Liquid nitrogen can cause damage to the laboratory floor

Wall surfaces and floors in laboratories with security level 1 and higher must be easy to clean and resistant to the materials used, as well as to cleaning and disinfecting agents (Annex 2 AI a. 2. GenTSV). One potential source of damage to laboratory floors (especially PVC floors) is the use of liquid nitrogen, which is used for deep freezing or shock freezing, as well as for preserving biological samples. Liquid nitrogen is a colorless, odorless liquid with a boiling point of -196 °C. It evaporates very quickly at room temperature, reaching 700 times its original volume. For use, liquid nitrogen is usually stored briefly in insulated storage tanks and then transferred into open insulated vessels (Dewars) of varying sizes. Although splashing and leaking should be avoided during filling and transferring, this cannot always be prevented. Excess nitrogen then runs onto the unprotected laboratory floor, causing it to become brittle and fragile over time. This flaw is often criticized during safety inspections. Commercial nitrogen collection trays made of stainless steel are suitable for protecting floors. A simpler and more cost-effective option is a stainless steel plate that is tightly glued to the laboratory floor to prevent substances from seeping underneath. Of course, with both options, you must ensure that this does not create dangerous tripping hazards.

Did you know that even seemingly harmless substances, such as water from dripping emergency body showers after their monthly inspection, can damage laboratory floors over time? Even constant dripping can cause both old and new laboratory floors to crack and become brittle. If this problem cannot be solved technically, a nitrile glove placed over the shower head often helps (at least in the short term).