While you can briefly put a hand in LN2 with no pain or injury, this is only due to the Liedenfrost (sp?) effect- The LN2 boils away from the heat of your hand, forming a gas layer between your skin and the LN2 that briefly protects you (supposedly the same is true if you dip a wet finger into molten lead, again I dont suggest trying that).
This phenomenon, of course, does not work when touching solid objects chilled to LN2 temperature- for that you need APPROPRIATE gloves.
If you need gloves to handle a container of LN2 then that is an indication that you are using an improper container. I dont work with cryogens much anymore, but when I did I would refuse to wear gloves when carrying an open dewar of LN2. A proper container for LN2 does not get dangerously cold on the outside. The reason I didnt want to wear gloves is if the LN2 sloshed out onto my bare hands then, if I was holding the container wisely, it would bounce off my skin harmlessly. If I was wearing gloves, then LN2 could get trapped against my skin and cause severe damage.
As for eyewear, always a good idea- I am extremely careful about my eyes- probably a side effect of working with lasers. Even though it is completely safe, I dont think I could ever undergo Lasik eye correction... its an example of irrational ingrained fear trumping reason. The idea of allowing someone to fire a laser at my eye makes me cringe.
Off Topic » in reply to I don't care what you say.
Serious safety comment here, Not joking...
The whole thread (42 posts)
- Thoughts are Things
- People are actors
- My analysis of the crystals
- A little more information
- A "water crystal" is a snowflake.
- You are indeed correct!
- Crystals grow over time. (n/t)
- Wow...I really don't... ummm WOW
- re: What to believe and why
- Come on! Cut Lindy some slack
- Did someone really lick the can you mentioned?