slightly between manufacturers and therefore these devices may not be in the same position. 

An oxygen deficient atmosphere can lead to rapid asphyxiation which can cause loss of consciousness and may result in injury or even death. Never enter an area where oxygen levels are below 19.5%. You only need to have two breaths of a severely oxygen deficient atmosphere before becoming unconscious.

Medium to high pressure vessels are designed in a similar manner to a low-pressure vessel but its primary function is to allow the withdrawal of gas only; rather than liquid. It comes complete with an internal vaporiser to facilitate the conversion of the stored liquid into a gas. Due to the nature of this type of vessel, they are referred to as liquid cylinders. Typical applications would be high volume gas demands for welding, purging and blanketing applications. These liquid cylinders typically hold 200 litres of liquid, which equates to approximately 12 large nitrogen gas cylinders (filled to 230 bar). Liquid is drawn from the inner vessel and passed through a vaporiser to supply gas at between 10 to 23 bar pressures.

Non-pressurised working flasks do not have a pressure relief valve. They are typically constructed from stainless steel and have a wide neck to enable items to be easily placed into and removed from the vessel. They come complete with a carrying handle and loose-fitting lid as a safety feature.

Dewars are designed to store small volumes of liquid nitrogen which are then used to either ‘top up’ larger vessels or fill smaller non-pressurised working flasks They typically have a narrow neck to facilitate pouring. They are fitted with specially designed caps in the form of a bung which allow head pressure in the vessel to escape to atmosphere. If the bung becomes damaged or is lost, contact your supplier for the correct replacement. Never use a piece of wood, damp cloth or piece of polystyrene as a temporary or permanent replacement. This is because if the wrong type of cap is fitted it may allow moisture to accumulate around the neck and form an ice plug. The head pressure inside the vessel will then rise to a potentially dangerous level. If an ice plug forms it may be ejected at high velocity due to the pressure build up. This can result in serious injury. In the worst case, ice plugs can build up sufficient pressure in the dewar to cause catastrophic failure of the dewar. A standard 25 litre mild steel dewar will lose 0.7 litres of liquid per day. This equates to just under half a cubic metre of nitrogen gas. Don't store or leave dewars in confined spaces, poorly ventilated stores or rooms. Due to the potential build-up of gas pressure. Never use a domestic thermos flask to store or transport liquid nitrogen. 

All operators must have access to the cryogenic vessel supplier’s operating manual and relevant product data sheet. They must have received practical training in the correct use of the vessel. They should also have the contact address and telephone number of the vessel supplier in case they have any questions concerning the vessel’s installation or operation. A risk assessment should be undertaken prior to the siting of a cryogenic vessel and the vessel should only be used by trained operators in line with an approved standard operating procedure. Never use: damaged or faulty vessels, incorrectly labelled vessels, and vessels without a test certificate.

Safe Storage of Cryogenic Vessels 

Where possible cryogenic vessels should be stored or located outside buildings when in use (or stored full for future use). The area should be secure and have adequate ventilation, it should also be dry and sheltered from the weather. A risk assessment must be undertaken prior to storing any cryogenic vessel. Thorough and constant ventilation should be maintained wherever cryogenic vessels are used. This is particularly important when they are stored or used in confined spaces and operators must work in accordance with relevant Legislation and Codes of Practice. Signs which identify the product as well as hazard warning signs must be placed in and around any area where liquid nitrogen is stored or used. 

Ventilation of liquid nitrogen storage areas depends on several factors, e.g. the volume of the room, the amount of gas stored and evaporation rates. For rooms above ground level with no special ventilation openings, natural ventilation will typically provide one air change per hour. However, with well-sealed windows, e.g. double glazing, this will be less. Basement rooms only average 0.4 changes per hour.

Oxygen depletion example: A basement room contains two 25 litres and three 10 litre dewars. The dimensions of the room are: 7 m x 8 m x 2.5 m = 140 m³. C = [Vr *0.12*n]/[L+(Vr*n)]. Evaporation is a continuous process, so the oxygen concentration in air (C) can be calculated over a long period using this equation. Where: Vr = Volume of the room in m³, n = The number of air changes per hour and L = The gas evaporation rate in m³/hour. Vessel manufacturers provide evaporation rates for their vessels and dewars. When undertaking an oxygen depletion calculation, it is prudent to double their quoted figure (L in the equation) to consider a deterioration in the insulation performance over the life of the dewar. The liquid to gas expansion ratio for liquid nitrogen is 1:683, so we need to use that to calculate the volume of gaseous nitrogen released through evaporation. This is because dewar manufacturer’s figures relate to the volume of liquid nitrogen lost, not the volume of gas. L = [2*683*92*0.2+3*0.15)/[24*1000]. The 2 at the start shows that we’re doubling the manufacturer’s evaporation rate and the 683 is the liquid to gas expansion rate. The manufacturer has stated that the two 25l dewars lose 0.2 litres per day through evaporation and the three 10l dewars lose 0.15 litres per day through evaporation. As the evaporation rates are stated in litres per day (0.2 and 0.15) we need to divide by 24 to obtain an hourly rate (m³/hr). The expansion rate of 683 represents gaseous litres, not cubic metres, so to convert the figure to cubic metres we need to divide by 1000, as there are 1000 gaseous litres in 1 m³ of gas. L = 0.048 m³/hr. Now we have a value for ‘L’, we can use it in our initial equation to calculate the oxygen concentration in the air. To do this we are going to have to assume on the number of air changes per hour in the room. For the basement room, we’re using as the example in this worked calculation, an air change figure of 0.4 per hour is assumed. If, however it was an above ground room with natural ventilation, a figure of 1.0 may be appropriate. As we’ve just said, were assuming there is an average of 0.4 air changes in the room per hour. That being the case the oxygen concentration equation is: C = [140*0.21*0.4]/[0.048+140*0.4]. Therefore C = 0.2098, which is 20.98%. So, in this worked example, evaporation from the five dewars in the circumstances described would reduce the oxygen concentration from 21% to 20.98%, a drop of just 0.02 % It would therefore be safe for operators to work in this atmosphere.

In our example, normal nitrogen evaporation from the dewars has only a small effect in increasing the nitrogen concentration, and thus reducing the oxygen concentration, in the room. If, however, many more dewars were stored in the room, or if a much smaller room was used, the nitrogen concentration would increase, and the oxygen reduce, by a much higher factor. Always consider how many cryogenic vessels of which type(s) are being stored in a room - and calculate how that storage will change the room's oxygen content.

The ‘Worst Case Scenario’ may be calculated using the following formula: % O2 = (100*Vo)/Vr. Where Vr is the room volume and Vo is the volume of the oxygen in the room. It is calculated for nitrogen by multiplying 0.2095 by the volume of the room, less the maximum potential gas release. This formula is expressed as 0.2095 x (Vr - Vg). To calculate the value Vg (the maximum potential gas release) you must multiply the liquid capacity of the vessel(s) by the gas expansion rate (remember, the gas expansion ration for nitrogen is 1 to 683). A low-pressure vessel containing 200 liquid litres of nitrogen is stored in a room 8 metres x 7 metres x 5 metres (Room volume) Vr = 8 x 7 x 5 = 280 cubic metres (Gas volume) Vg = 200 litres x 683 = 136600 litres = (136 cubic metres) (Oxygen volume) Vo = 0.2095 x (280 - 136) = 30.168. % O2 = (100*30.168)/280 = 10.8% Entry into atmospheres with an oxygen content less than 19.5% is not recommended. If the 'Worst Case Scenario' calculation suggests an oxygen content lower than 19.5% then either site the vessel outside the building and pipe the liquid or gas to the point of use or pipe the pressure relief valve and bursting disc outlets to vent gas outside the building and/or ensure personnel wear personal oxygen monitors and/or fit a permanent static oxygen monitor linked to a forced ventilation system.

Care must be exercised when transporting cryogenic vessels in lifts as they present many additional hazards. Most of lifts have a small internal volume and therefore the effects of oxygen deficiency caused by spillage, or the operation of a safety device, could overcome a person in the lift in a relatively short time. If possible, transport the vessel in a service lift that is not generally used for staff or other personnel. A portable oxygen monitor should be placed on the vessel prior to the doors being closed. The internal head pressure inside the inner vessel should be vented to less than 50% of the relief valve level before the vessel is put into the lift. In addition, dewars must only be filled to 90% of their net capacity to reduce the risk of spillage. Any venting operations must be undertaken outside or in a suitably well-ventilated area in line with an approved standard operating procedure by trained personnel wearing the correct PPE. After the vessel is placed into the service lift, the lift should be locked out to all other users. The sender should remain outside the lift and activate it. Another person should be available on the receiving floor to take the vessel out of the lift. The receiver should not enter the lift to retrieve the vessel if the oxygen monitor has activated. If the monitor has identified an oxygen deficient atmosphere the appropriate emergency procedures should be adhered to. If a service lift is not available, a passenger lift may be used provided it is locked off to all other users. If necessary, erect barriers at interim floors to prevent unauthorised access. If it is necessary to have an operator in the lift with the vessel then both a personal oxygen monitor and breathing apparatus (SCBA) must be carried in the lift. The operator should also be fully trained in the use of SCBA. Never transport a cryogenic vessel in a lift with any other personnel. Only accompany a dewar in a lift when: you’re wearing an oxygen monitor, you have control of the lift, an emergency alarm/telephone is available, SCBA is available, the operation is being monitored/supervised by a competent person, and a key controlled lift is not available. Do not transport in a lift a vessel that is venting gas, especially if the vessel has just been filled. Do not vent vessels whilst in a lift. Do not transport leaking or defective vessels in a lift. Do not transport a vessel in a lift that has ice forming on the outside. Do not transport an overfilled vessel in a lift.

Dewars should be emptied by allowing the liquid to vaporise in a safe, well-ventilated, secure area. DO NOT pour cryogenic liquids down a drain or the sink - they will crack waste pipes causing potentially dangerous leaks. DO NOT allow cryogenic liquids to vaporise in enclosed areas, including fridges, cold rooms, sealed rooms and basements.

Safe Handling of Cryogenic Vessels 

More than a third 'over three day injuries' reported each year to HSE and local authorities are caused by manual handling – the transporting or supporting of loads by hand or by bodily force. It is essential that cryogenic vessels within the University are moved safely by properly trained personnel.

The safe movement of cryogenic vessels is subject to the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (amended 2002). The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 came into force on 1st January 1993 and were amended in 2002. The legalisation was introduced to reduce the number of injuries suffered in industry by identifying potential hazards through a programme of risk assessments and risk reduction. A risk assessment must be undertaken prior to any new manual handling operations involving cryogenic vessels. The regulations require employers to address many points: list all manual handling activities, carry out an initial assessment on the activities which present significant risk, carry out risk assessments and instigate a system to update assessments when the task or load changes. The regulations also require employers to reduce the risk of injury where appropriate with the use of mechanical aids or trolleys and reduce handling distances where appropriate as well as reviewing the layout of all work areas. Specific training must be given to all employees involved in manual handling operations. Short concise work instructions are beneficial in providing you with key information about vessels, prior to a manual handling operation being undertaken. It may be necessary for work instructions to identify any manual handling activities which have given rise to previous accidents and injuries. Such activities should be prohibited. To satisfy the regulations, employees are required to: use any system of work or equipment provided to move the vessel in line with the training received, and inform their supervisor of any medical condition which will restrict their ability to undertake the task or move the load. Employees must also correctly apply the manual handling techniques they have been trained in, use the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided and report any defects to equipment or PPE. A full 200 litre pressurised cryogenic vessel is a heavy object however, it weighs around 275 kgs. You must take care when moving any cryogenic vessel. Always ensure you are wearing the correct PPE and are operating in line with an approved standard operating procedure. To move vessels that are not already equipped with wheels you should always use the correct mechanical handling devices.

Cryogenic vessels are filled with liquid, so when you are moving them the inner vessel will swing slightly. To limit the movement of the inner vessel 'snubbers' are welded to the bottom of the inner and outer vessels. These 'snubbers' cannot stop all movement so overtime, the welds around the neck will weaken and may ultimately crack. For this reason, the movement of pressurised cryogenic vessels should be kept to a minimum. When a vessel is moved the liquid can begin to vaporise and increase the head pressure inside the inner vessel. You should always ensure that the pressure inside the vessel is less than 50% of the relief valve level before moving the vessel. Vessels should be moved with the relief valve orientated away from your face. Cryogenic vessels are not fitted with a braking system. One of the main duties for companies with employees handling vessels is to reduce manual handling where possible using appropriate trolleys. Liquid cylinders should only be moved on a trolley specifically designed and built for the purpose – they should NOT be ‘churned’. The safest way to move a dewar is to secure it on an appropriate trolley. Always fit the cap when moving dewars. Always use the correct size of trolley.

All employees engaged in the manual handling of cryogenic vessels must receive appropriate training. The content of the training will be dependent on the level of risk identified by the risk assessment. Where manual handling needs to be undertaken, employees must be provided with exact information on the load, it’s characteristics and receive full instruction on the correct handling techniques, i.e. basic lifting practice, positioning of the hands and feet, smooth non-jerking movements and assessment of the environment. When moving cryogenic vessels: always use appropriate trolleys, always wear appropriate PPE, always close valves and ensure the castors are in good condition.

Safe Decanting of Liquid Nitrogen 

The filling of liquid nitrogen dewars must be undertaken in a suitably ventilated area to prevent oxygen depletion. Ideally this will be a covered external location. A detailed risk assessment must be undertaken regarding the decant location and procedure before any decanting commences. You should only undertake a decanting operation in line with an approved standard operating procedure. Decanting MUST only be undertaken by personnel who have received formal practical training. To avoid potential skin burns from splashing liquid you should wear either safety shoes or boots with reinforced toe protection. In addition, your trousers should be worn outside the boots. You must wear all appropriate personal protective equipment before undertaking any part of the decant operation. You should firstly check that the supply vessel is within its maintenance inspection date as well as being situated in an appropriate location. Do not use vessels that are not identified with appropriate labels which indicate when they were last checked and tested. You must also check the supply vessel for signs of damage. Also check that the valves are not damaged in any way and no modifications have been made to either the vessel or the pipework. Damaged or modified vessels must not be used. They should be taken out of service and either scrapped or sent away for repair. Also check that the supply vessel is correctly labelled and contains sufficient liquid nitrogen for your needs. Then check the pipework to and from all relief devices is free from damage and leaks and that both the safety relief device and bursting disc are correct for the vessel type and pressure, and they have a valid date ring fitted, and are also free from ice or damage. If the vessel has been modified in any way or if the relief mechanisms have been altered the vessel should not be used.

The efficient transfer of liquid nitrogen is achieved at pressures of between 5 and 10 psi (pounds per square inch). Prior to decanting you must check the pressure gauge. If the pressure is too high a trained operator should open the vent valve and reduce the pressure. This should preferably be done outside or in a well-ventilated area. The vessel must be labelled for liquid nitrogen service. You must not fill a dewar that is not labelled correctly or has contained another product. Check that the dewar is in good condition, and that there is no neck damage, check that the dewar is in good condition, and that there is no neck damage or twisting. Do not fill a dewar which is damaged or has the bung inside it. Do not fill a dewar which is damaged or has the bung inside it. The hose must not be kinked or damaged in any way. You should also check that the connections are in good condition and not damaged. If there are signs of PTFE tape around the connections this may be evidence of an unauthorised repair. It is recommended that any potential fault be reported and if necessary rectified by means of purchasing a new hose. If the hose is not attached to the vessel it should be connected by a trained operator using the correct spanner. Make sure the hose bore is suitable to easily fit into, and pull out of, the neck of the dewar. Don't use thick bore hose with thin neck dewars. You must check that the dewar is not fitted with a liquid withdrawal device. If it is, before removing the device you should ensure that the dewar is vented to atmospheric pressure by opening the vent valve fully and ensuring that the pressure gauge is reading zero. S Remember do not fill a dewar if it's damaged in any way, if it's not labelled for liquid nitrogen, if it's been used for another product, if there's water inside it, if there's ice inside it and if there is excessive frosting around the neck. Purging the hose will clear any excess atmospheric moisture or dust. This can be done by securely holding the hose and cracking the decant valve slightly for a short period. The valve should be closed as soon as frosting appears. Don't hold the hose unless you're wearing the correct cryogenic gloves. The hose can then be inserted into the dewar. You can initiate the fill by slowly opening the fill valve. If the dewar is warm the liquid will boil and turn into gas immediately on contact. When the dewar has cooled the fill, valve can be slowly opened further to establish a steady flow of liquid. If the liquid is 'spitting' back out of the dewar then the flow should be reduced. If the flow is correct and the hose is secure inside the dewar then you can safely let go of the hose. The low temperature of liquid nitrogen can cause oxygen to condense out of atmospheric air. This can occur around cold pipe-work, valves and in open dewars. This oxygen enrichment may result in an increased flammability and explosion risk. Oxygen enriched liquid or gas must not be allowed to meet oils or greases or flammable materials as spontaneous combustion can occur. It is advisable to only decant on concrete or other non-flammable surfaces. For dewars with neck tubes, like the one opposite, you should stop the fill when the liquid reaches the bottom of the neck. When this occurs the sound of the fill will change, indicating that you can turn off the decant valve. For dewars that don't have neck tubes you should stop the fill when the liquid reaches the required level, which must be a level below that which the insulating bung will reach when placed onto the dewar after filling. When the dewar is full, the hose can be taken out of the dewar and the protective cap replaced. If the cap rattles, this is evidence that the dewar is overfilled and the liquid is boiling at a greater rate than normal. In this instance, the dewar should be left in the open air until there is no excessive boiling. Always check that the labelling has not been damaged by liquid spills during the fill. If it has, then replace as necessary. If the liquid withdrawal device needs to be re-fitted, it should be done immediately after the fill, providing that the dewar has not been overfilled. When it has been re-fitted you need to check the pressure gauge on the device to ensure that the pressure rise has stabilised at 2-3 psi. If the pressure rises above 3 psi, towards 7psi you should open the vent valve on the device to relieve the pressure. After the pressure has been reduced you should close the vent valve. If the pressure continues to rise, then you should repeat the venting cycle as many times as is necessary to obtain a steady pressure reading. Remember to vent the vessel outside or in a well-ventilated area. Once the pressure is steady you can then check that the liquid line is clear of any ice blockage by momentarily operating the liquid valve, allowing the liquid to come out (in a well-ventilated area). The cold liquid may crack a plastic funnel. If you need to fill small vessels with liquid nitrogen then a stainless-steel funnel must be used. You must always take care when pouring from a dewar into a working flask. Always use a suitable tipping trolley when pouring liquid nitrogen into a working flask or better still, get someone to help you and preferably only do this outside or in a suitably ventilated area. In the event of a spillage of liquid nitrogen you should evacuate all personnel from the area likely to be affected by the liquid and the evolved nitrogen gas. As the cold gas will accumulate in low lying areas any cellars, stairwells and basements in the vicinity should be evacuated immediately. If the liquid has spilt in an indoor area then you must take appropriate action to ensure that the ventilation system does not spread the nitrogen gas to other areas. All exterior doors and windows must be opened to encourage evaporation of the liquid and a safe dispersal of the nitrogen gas. You should allow any spillage of liquid to evaporate freely. As the evolved nitrogen gas will be very cold it will create a cloud of condensed water vapour which restricts visibility. You must not allow anyone to enter a vapour cloud as visibility will be zero and the dangers may be significant. No one should be allowed to enter the area until you are sure that the nitrogen gas has all dispersed and that the air is safe to breathe. You must therefore check that the atmosphere is safe with an oxygen monitor prior to allowing anyone to re-enter the area.