Training activity information
Details
Complete liquid nitrogen safety training and safely top up liquid nitrogen dewars
Type
Entrustable training activity (ETA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee repeatedly, consistently, and effectively over time, in a range of situations. This may include occasions where the trainee has not successfully achieved the outcome of the activity themselves. For example, because it was not appropriate to undertake the task in the circumstances or the trainees recognised their own limitations and sought help or advice to ensure the activity reached an appropriate conclusion.
Reflection at multiple timepoints on the trainee learning journey for this activity.
Considerations
- Health and safety requirements
- Role in maintaining patient safety
- Risk and risk management
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What are the expected safety protocols and procedures for handling liquid nitrogen and topping up dewars, ensuring adherence to quality management and regulatory standards?
- How will you ensure that you demonstrate safe and effective practice, minimising risk to all staff and patients during this activity?
- What specifically defines a ‘safe’ top-up of liquid nitrogen dewars in terms of technique and outcome?
- What do you already know about the properties of liquid nitrogen and its associated health and safety regulations?
- What possible challenges do you anticipate when completing the training or performing the top-up, such as potential hazards or equipment handling, and how might you prepare to handle them?
- At what point would it be beyond your scope of practice, requiring you to seek advice or help, for example, if an alarm system malfunctions or a dewar shows unexpected behaviour?
- How do you feel about embarking on this training activity, especially considering the inherent risks associated with liquid nitrogen?
- What specific skills related to safe liquid nitrogen handling and emergency procedures do you aim to develop or refine?
- What specific insights do you hope to gain regarding the practical application of cryopreservation safety protocols and the role of liquid nitrogen in the overall process?
- Have you consulted actions identified following any previous experiences with hazardous materials or safety training?
- What important information or specific local operating procedures (SOPs) regarding liquid nitrogen safety and dewar management do you need to review before commencing?
In action
- During the activity, is anything unexpected occurring? For example, are you encountering any unusual behaviour from the liquid nitrogen, an unexpected equipment reading, or a deviation from the safety protocol you anticipate?
- How do you react to the unexpected development?
- Do you adjust your technique or seek immediate clarification?
- Does it impact your confidence or your ability to complete the task safely and independently in that moment?
- What is the immediate conclusion or outcome?
- What do you learn in that moment about liquid nitrogen safety or handling unexpected situations?
On action
- Summarise the key steps you followed during the liquid nitrogen safety training and the process of topping up dewars.
- Describe any specific events, actions, or interactions that felt important, including your own feelings during the activity.
- Include any moments where you had to adapt or adjust your actions while topping up the liquid nitrogen dewars, as identified during your reflect-in-action.
- Identify what you learned from this experience regarding liquid nitrogen safety and handling.
- Consider any strengths you demonstrated or any knowledge/skill gaps that became evident.
- Compare this experience with any previous engagements with similar safety procedures; has your practice improved, or were any previously identified actions for development achieved?
- Were there any challenges you experienced, and how did you react to them? Did this affect your ability to deal with the situation, and were you able to overcome them?
- Did you need to seek advice or clarification, or escalate anything to ensure you were working within your scope of practice?
- What will you do differently next time you complete liquid nitrogen safety training or top up dewars?
- Has anything changed in terms of what you would do if faced with a similar situation again?
- Do you need to practise any aspect of this activity further to enhance your ability and confidence?
Beyond action
- How has your understanding of liquid nitrogen safety protocols and procedures evolved across all your experiences with handling liquid nitrogen and associated safety training?
- What strategies have you consistently found most effective in ensuring safe practice when topping up liquid nitrogen dewars, considering past challenges and successes?
- How does your continuous learning in this area contribute to maintaining a safe laboratory environment and ensuring ongoing compliance with health and safety regulations, building upon previous actions and insights?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 4 |
Outcome
Perform cryopreservation, thawing and warming of gametes within the regulatory HFEA framework. |
| # 7 |
Outcome
Practice in accordance with quality management and regulatory standards. |
| # 8 |
Outcome
Demonstrate safe and effective practice, minimising risk to all staff and patients. |