TITLE:	ES&H Manual
DOCUMENT ID:	6550 Cryogenic Safety Program

Work with cryogenic material, where release is possible, is considered a Risk Code 3 by Jefferson Lab. Therefore, an Operational Safety Procedure (OSP) may be required in accordance with ES&H Manual Chapter 3210 Work Planning, Control, and Authorization Process.

1.0 Purpose

Jefferson Lab utilizes super-cooled gases (otherwise known as cryogens) to support superconducting radio frequency cavities and magnets at extremely low (cryogenic) temperatures (below −150°C, −238°F, or 123 K).

Cryogens present the following hazards:

· Extreme cold including immediate tissue destruction, and

· Oxygen Deficiency Hazard (ODH)

This program satisfies applicable federal, state, and local requirements as outlined in ES&H Manual Chapter 2410 Appendix T1 Hazard Issues List.

2.0 Scope

This document describes responsibilities and expectations associated with the following cryogens used at Jefferson Lab:

· helium

· nitrogen

· argon

· hydrogen

· oxygen

Liquid air is not used in significant quantities at Jefferson Lab, but can be produced as an unwanted by-product by the interaction of air with the surface of exposed piping colder than 80 K. A constituent of liquid air is liquid oxygen. Any contact between liquid oxygen and petroleum products must be avoided.

NOTE: The use of cryogens contributes significantly to ODH at Jefferson Lab. See ES&H Manual Chapter 6540 Oxygen Deficiency Hazard (ODH) Control Program and its associated appendices for additional information.

3.0 Responsibilities

NOTE: Management authority may be delegated at the discretion of the responsible manager.

3.1 Everyone at Jefferson Lab

· Observe and follow posted requirements.

3.2 Qualified Cryogenic Worker

· Complete and maintain appropriate training and medical monitoring, including:

o SAF-103 Oxygen Deficient Hazards

· Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

· Ensure cryogen containers are properly identified, classified, and labeled.

3.3 Supervisor/Subcontracting Officer’s Technical Representative (SOTR)/Sponsor

· Identify and ensure worker’s training is adequate and current.

· Assign only trained and qualified cryogen workers to perform operations with cryogenic risks.

· Ensure that cryogen containers are properly labeled.

· Ensure appropriate PPE is available and properly used.

· Maintain cryogenic hazard labels and postings in areas under your authority. (If necessary contact Industrial Hygiene to re-post a sign.)

3.4 Senior Cryogenics Coordinator (SSC) for Accelerator Operations and SSC for End Stations

· Provide consultative assistance to Cryogenic Workers and supervisors.

3.5 Industrial Hygiene

· Distribute cryogen hazard labels and NFPA hazard diamond stickers as needed.

· Post cryogenic hazard signs when requested.

4.0 Expectations

4.1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Cryogen handling requires specific PPE. ES&H Manual Chapter 6550 Appendix T1 Required Personal Protective Equipment for Cryogen Work describes how to determine the appropriate PPE for cryogen work and how to obtain it.

4.2 Personal Exposure

ES&H Manual Chapter 6550 Appendix T2 Response to Personal Cryogen Exposure describes how to recognize and appropriately respond in the event of personal exposure to cryogens.

4.3 Emergency Response to an Uncontrolled Release

ES&H Manual Chapter 6550 Appendix T3 Emergency Response to Uncontrolled Cryogen Release describes how to recognize and appropriately respond in the event of an uncontrolled cryogen release

4.4 Movement of Cryogenic Dewars

Only qualified and authorized Cryogenic Workers are allowed to move cryogenic dewars. ES&H Manual Chapter 6150 Appendix T2 Moving Gas^[1] Cylinders from Storage to Work Area provides Jefferson Lab’s minimum requirements for performing this operation.

4.5 Cryogenic Labeling

Jefferson Lab requires all cryogens used or stored on site to be labeled. Cryogen workers fill out and affix both the content label and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) label indicating the hazard characteristics associated with the cryogen. These labels are available from the Industrial Hygiene. The exception would be if this information is included on the manufacturer’s label.

4.6 Cryogenic Repair

The operation of large cryogenic systems requires certain maintenance and repair to be done in the presence of cryogens. Only trained individuals may perform these operations under the authorization of the Senior Cryogenics Coordinator – Accelerator Operations, or for Experimental Halls. For accelerator systems, the Cryogenic and ODH Supplement – Hazardous Cryogenic Repair Procedure is followed.

4.7 Restricted Access

Only trained and authorized individuals are allowed access to buildings using cryogenic piping and equipment. These buildings have posted ODH signs that specify requirements for entry. (See ES&H Manual Chapter 6540 Appendix T2 ODH Classifications, Engineering and Administrative Control Practices, Training, and Medical Exclusions for additional information.)

5.0 Revision Summary

Revision 1 – 01/17/12 – Updated to reflect current laboratory operations.

ISSUING AUTHORITY	TECHNICAL POINT-OF-CONTACT	APPROVAL DATE	EXPIRATION DATE	REV.
ESH&Q Division	Dana Arenius	01/17/12	01/17/17	1

This document is controlled as an on line file. It may be printed but the print copy is not a controlled document. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that the document is the same revision as the current on line file. This copy was printed on 9/24/2012.

---

[1] For the purpose of this appendix the term “gas” is used, in its singular or plural form, to mean compressed, liquefied, and/or solidified gas.