A new International Pipefreezing Association (IPA) has been established to address the urgent growing safety concerns surrounding cryogenic pipefreezing practices.
It is being led by Cyril Bishop, the pioneer of industrial pipefreezing, who has over 50 years’ global experience from freezing pipes at Heathrow Airport, to numerous building services operations such as hospitals as well as in energy and nuclear industries. Bishop says a recent review of industry practices has revealed alarming safety violations that endanger workers and jeopardise the industry’s long-term sustainability.
Working together with other recognised parties, the Association is asking all companies operating in this sector to urgently join the Association in order to recognise the gold standard when carrying out what may appear to be a very simple pipefreezing task.
Currently, there are numerous cases of unsafe practices documented on the web. These include the use of single-skin mild steel or carbon steel freezing boxes, which pose significant safety risks and are incompatible with low-temperature applications.
Bishop explains: “We are seeing a lack of understanding and compliance with cryogenic safety disciplines. This is not only dangerous but also economically inefficient. We must address these unsafe practices to protect both workers and the industry. It is imperative that the Association attracts more members, so we can work together to ensure the highest safety standards are met, best practices are followed, and the future of our industry remains secure.”
Mark Evans, Director at John Noad Building Services said: “Safety must be at the forefront of everything we do in this industry. The risks associated with improper pipefreezing practices are too great to ignore. At John Noad Building Services, we fully support the IPA’s mission to establish and uphold rigorous safety standards. By working together, we can eliminate dangerous practices, protect workers, and ensure the long-term future of this essential industry.”
The IPA’s findings have identified four primary safety concerns associated with liquid nitrogen pipefreezing:
- Oxygen Enrichment: Exposure to extremely cold surfaces can condense air, leading to oxygen enrichment, which creates a severe fire hazard. Ignition of materials saturated with oxygen-enriched air can cause fires that are exceptionally difficult to extinguish.
- Oxygen Depletion: The rapid evaporation of liquid nitrogen can displace oxygen, creating oxygen-deficient environments that are hazardous to workers. Proper ventilation and oxygen monitors are critical to prevent asphyxiation.
- Material Failures: Carbon steel and similar materials become brittle at cryogenic temperatures, leading to catastrophic equipment failure. IPA strongly advocates using materials like stainless steel or aluminium for pipefreezing jackets.
- Inadequate Insulation: Poor insulation leads to excessive liquid nitrogen consumption, increased oxygen condensation, and the risk of cold burns.
Although the UK has not yet recorded fatalities linked to oxygen enrichment during pipefreezing, there have been several incidents resulting in serious injury which should serve as a warning. The IPA urges all contractors to adopt stringent safety measures and comply with cryogenic safety standards.
Key recommendations include:
- Conducting comprehensive risk assessments by qualified experts.
- Using compliant materials and double-skinned insulated jackets for freezing applications. IPA strongly advocates using materials like stainless steel or aluminium.
- Ensuring adequate ventilation and oxygen monitoring in confined or low-lying workspaces.
- Properly training all technicians and engineers in cryogenic safety disciplines.
Pipefreezing has been widely accepted across sectors including nuclear energy, healthcare and building services. However, poor practices threaten the industry’s reputation and viability.
Bishop elaborated: “Failure to address these safety concerns could lead to increased bans on pipefreezing and a collapse of the industry.”
Cryogenic pipefreezing offers immense benefits in cost savings, environmental efficiency, and enhanced safety for specific applications. However, these advantages can only be realised through strict adherence to safety protocols and the use of appropriate materials and equipment.