From the Lab to the Workshop: Who Needs Cryogenic Protection?
Cryogenic liquids such as liquid nitrogen are used across many industries for cooling, preservation and manufacturing. However, at temperatures down to -196°C they pose serious hazards. Direct contact can cause instant frostbite or cold burns, splashes and spills can damage tissue, and vapours can displace oxygen in confined spaces.
Ordinary gloves and aprons are not sufficient, so workers need certified cryogenic PPE such as Elliotts’ Cryoskin® gloves and aprons, which are purpose-built and tested for cryogenic hazards. This level of protection is required well beyond laboratories - it’s required wherever cryogens are used.
Laboratories and Research Facilities
In laboratories and research facilities, cryogens are essential for cooling, storing, and preserving samples. Researchers and technicians often:
- Transfer liquid nitrogen into Dewar flasks
- Handle frozen vials
- Maintain cryo-storage systems
Here, Cryoskin® Scientific gloves are the ideal choice. Lightweight yet protective, they provide the dexterity required for delicate handling while keeping hands safe from splashes and contact burns.
Medical and Healthcare Applications
Cryogenic materials are widely used in medical practices (e.g. tissue preservation and cryosurgery). In these environments, safety must balance precision with protection.
Medical staff rely on cryogenic PPE that allows fine motor control while maintaining a high level of safety. Cryoskin® gloves and aprons provide the protection required in sterile, controlled environments without compromising dexterity.
Food and Beverage Industry
Liquid nitrogen has become a key tool in food processing and gastronomy. It is used to freeze foods instantly, lock in freshness, and create innovative culinary experiences such as nitro ice cream.
In fast-moving kitchens or production facilities, spills are a constant risk. Here, Cryoskin® Industrial gloves and aprons deliver robust protection for staff working in high-use environments where durability and coverage are critical.
Industrial and Manufacturing Sectors
Beyond science and food, cryogenic applications play a vital role in heavy industry. In aerospace and semiconductor manufacturing, cryogens are used to cool materials rapidly or create controlled conditions. Metal treatment and engineering processes also rely on extreme cold.
These workplaces demand PPE that can handle daily, repeated exposure. Cryoskin® Industrial gloves are engineered for rugged environments where both durability and safety are essential.
Gas Production and Transportation
Another critical sector often overlooked is the manufacture and distribution of cryogenic gases themselves. Workers at gas plants are exposed to liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, and argon during production, cylinder filling, and bulk storage. During transportation (whether decanting into portable Dewars or transferring to customer storage tanks) splashes and contact risks are high.
For drivers, technicians, and plant operators, Cryoskin® PPE is an essential safeguard. Gloves and aprons provide protection during transfers, while their durability ensures reliable performance in tough, high-volume environments.
Why the Right PPE Matters
Across all these sectors, one principle holds true: ordinary gloves are not enough. Leather, cotton, or freezer gloves absorb liquid nitrogen and compromise safety. Using the wrong PPE exposes workers and organisations to unacceptable risk.
Cryoskin® PPE solves these challenges with:
- Multi-layer insulation systems
- Water-resistant outer shells
- Options for both Industrial and Scientific applications
- A full range of gloves and aprons for comprehensive protection
Conclusion
Cryogenic protection is not limited to laboratories - it’s essential wherever cryogens are present. From research to medicine, from kitchens to workshops, and from gas plants to delivery sites, the risks are real and the need for certified PPE is universal.
With Cryoskin, workers across industries can handle cryogens safely and confidently, knowing they are protected by PPE designed specifically for the world’s coldest environments.
Discover the Cryoskin range today. Download our brochure or contact Elliotts for expert advice on the right protection for your workplace.