AWS Welding Inspection and Testing Certification Practice Test

What can skin contact with liquid oxygen cause?

1. Frostbite

2. Allergic reactions

3. Skin burns

4. Dryness

The correct answer is: Frostbite

Skin contact with liquid oxygen can indeed cause frostbite. Liquid oxygen is at an extremely low temperature, around -183 degrees Celsius (-297 degrees Fahrenheit). When skin comes into contact with such low temperatures, it can lead to immediate freezing of the skin and underlying tissues, which is the hallmark of frostbite. The severity of frostbite can vary, with potential effects ranging from superficial freezing of parts of the skin to deep tissue damage that can necrotize. It's critical to handle liquid oxygen with care, using appropriate protective gear, to prevent any direct contact that could lead to this hazardous condition. In the context of the other options, allergic reactions are typically associated with biological materials rather than cryogenic substances like liquid oxygen. Skin burns are primarily the result of heat, while dryness, while a concern in certain environments, does not directly relate to the low-temperature hazards posed by liquid oxygen. Hence, frostbite is the accurate and most relevant concern in this scenario.