Health & Safety

Below is a summary of the Risk Assessment carried out for the Solution-State NMR facility. A copy is available on the main door of the facility or by request via email.

All visitors or new users must first contact Dr Lebl (tl12) or Dr Smith (srs9) and familiarise themselves with the below information before entering the solution state NMR facility.

A. Affects of Superconducting Magnets

  1. Persons with metal implants and pacemakers should not enter the room without additional risk assessment as the magnetic fields could have an adverse effect on these.

Warning signs are visible at each entrance to the facility.

  1. All magnetic objects could fly towards the magnet resulting in damage or injury. This includes keys, wallets, watches tools etc. Assume any piece of metal is magnetic until proven otherwise

All magnetic objects should be kept outside of the 5 Gauss line which is marked on the floor around the magnets. Where there is no line, the 5 Gauss line is within the footprint of the magnet. Best practice would be to not bring such items to the facility or leave them at the room entrance.

B. Cryogenics

  1.  All magnets are filled weekly with liquid Nitrogen and periodically as required with liquid Helium. There is a risk of asphyxia and cryogenic burns and therefore those carrying out the fills must adhere to the University’s policy on self-handling of cryogenic materials. Loose fitting gloves and eye protection will always be worn

Areas where fills are taking place will be cordoned off to prevent access by untrained persons.

If any cryogenic liquids come into contact with eyes or skin, first-aid will immediately be called.

  1. There is a risk of asphyxia due to low oxygen levels in the event of cryogenic quench. In the event of a quench, all occupants of the room should leave immediately and make no attempt to re-enter until told it is safe to do so. Dr Lebl or Dr Smith must be alerted immediately.

Warning signs are displayed throughout the facility with a photo of an active quench.

  1. Following a quench, oxygen levels may remain low with no visible indication. Oxygen sensors will be installed to monitor the levels in the room and alarms and beacons at the entrances will alert users not to enter if this is low. 

C. Electrical Hazards

  1. During cryogenic fills, condensation of water around electrical cables may result in an electrical shock hazard.

Plastic sheeting will be used to cover equipment where this is a risk until the fill is complete.

D. Other Hazards

  1.  Wooden steps are provided to allow access to the NMR sample changers. These are not fixed to the floor so must be used with caution.
  2. Broken glass must immediately be cleaned up and disposed of in the glass bin provided and a member of staff alerted.

Responsible Members of Staff

Dr T. Lebl – room 129, tel: 463836, [email protected]

Dr S. Smith – room 122, tel: 463788, [email protected]

Dr K. Jones – Health & Safety Officer, tel: 463689, [email protected]