Nitrogen has all kinds of uses in the food and beverage industry, from removing oxygen in food packaging to keep things like nuts and potato chips crisp, to carbonating beer and soda, and oxidizing wine, to aeration in chocolate production. Handling Nitrogen safely is important to preserving its use, and your health.

Anytime you’re handling Nitrogen, make sure to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including a face shield, safety glasses or goggles, insulated gloves and clothing that covers the skin, with no cuffs that could catch or trap spilled liquid. It’s important to wear PPE, as liquid Nitrogen is -321 degrees Fahrenheit (-196 degrees Celsius), and can freeze human tissue on contact.

Also, make sure when handling Nitrogen, that you are in a well-ventilated area. When liquid Nitrogen is exposed to warmer air, it can turn to gas and quickly displace the oxygen in the room. This is also why it’s essential to only use appropriate containers and equipment designated for Nitrogen.

Do you need assistance handling Nitrogen at your facility, or do you need gas or supplies? Let us know – contact us online, or call us at one of our locations, or at our main office at 563-324-5237, and we’ll be happy to help.

Also, print this poster as a way to spread safety information at your own location on how to safely handle Nitrogen. Go to https://sjsmith.com/gases/industrial-gases/nitrogen for more information.