Properties of cryogenic liquids:

The properties of cryogenic liquids affect their safe handling and use. Table 1 presents data to help determine safe handling process.  None of the gases listed are corrosive at ambient temperatures, or just carbon monoxide is toxic.

1. Always handle cryogenic liquids carefully.  They could cause frostbite on skin and exposed eye tissue.  While spilled, they tend to spread, covering a surface fully and cooling a huge area. A vapors emitted through these liquids are also very cold and could damage tissues. The vapor boil-off might inert the instant vicinity.

2. Stand clear of boiling or splashing liquid and its vapors.  Boiling and splashing occurs while a warm container is charged or while warm objects are inserted into a liquid. Those operations should always be performed slowly to minimize boiling and splashing.  First aid should be given immediately if cold liquid or vapor comes in contact along with the skin or eyes.

3. Never permit an unprotected part of the body to touch uninsulated pipes or vessels which contain cryogenic fluids.  The very cold metal will cause the flesh to stick fast to the surface and tear while withdrawn. The touching even nonmetallic materials at low temperatures are dangerous.

Tongs, or a same device, should be used to withdraw objects immersed within a cryogenic liquid. Materials which are soft and pliable at room temperature become hard and brittle at very low temperatures and will break simply.

Workers handling cryogenic liquids should use hand and eye protection to protect against splashing and cold-contact burns.  The Safety glasses are also recommended. A face shield or chemical goggles should be worn if severe spraying or splashing is likely.  Protective gloves should always be worn while anything which comes in contact along with cold liquids and their vapors is being handled. It should be loose fitting so which they could be erased quickly if liquids are spilled within them.  Trousers should remain outside of work shoes or boots.