This review summarises the availability and utility of experimental data on the rates of spread and vaporisation of spillages of pressure liquefied and cryogenic liquids on a variety of surfaces including: soil; sand; concrete; and water. It is intended that the paper acts as a review of those sources of information that can be used to allow the validation of current and future computer software which is to be used to predict the likely effects of such spillages, and also to extend the range of materials to which it may be applied. The majority of investigations found cover LNG or LPG, due to their widespread bulk usage, with others studying liquid nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, or ammonia. Crown Copyright (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Science B.V All rights reserved.