Occupational health and safety aspects in the handling of cryogenic materials in nuclear and radiological facilities

Abstract

Cryogenic materials, widely used in industries and facilities associated with nuclear technology and science and radiological applications, pose occupational health and safety hazards owing to their unique properties. The major health hazards include cold burns, asphyxiation, hot burns, and major safety hazards are explosion, fire, and equipment failure. Risk assessment consistent with material safety data sheet and hazard analysis is essential to assess the potential dangers while using cryogenic materials. Safe handling of cryogenic materials in nuclear and radiological facilities requires special considerations to ensure the protection of personnel and the environment. Administrative measures such as access control, training, checklists, and engineering controls such as ventilation, gas detection systems, and purging techniques are applied to deal with cryogenic hazards. Many personal proactive equipments are available to protect users from cryogenic hazards. While some protective measures for cryogenic hazards could suffice for low radioactivity laboratories, additional personal protective equipments are required to protect workers from radiation exposure in workplaces with potentially significant radiation hazards. The formulation of preparedness plans for emergencies resulting from cryogenic hazards should essentially take into account the unique constraints and requirements of radiological facilities. Simultaneous occurrence of radiological and cryogenic emergencies presents complex challenges requiring special mitigative measures.