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Employers are required to provide a safe workplace for employees. In the Herd Improvement Industry motor vehicles used by staff in the conduct of their duties form part of the workplace. The requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004) (OH&S Act) and the Dangerous Goods Act (1985) must always be paramount in determining what comprises a safe workplace.

Liquid nitrogen has a temperature reading of minus 196 degrees centigrade and, as such, is a highly dangerous substance. It is colourless, odourless and tasteless. It can cause severe burns (frostbite) if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes. The expansion rate of liquid nitrogen to gaseous nitrogen is 1:683, therefore it rapidly reduces the oxygen content of air, creating a high-risk situation in which both asphyxiation and death are possible with as little as two breaths.

Personnel engaged in working with liquid nitrogen should be informed of the dangers involved and be trained to, at all times, apply safe and prudent practices when working with this dangerous substance.

The carriage and handling of liquid nitrogen in small tanks has the potential to expose those involved in activities to certain levels of risk and as a consequence, employers and staff undertaking such activities should be aware of their obligations under the OH&S Act and the Dangerous Goods Act.