ABSTRACT
The Health and Safety at Work Act came into force in 1974. Although hazards are more generally associated with the preparative aspects of chemistry, a carelessly handled gas-chromatography syringe can cause a nasty wound. A piece of thin lead sheet wrapped around the end of the exit hose makes it more difficult to displace from the sink. Test the system at higher than normal water pressure since the water supply pressure often increases overnight due to lack of demand. All large, evacuated vessels should be encased in a metal safety screen. Failing this a safety glass screen should be fixed in place between the vessel and the operator where this is reasonably practicable. A neglected hazard of liquid nitrogen is the danger of asphyxiation when large quantities of the cryogenic are boiled off in small rooms. Never transport liquid nitrogen in closed vehicles or passenger lifts. Liquid nitrogen can also condense liquid oxygen from the surrounding air.
