DRY ICE HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION
Best practice guidelines for safe use of dry ice, proper handling, storage, and disposal.
DRY ICE SAFETY & HANDLING GUIDELINES
Remember, dry ice is quite safe to use if you follow some simple guidelines which we have outlined below. Please take the time to read this information in detail.
DO NOT TOUCH DRY ICE WITH BARE SKIN – ALWAYS WEAR PPE
Risk of cold burns
Dry Ice is extremely cold at minus 78 degrees celsius. Contact with bare skin can cause severe frostbite and cold burns within seconds. Always use insulated gloves when handling dry ice.
DO NOT STORE DRY ICE IN AIRTIGHT CONTAINERS
Risk of injury
As the dry ice reverts to a gas, it will cause a potentially dangerous build-up of pressure in an airtight container. We have various models and sizes of specialised dry ice containers.
DO NOT ADD DRY ICE LOOSE INTO DRINKS
Risk of internal injury
Dry ice can cause serious internal injury if ingested. Always use Chillisticks as a safe method of adding dry ice into drinks to create the visual fog effect for cocktails.
HOW DO I STORE DRY ICE?
Dry ice should be stored in an insulated container. This will reduce the rate of sublimation, making your dry ice last longer.
Ensure that the container is not completely airtight as the sublimation of dry ice to CO₂ gas will cause a potentially dangerous buildup of pressure in an airtight vessel.
A certain amount of CO₂ will inevitably enter whatever room you are using to store the dry ice. Hence the importance of keeping your storage room well-ventilated.
HOW DO I DISPOSE OF DRY ICE SAFELY?
if you have leftover dry ice, open the storage box or bulk container and leave the remaining dry ice to sublimate (revert from a solid to a gas). Ensure this is done in a well-ventilated and secure location away from the general public, children, and animals.
A smaller quantity of dry ice will sublimate (revert from a solid to a gas) within a number of hours. Larger quantities may take longer. Note that the surrounding ground that comes in contact with the dry ice may become frozen and if water is present, it may become slippery.
VENTILATION FOR DRY ICE
In small amounts, CO₂ is harmless, but in larger quantities it can lead to shortness of breath or even asphyxiation. It is important to always use dry ice in a well-ventilated area. If dry ice has been stored in a room or vehicle for more than 10 minutes then you must open a door or window and allow adequate ventilation.
Note: If you working with or near dry ice and suddenly find you are having difficulty breathing or are out of breath, open any nearby windows and vacate the area for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
What are safe levels of CO₂ in a room?
ppm = parts per million
| 250 – 350 ppm | Normal background concentration in outdoor ambient air |
| 350 – 1,000 ppm | Concentrations typical of occupied indoor spaces with good air exchange |
| 1,000 – 2,000 ppm | Complaints of drowsiness and poor air |
| 2,000 – 5,000 ppm | Headaches, sleepiness, and stagnant stale air. Poor concentration, loss of attention, increased heart rate and slight nausea may be present. |
| 5,000 ppm | Workplace exposure limit (as 8-hour TWA) in most jurisdictions. |
| > 40,000 ppm | Exposure may lead to serious oxygen deprivation. |
Figures sourced from Kane International Ltd.
If you have any concerns or queries about dry ice safety, handling, or storage then contact us today for expert advice.
Email info@polarice.ie
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