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Gasunie is one of the biggest gas infrastructure
companies in Europe. Within the company, we
give safety the highest priority; it forms the
basis of our license to operate. We abide by the
strictest safety, health and environmental
standards, both for our own employees and for
our external contractors. Gasunie’s safety policy
is thus characterised by a proactive approach
which is designed to prevent accidents,
incidents and hazardous situations.
Hazardous substances
Strict procedures are applied to work on closed installations and systems since there is a risk of
harmful substances being released. Please therefore read the procedures or work permit
carefully before beginning the work, and check on site whether the control measures described
are in place. Put in place the precautionary measures that apply to the implementation of the
work. Remain alert to the possibility of increased concentrations of harmful substances at all
times. Never start work without the express permission of the site supervisor.
Remain alert at all times when you are working. If in any doubt, always ask or suspend activities where necessary.
Working with nitrogen
The atmosphere consists of approximately 78% nitrogen. At Gasunie, nitrogen is added to natural gas to
make it suitable for use by Dutch households. The nitrogen required is supplied via a pipeline or
abstracted from the air outside. The second of these procedures takes place in air separation units,
where nitrogen is converted into liquid. Liquid nitrogen is also referred to as LIN (liquefied nitrogen).
Risks of working with nitrogen
Exposure to excessive amounts of nitrogen is a risk to health because it displaces oxygen. Overly high
concentrations of nitrogen in the air can even lead to death. Skin contact with liquid nitrogen can cause
burning. This calls for maximum alertness whenever you are working with nitrogen.
Nitrogen at Gasunie locations
At Gasunie, work with nitrogen occurs at various locations.
Gaseous nitrogen occurs:
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During the rinsing and conserving (purging) of installations and pipelines
in the underground storage facility at Heiligerlee
in the Wieringermeer compressor and blending station
in the blending station at Ommen
in the blending station and LNG evaporators on the Maasvlakte
in the Pernis blending station
in the Kootstertille and Zuidbroek air separation units and blending
Liquid nitrogen (LIN) occurs:
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in the Ommen, Zuidbroek and Kootstertille air separation units
during the liquification and storage of LNG on the Maasvlakte
Properties of nitrogen:
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colourless
odourless
oxygen-displacing
asphyxiating
Risks of exposure to nitrogen
Liquid nitrogen is extremely cold (- 196˚C) and is also caustic. Nitrogen in gaseous form displaces
oxygen and therefore causes shortage of breath or asphyxiation.
Exposure
Acute effects
General
Nitrogen displaces oxygen
Eyes (LIN)
Risk of freezing: redness, soreness, blurred vision
Inhalation
Breathlessness
Headache, dizziness, nausea
Unconsciousness, death through asphyxiation
Skin (LIN)
Risk of freezing: redness, soreness, blisters, wounds
Risks of nitrogen leaks in a largely confined space
A leak can cause nitrogen to be released into the atmosphere. Nitrogen displaces oxygen and
can therefore have disastrous effects.
Oxygen concentration
Potential effects
21-18%
No symptoms
(investigate cause of declining oxygen content!)
18-11%
Uncomfortableness: dizziness, headache,
reduced physical and mental capacity,
reduced reasoning and speaking capacity
11-8%
Unconsciousness after a few minutes
8-6%
Unconsciousness very soon following 2 to 3 inhalations,
resuscitation possible if performed quickly
6-0%
Swift asphyxiation: immediate unconsciousness,
brain damage even after resuscitation, death
No risks for the environment
Nitrogen that is inhaled from the open air does not pose a danger to the environment!
The leaked nitrogen will mix with the ambient air which already consists of nearly 80% nitrogen.
Liquid nitrogen will evaporate and also be absorbed into the air (1 litre of liquid nitrogen will
give 600 litres of gaseous nitrogen).
First aid on contact with nitrogen
Exposure
First aid
General
When reviving casualties, always use only
independent breathing equipment!
Eyes (LIN)
Rinse out with plenty of cold and clean water
Remove contact lenses (if possible)
Consult ophthalmologist
Skin (LIN)
Rinse with plenty of cold, clean water
Never pull off clothes that are stuck to the
body
Inhalation (gas)
Using independent breathing equipment,
remove the casualty from the nitrogen-filled
environment
Call in medical help without delay
Apply artificial respiration until professional
help arrives
What to do in the event of a leak
• Evacuate the site away from the direction of the wind
• Report any leaks to the location supervisor or issuer of the work permit
• Notify any casualties immediately to the location supervisor or issuer of the
work permit
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Never re-enter the area to rescue casualties without independent breathing
equipment!
What personal protection equipment to use?
In addition to the standard personal protection equipment (PPE: safety helmet,
goggles, protective jacket, trousers and shoes), additional PPE are needed for
work in nitrogen-containing environments. These are mainly designed to prevent
asphyxiation (on inhalation) and skin contact with liquid nitrogen (LIN). The
relevant PPE are as follows:
In the event of reduced oxygen levels:
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personal oxygen metre
independent breathing apparatus
In the event of work involving liquid nitrogen:
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personal oxygen metre
sealable work clothing
face visor /full-face mask
cryogen-proof gloves
cryogen-proof apron
Supplementary safety rules
• A work permit is always required for work carried out in a ‘nitrogen environment’
• Work on nitrogen-containing systems or machinery may only take place once these
installations have been secured (blocked, locked and labelled)
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Check the ventilation of the workspace
Check the oxygen level of the workspace
Ensure that you are aware of the risks associated with the work
Discuss these risks with the supervisor/client
Take the necessary precautionary measures
Use all the personal protection equipment cited in this folder
Assume responsibility!
Everyone, before they start work, must check the safety of systems and appliances.
If you have any doubts or uncertainties, ask for an explanation! Contact the issuer of the work
permit.