McMaster University

McMaster University

Liquid Nitrogen and Gas Cylinders


There are no expected supplier and/or delivery disruptions for liquid nitrogen and gas cylinders.

During the COVID19 Pandemic, laboratories are responsible for the continued management of their own liquid nitrogen and gas cylinder needs.

The FHSSO does not handle liquid nitrogen or gas cylinders.

Liquid nitrogen and gas cylinders are two research consumables that require cyclical pickup and delivery. The process for each is managed by a number of different groups, and the contacts within these groups may be different according to the building in which you work. The players in these groups include:

  • supplier
  • laboratory supervisor/workers
  • building security
  • logistics (building or campus)
  • hospital logistics
  • Faculty of Heath Sciences Safety Office (FHSSO)

Those involved in direction and handling of liquid nitrogen and gas cylinders must be familiar with their responsibilities under RMM504 - Compressed and Liquefied Gases Safety Program in addition to completion of Gas Cylinder (GASCYL) training on Mosaic.

For the management and delivery of LN2 and gas cylinders on central campus, please contact EOHSS.

Liquid Nitrogen Delivery

Dewar Registration

As of May 2013, Facility Services manages all administrative activities related to the filling, replenishment and billing of tanks/dewars containing and transporting liquid and gaseous nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen transport dewars are to be registered with the FHS Safety Office. This does not include biological storage tanks, only those tanks which are transported in and out of the lab for filling.

Please complete this form to register and update information on your dewar. Once processed you will receive a Dewar Number. All queries related to liquid nitrogen billing and costs are to be directed to Krissy Estabrooks. As of March 2020 the prices for liquid nitrogen filling are:

PRICE ($/L) (Reg.)

$ 0.76

(Mon/Wed/Fri)

PRICE ($/L) (Spec.)

$ 1.20

(Tues/Thur)

Secure the information (Name, Location, Volume and Dewar Number) on the vessel using permanent marker or by other means.

Filling Dewars in HSC

  1. Liquid nitrogen days are Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Filling on any other day will result in additional charges.
  2. A call is made to Joe Novak at 905-527-4322 x75495 through HHS Logistics for a LN2 fill.
  3. Clean, empty, labeled dewars are placed in the hallway on the morning of pickup.
  4. HHS portering collects the dewars and transports them to the HSC receiving docks.
  5. Facilities Services collects the dewars, fills them at the filling station and returns them to HSC receiving docks. This part is managed through Mark Dillon (x27008) and Faciltiy services.
  6. HHS portering delivers the dewars back to the hallways in the afternoon.

Filling Dewars in MDCL

  1. Liquid nitrogen days are Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Filling on any other day will result in additional charges.
  2. A call is made to Mark Dillon (x27008) through Facility Services for a LN2 fill.
  3. Clean, empty, labeled dewars are brought down to the 'cages' in MDCL receiving garage.
  4. Facilities Services collects the dewars, fills them and delivers them back to the MDCL receiving garage.
  5. Lab members are to return in the afternoon to pick the dewars.

 

Updated 2021-06-22

 

 

Gas Cylinder Delivery

Cylinder Exchange

Cylinder exchange involves calling to arrange for pickup and drop off of your size and type of gas cylinder. Unattended gas cylinders in hallways are prohibited. All gas cylinders are to be secured to prevent tipping and caps are to be replaced when the cylinder is not in use.

The FHSSO does not faciliate sales, provide service or negotatie any service agreements for gas cylinders. This agreement is solely through HHS and issuees related to gas cylinder service are to be directed to Mike Mans.

Exchanging Cylinders in HSC

  1. HHS logistics keeps a small inventory of Air Liquide cylinders on hand.
  2. A call is made to Joe Novak at 905-527-4322 x75495 through HHS Logistics to order a gas cylinder.
  3. HHS logistics arranges for delivery to the lab room.
  4. Occupants must be prepared to receive and exchange the cylinder.
  5. HHS Logistics takes away the empty cylinder.

Exchanging Cylinders in MDCL

  1. A call is made to Joe Novak at 905-527-4322 x75495 through HHS Logistics to arrange for exchange of a cylinder.
  2. Lab occupants transfer the capped, empty cylinder to an appropriate transport dolly.
  3. The cylinder is brought down to the MDCL receiving garage and placed securely in the cylinder cage.
  4. HHS Portering picks up the empty cylinder and securely leaves a full cylinder.
  5. Lab occupants return to collect the full cylinder and transport it back to their laboratory.
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