Sunday, October 26, 2008
Is It Cold in Here, or Just Me? Using Cryogens Safely
LiveDesign: "A few weeks ago, a technician from a regional opera company called the ESTA office with a list of questions about liquid nitrogen fog technology. Did the nitrogen vented from the storage dewar tend to pool, as butane will when released from an LP gas canister? (No, and it won't burn, either.) Would it be okay to store the liquid nitrogen dewars in an understage trap room? (Yes, if there is good ventilation.) Is the gas toxic? (No.) His questions went on and on"
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3 comments:
I sometimes forget the risks involved with some special effects in the theatre. It is really important to make sure you are aware of all the dangers that come along with the product your theatre is using, and I feel that everyone who comes into contact with that product should be aware of the risks as well. I wonder if that is required when working with dangerous materials.
Wouldn't most of these questions have been answered if the technician just read the MSDS of the cryogen in question? (Pretty sure the answer is yes.)
I appreciate that ESTA is trying to spread knowledge, but sometimes I think they just need to remind people that reading attached safety information is probably more useful than shooting an email of a bunch of questions.
Oh, and a response to the comment above;
If you're unsure of the properties of the substance you are handling, consult the MSDS. It's also your responsibility to take care of yourself. It sucks that often we are asked to use hazardous materials, but if you neglect to read necessary safety information, then you're kind of bringing it upon yourself. If gloves, respirators, spray booths (whatever) are provided, and a worker neglects to use it, it's their own damn fault.
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