Dry Ice and Liquid Nitrogen Safety

Author: Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM
Reviewer: Dan Scungio, MLS(ASCP), SLS, CQA(ASQ)
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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours: 1 hour(s)

Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Science CE Credit Hours

Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Science CE - Supervision/Administration, Quality Control/Quality Assurance, and Safety: 1 hour(s)

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Objectives

  • Identify the properties and classifications of dry ice and liquid nitrogen.
  • Describe the various uses of dry ice and liquid nitrogen in clinical and anatomic laboratories.
  • List the personal protective equipment (PPE) required for handling dry ice and liquid nitrogen.
  • Explain the proper handling, storage, transport, and disposal procedures for dry ice and liquid nitrogen.
  • Summarize the relevant Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and OSHA standards related to dry ice and liquid nitrogen.
  • Discuss first aid procedures for accidents involving dry ice and liquid nitrogen.

Course Outline

  • Introduction
    • The Dangers of Dry Ice
    • The Dangers of Liquid Nitrogen
    • Dry Ice and Liquid Nitrogen Safety
  • Dry Ice
    • What is Dry Ice and How is it Classified?
    • True or False: Dry ice is classified as hazardous by the Department of Transportation.
    • Uses of Dry Ice in Clinical and Anatomic Laboratories
    • What is a common use of dry ice in medical laboratories?
    • Dry Ice Safety and Personal Protective Equipment
    • Which of the following is not required PPE when handling dry ice?
    • Handling, Storage, and Transport of Dry Ice
    • Where should dry ice be stored to ensure safety?
    • Dry Ice Code of Federal Regulations
    • Under which Title of the CFR is dry ice transport regulated?
    • Disposal of Dry Ice
    • Dry Ice First Aid
    • What should you do if dry ice vapors are inhaled?
    • Dry Ice Training Requirements
  • Liquid Nitrogen
    • What is Liquid Nitrogen and How is it Classified
    • Which of the following is not a property of liquid nitrogen?
    • Uses of Liquid Nitrogen in Clinical and Anatomic Laboratories
    • Liquid Nitrogen Safety and Personal Protective Equipment
    • True or False: Gloves used for handling liquid nitrogen should fit tight so they do not fall off.
    • Handling, Storage, and Transport of Liquid Nitrogen
    • True or False: Liquid nitrogen and dry ice are stored and transported in the same type of container.
    • Liquid Nitrogen Code of Federal Regulations
    • Disposal of Liquid Nitrogen
    • True or False: Liquid nitrogen and dry ice are disposed of similarly.
    • Liquid Nitrogen First Aid
    • Which of the following statements regarding liquid nitrogen first aid is false?
    • Liquid Nitrogen Training Requirements
  • Summary Table: Dry Ice versus Liquid Nitrogen
    • Dry Ice versus Liquid Nitrogen
  • References
    • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Basic
Intended Audience: Medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, laboratory supervisors, and laboratory managers. This course is also appropriate for MLS and MLT students and pathology residents.
Author Information: Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. He holds Medical Laboratory Scientist and Specialist in Hematology certifications through the ASCP Board of Certification. He was a professor at Thomas Jefferson University for seven years before transitioning into his current role as Education Developer at MediaLab. His areas of expertise and professional passions include clinical hematology and interprofessional education.
Reviewer Information: Dan Scungio, MLS(ASCP), SLS, CQA(ASQ) is a laboratory safety officer for Sentara Healthcare, a multi-hospital system in Virginia and North Carolina.  As “Dan the Lab Safety Man,” he also serves as a laboratory safety consultant and speaker, providing education and training to lab professionals around the world.
Course Description: This course is designed to equip medical laboratory professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle dry ice and liquid nitrogen safely and effectively in their work environment.