National Institutes of Health

Protocol for Use and Maintenance

of Oxygen Monitoring Devices
2022

Authored by the Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS)

Oxygen Monitoring Program Manager.
 CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………... 2

I. PURPOSE………………………………………………………………… 2

II. SCOPE……………………………………………………………………. 2

III. RESPONSIBILITIES …………………………………………….………. 3

IV. TECHNICAL INFORMATION………………………………………….. 3

V. REFERENCES…………………………………………………….……… 5

APPENDIX A – MANDATORY SIGNAGE………………………………….… 7

APPENDIX B – RECOMMENDED SIGNAGE………………………………… 7

ACRONYMS
BAS Building Automation System
DOHS Division of Occupational Health and Safety
DRM Design Requirements Manual
IC Institute/Center
MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging
NMR Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
PI Principal Investigator
TEM Transmission Electron Microscope
TAB Technical Assistance Branch

Disclaimer of Endorsement:

Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name,
trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement,
recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of
authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States
Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

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 INTRODUCTION

Compressed gases and cryogenic liquids (e.g. nitrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, oxygen and
argon) may be used in laboratories and other locations for various applications and work
procedures. Cryogenic liquids are gases that are kept in their liquid state through application of
temperature and pressure. Their freezing properties are advantageous when storing laboratory
samples and/or components, or to maintain extremely low temperatures and preserve
superconductivity in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
machines.

When cryogenic liquids are dispensed, they release vapors and gases with various properties.
Nitrogen and helium gases, for example, are inert, colorless, odorless, noncorrosive and
nontoxic. They are also simple asphyxiants, meaning they displace oxygen from air when present
in high concentrations. Displacing oxygen creates the potential for an oxygen deficient or
hazardous atmosphere, which is an occupational hazard. The Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) specifies that a hazardous atmosphere may include one where the
oxygen concentration is below 19.5% or above 23.5%.

In situations where oxygen levels exceed 23.5%, oxygen enrichment and other flammability
hazards may be present. Per the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, cryogenic liquids may
condense the surrounding air into a liquid form, which increase the oxygen concentration. This
“liquid air” can be composed of up to 50% oxygen and will amplify any combustion/flammable
hazards in the surrounding areas. Loose-fitting covers on storage dewars that allow for the
gradual boil-off of gas and vacuum-jacketed/insulated transport lines will reduce this hazard.
Compressed oxygen gas, liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen also present additional combustion
and flammability hazards.

Contact the Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS) Oxygen Monitoring Program
Manager for any concerns relating to hazardous atmosphere.

I. PURPOSE

This protocol has been established at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to:

1) Provide guidance on the installation, maintenance, and calibration of oxygen

monitoring devices in animal and laboratory areas in all NIH owned and leased
buildings; and
2) Identify and list all device locations.

II. SCOPE

This policy applies to all NIH intramural research program personnel and contract staff
supporting intramural research at NIH campuses in Maryland, Montana, and Arizona.

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 Personnel at the NIEHS Research Triangle Park campus should refer to the policies established
for their location. The following are common locations where compressed gases and/or
cryogenic liquids are found, potentially creating a hazardous atmosphere:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)

rooms;
• Cryogenic/Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) rooms;
• Freezer and tank farms;
• Bulk storage tanks, particularly if kept indoors or outdoors below ground
level; and
• Compressed gas manifold rooms or other compressed gas bulk storage.

Oxygen monitoring devices are recommended to be installed in these common locations, which
could reside in animal, laboratory, and/or clinical areas. This recommendation is to meet general
safety and health considerations and requirements in the NIH Design Requirements Manual
(DRM) for Biomedical Laboratories and Animal Research Facilities as well as laboratories
subject to College of American Pathologists requirements. Oxygen monitoring is often necessary
for safe work within permit-required confined spaces. The permit-required confined spaces
regulation may have some applicability and should be reviewed in conjunction with this protocol
and the NIH Permit-Required Confined Spaces program.

III. APPLICABLE REGULATORY, POLICY, AND INDUSTRY STANDARDS

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Confined Space Standard

29 CFR 1920.146:

o “Hazardous atmosphere” means an atmosphere that may expose employees to the

risk of death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue (that is, escape
unaided from a permit space), injury, or acute illness from one or more of the
following causes:
▪ (1) Flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10 percent of its lower
flammable limit (LFL)
▪ (3) Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent or above 23.5
percent;
o Before an employee enters the space, the internal atmosphere shall be tested, with
a calibrated direct-reading instrument, for oxygen content, for flammable gases
and vapors, and for potential toxic air contaminants, in that order.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Respiratory Protection
Standard 29 CFR 1920.134:

o “Oxygen deficient atmosphere” means an atmosphere with an oxygen content

below 19.5% by volume.
o All oxygen-deficient atmospheres shall be considered immediately dangerous to
life and health (IDLH).
• **College of American Pathologists (CAP) Accreditation Program Requirements:
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 GEN.77550 Liquid Nitrogen and Dry Ice
Adequate policies, procedures, and practices are in place for the use of
liquid nitrogen and dry ice.
GEN.84800 Environment Maintenance

There are oxygen sensors or sufficient airflow to prevent

asphyxiation in areas where liquid nitrogen is used.

**CAP Program Requirements apply to CAP-accredited programs only. Please contact the
DOHS Oxygen Monitoring Program Manager at 301-496-3353 or [email protected]
for more information.

• National Institutes of Health Design Requirements Manual 13.10.7: Liquid Nitrogen

(LN2):

o “Oxygen monitoring shall be provided in freezer rooms and other rooms where
cryogenic fluids are supplied to warn of oxygen depletion…”

IV. RESPONSIBILITIES

Institute/Center (IC):

• Contact the Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS) to request a risk
assessment for locations that use compressed gases and/or cryogenic liquids.
o Notify the DOHS if significant changes in the volume of gas, work practices,
and/or ventilation conditions occur in areas that have previously been surveyed.
• As applicable, ensure proper oversight and maintenance of bulk storage tanks and
delivery systems for compressed gases and/or cryogenic liquids.
• Ensure oxygen monitoring devices are installed, maintained, and calibrated as per
guidance in this protocol.
o A service contract may be established with the manufacturer to meet these
obligations.
o The IC shall keep written and/or electronic records for all actions related to:
installation, calibration, maintenance, etc.
• Display mandatory (see Appendix A) and recommended (see Appendix B) signage as
applicable. Signage shall be displayed in easily viewable locations.
• Conduct bulk tank inspections as detailed in the Section V “Bulk Tank Inspection
Schedule” below.
o A service contract may be established with the manufacturer to meet these
obligations.
o The IC shall keep written and/or electronic records for all actions related to:
inspections, defects, maintenance, etc.
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 Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS) Safety Operations and Support Branch
(SOSB) Safety Personnel:

• Assist in hazard recognition to determine the potential need for oxygen monitoring
device(s).
• Refer oxygen monitoring issues and inquires to the DOHS Oxygen Monitoring Program
Manager.

NOTE: The SOSB Safety Specialist and the IC should review related health and safety
considerations not specific to this protocol, such as the safe handling and storage of
compressed gases and/or cryogenic liquids. For example, compressed gases should be
stored upright and secured. As a result of the significant freezing hazards related to the
handling of liquid nitrogen and helium, proper personal protection equipment (PPE)—
such as, loose-fitting insulated gloves and goggles/face shields—must be worn when
handling and dispensing these cryogenic liquids. Also, containers used to transport
liquid nitrogen, such as dewars, should be used in a safe and appropriate manner.

DOHS Technical Assistance Branch (TAB) Oxygen Monitoring Program Manager:

• Conduct building surveys on a 3-year cycle to validate inventory of oxygen monitoring

devices and identify new locations where compressed gases and/or cryogenic liquids are
in use.
o Provide guidance and oversight for DOHS technicians who provide program
support in oxygen monitoring surveys.
• Perform risk assessments for locations where installation of a fixed oxygen monitoring
device may be recommended.
• Assist locations in preparation for accreditation inspections where compressed gas and/or
cryogenic liquids storage and handling are a component of inspection (i.e. College of
American Pathologist accreditation).
• Provide support to NIH Office of Research Facilities (ORF) locations where oxygen
deficient and/or enriched areas may be present.
• Coordinate with NIH campus vendors to maintain awareness of potential safety issues
relating to storage and handling of compressed gases and/or cryogenic liquids.
• Provide support regarding the technical aspects of installation, maintenance, and
calibration.
o If the manufacturer is not retained to calibrate the units, the Oxygen Monitoring
Program Manager will review accepted vendors to calibrate the units.
• Annually review and update this protocol.

V. TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Installation:

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An oxygen monitoring device shall be installed in any indoor location where compressed gases
and/or cryogenic liquids are stored and/or dispensed in manner that could create the potential for
the displacement of oxygen. The NIH DRM notes that both “carbon dioxide manifold rooms…
[and] nitrogen holding rooms shall include oxygen level monitoring alarms”. At a minimum, the
following factors should be used in determining if a device should be installed: manufacturer
(e.g., magnet) guidance, volume of gas used, work practices, location of gas, and ventilation
estimates in the room/area. Additionally, compressed gases or cryogenic liquids shall not be
located or dispensed in any indoor location that does not have adequate ventilation.

The IC should contact their DOHS Safety Specialist and perform an assessment of the activities
and area with respect for the need of an oxygen monitoring device. Compressed gases used for
instrument calibration, for example, may not require the installation of an oxygen monitoring
device.
The installation of the oxygen monitoring device will rely on the manufacturer’s specific
requirements and recommendations. Some of these requirements may include, but not be limited
to:

1) Installing the device sensor(s) close to an area where a gas release would most
likely occur;
2) Placing the device sensor(s) at the proper height depending on the density of the
gas and the simulation of an individual’s breathing zone;
3) Ensuring the device’s display is accessible; and
4) Performing a leak test of the oxygen monitoring device’s sample lines, system
components and fittings.

Alarm Notification:

As per the manufacture’s recommendation, a low oxygen alarm shall be installed along with the
monitoring device to alert persons in the surrounding area of a hazardous condition. If possible,
the monitoring device should also be interlocked with the building automation system (BAS).
Where applicable, the device shall also be interlocked with an emergency exhaust fan or
ventilation system that is located at the monitored location. An alarm will trigger emergency
ventilation of the space. Alarms installed during new construction, or building alteration, should
include both visual and audible warnings to notify occupants. If BAS interlocking is not possible,
the alarm will alert local occupants but will not notify any emergency response systems.

Alarm Setpoints

OSHA specifies that a hazardous atmosphere may include one where the oxygen concentration is
below 19.5% or above 23.5%. The device alarm and warning levels should be set according to
these oxygen concentration levels.

If both oxygen enrichment and oxygen deficiency are a concern, the alarm setpoints should be
set to reflect these levels. For oxygen monitors where multiple setpoints are possible, such as
“Caution,” “Warning,” and “Alarm,” setpoints can be programmed according to the hazards

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present in the environment. If oxygen levels reach the “Alarm” setpoint, the alarm in some
oxygen monitors may “latch,” and will not stop alarming unless physically reset. The “latch”
setting is a safety feature that requires a physical check of the space to determine that it has been
cleared of occupants in an emergency and that no one has been overcome by a hazardous
atmosphere.

Maintenance and Use:

General maintenance/troubleshooting:

Any maintenance or repair on the monitoring device should only be performed by the
manufacturer or manufacturer’s representative using manufacturer specific replacement parts.
Most oxygen monitoring devices require minimal periodic maintenance. The device itself can be
periodically cleaned with a clean, dry cloth.

Sensor replacement:

Oxygen sensors are the main monitoring components of these devices. Sensor replacement is
dictated by the manufacturer of the oxygen monitoring device. The scheduled replacement
requirements should be noted by the IC during installation. For example, oxygen sensors on the
MSA Toxgard® II Monitor typically last a maximum of two years. Some devices may also give a
display reading when the sensor needs to be replaced. The IC shall have a program in place to
track and ensure the proper maintenance of each monitor.

Calibration:

Calibrations are performed to verify the accuracy of the oxygen sensor, which is the main
component of an oxygen monitoring device. There are generally two different types of
calibrations: initial and interval.

Initial Calibration:

An initial calibration must be performed by the manufacturer or manufacturer’s representative

when an oxygen monitoring device and/or new oxygen sensor is installed.

Interval Calibrations:

These calibrations should be performed by the manufacturer or manufacturer’s representative

either every 12 months or per the recommendation of the manufacturer, whichever is more
frequent. A more frequent calibration schedule may be necessary if readings are out of range.

Initial and interval calibrations should be performed by the manufacturer or manufacturer’s

representative. If the manufacturer is not retained to calibrate the units, a qualified third-party
vendor must be retained to calibrate the units.

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The IC shall keep written and/or electronic records for all actions related to: installation,
calibration, maintenance, etc. Additional calibration stickers placed on/near the oxygen monitor
are encouraged as a clear visual indicator of when the unit is due for calibration.

The building automation system connection (BAS) and emergency exhaust fan, where
applicable, should also be verified as operational during the interval calibration. Additionally, a
leak check of the sample lines, system components and fittings should also be performed at the
interval calibration.

Daily Observation Checks:

The display/readout on the device should be visually checked daily to ensure that the device is
functioning, and oxygen levels are within normal parameters.

Bulk Tank Inspection Schedule:

Item Inspection Interval

Valves and fittings for leaks and other Annually
malfunctions
Indicating gauges for malfunction Annually
Relief valves and rupture discs to verify proper 2 years
settings
Foundation anchors 5 years

Reference: Safety Checks for Vacuum Insulated Cryogenic Tanks, British Compressed Gas Association (2014).

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VI. REFERENCES

College of American Pathologists (CAP). GEN.77550: Liquid Nitrogen and Dry Ice.
https://www.cap.org/laboratory-improvement/accreditation/accreditation-checklists. (14
July 2022)

College of American Pathologists (CAP). GEN.84800: Environment Maintenance

https://www.cap.org/laboratory-improvement/accreditation/accreditation-checklists. (14
July 2022)

Compressed Gas Association (CGA) P-12-2017 Safe Handling of Cryogenic Liquids.

https://portal.cganet.com/Publication/Details.aspx?id=P-12 (14 July 2022)

British Compressed Gas Association (BCGA). The Safe Use of Liquid Nitrogen Dewars – Code
of Practice 30. www.bcga.co.uk (14 July 2022)

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab Safety Manual. Chapter 29 Safe Handling of Cryogenic
Liquids – Safety Manual.
https://commons.lbl.gov/display/rpm2/Cryogenic+Liquid+Hazards+and+Controls (14 July 2022)

Mine Safety Appliance Company (MSA). Monitoring for Oxygen Deficiency: MRI Units – Data
Sheet. (March 2016)
http://s7d9.scene7.com/is/content/minesafetyappliances/Toxgard%20II%20MRI%20bulle
tin%20-%20EN (14 July 2022)

Mine Safety Appliance Company (MSA). Toxgard® II Monitor – Instruction Manual, Rev. 9.
http://s7d9.scene7.com/is/content/minesafetyappliances/Toxgard%20II%20Instruction%2
0Manual%20-%20EN (14 July 2022)

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Standard 45-2019. Standard on Fire Protection for
Laboratories Using Chemicals.
https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-
standards/detail?code=45 (14 July 2022)

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Standard 55-2020. Compressed Gases and
Cryogenic Fluids Code. https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-
standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=55 (14 July 2022)

NIH Design Requirements Manual (DRM). Section 13.10.7 Liquid Nitrogen (2016)
https://orf.od.nih.gov/TechnicalResources/Pages/DesignRequirementsManual2016.aspx
(14 July 2022)

NIH ORF Occupational Health & Safety Manual, Section 3-3 – Confined Space.
https://orf.od.nih.gov/TechnicalResources/Pages/DesignRequirementsManual2016.aspx
(14 July 2022)

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Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Permit Required Confined-Spaces –
1910.146. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.146 (14 July
2022)

Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Respiratory Protection Standard –

1910.134. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.134 (14 July
2022)

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APPENDIX A – MANDATORY SIGNAGE

Instruction:

A minimum of two signs is required with every oxygen monitoring device installation:

• Sign A instructs room occupants to evacuate immediately if the alarm sounds.

o Sign A shall be posted as close as possible to each oxygen monitoring device in a
position that allows for clear visibility to the room occupants.
• Sign B prevents additional personnel from entering a room with an alarm sounding and
shall be posted on or adjacent to the outside of each entry door to a room with an oxygen
monitoring device at approximately eye level.
o Sign B has a fillable component to insert at least two local emergency contacts
(e.g. lab manager and PI).

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Sign A:

Sign B:

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APPENDIX B – RECOMMENDED SIGNAGE

Instruction:

Additional signage is recommended in areas where compressed gases and/or cryogenic liquids
are stored in publicly accessible locations, where cryogenic liquids are dispensed, and/or to
increase general awareness of safe handling and storage practices.

Sign A issues a caution about potential cold hazards in areas where cryogenic liquids are stored
in public areas (e.g. hallways, freight elevator lobbies). Sign A should be posted near cryogenic
liquid vessels in a position that allows for clear visibility to passersby. Sign A has a fillable
component to insert at least two local emergency contacts (e.g. lab manager and PI).

Sign B provides instruction on safe handling and storage of compressed gases. Sign B should be
posted near compressed gas storage areas in a position that allows for clear visibility to
occupants.

Sign C provides information on appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling
cryogenic liquids (e.g. dispensing cryogenic liquids, storing or removing samples from
cryostorage tanks). Sign C should be posted near cryogenic liquid vessels in a position that
allows for clear visibility to users.

Sign D provides information on safe dispensing of cryogenic liquids (e.g. filling liquid nitrogen
dwars). Sign D should be posted at cryogenic liquid dispensing sites in a position that allows for
clear visibility to users.

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Sign A:

Sign B:

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Sign C:

Sign D:

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