Demonstration Risk Assessment
and Emergency Response Plan
Demo Name:Liquid Nitrogen Balloon
Materials:Large Dewar flask with vented stopper containing 1 to 2 L of liquid nitrogen, metal tray, balloon inflated with air, insulating gloves.
Preparation:Place balloon in metal tray.
Presentation:Slowly pour liquid nitrogen over balloon. Balloon will shrivel and shrink. Remove balloon from tray and place on the tabletop. Balloon will expand to original size.
Demonstrator Safety Notes: Do not allow liquid nitrogen to splash on you or fall on your toes when you are pouring it on the balloon. Be sure that it does not splash onto or spill onto the toes of the audience in the first row. It is extremely cold and can cause frostbite. Do not store liquid nitrogen in a confined space. It can cause asphyxiation. The metal tray becomes extremely cold. Use the insulated gloves to handle it during clean-up.
Risk Assessment:Liquid nitrogen is extremely cold and can cause frostbite. Storage of liquid nitrogen in a confined area can cause asphyxiation.
Emergency Response Plan:
If your fingers, ears or other areas are frostbitten:
- Warm your hands by tucking them into your armpits. If your nose, ears or face is frostbitten, warm the area by covering it with dry, gloved hands.
- Don't rub the affected area.
- Get emergency medical help if numbness remains during warming. If you can't get help immediately, warm severely frostbitten hands or feet in warm — not hot — water. The water temperature should be between 100 F and 105 F.
First Aid for Asphyxiation:
The provider tilts the victim's head backward by placing one hand under the victim's chin and lifting while the other hand presses down on the victim's forehead. At this point, the mouth and airway can be checked for foreign objects, which can be removed with the fingers. To begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, gently pinch the victim's nostrils together to prevent air from escaping out the nose. Take normal breaths, seal the victim's mouth with a pocket mask or mouth, and exhale into the mouth. When performed properly the victim's chest should rise visibly. The provider then listens for the victim to exhale; if using a pocket mask, it need not be removed. This process is repeated at a rate of about 12 times per minute (one breath every five seconds) for adults and about 20 times per minute for children, using less pressure and volume for children. Once beginning artificial respiration, the first-aid provider should continue until the victim begins to breathe or medical help arrives.
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