How to Handle Dry Ice Safely this Fall
Dry ice can make your Halloween extra spooky, but you should learn how to handle it safety before using it this fall.
Dry ice is easily one of the coolest substances around, but it can also be dangerous. Whether you’re going for a lightweight way to keep food cold on your hike or trying to rig up the perfect smoky cauldron, you should read up on these dry ice safety tips before you use it this fall.
Protection
Dry ice is extremely cold, about -109 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re going to have to touch it, you should always protect your skin. Leather gloves are ideal, but even an oven mitt or a towel will work when handling dry ice. The key is that your skin should not have prolonged contact, since that could result in a severe injury similar to a burn.
Storage
Dry ice should be stored in an insulated but not completely airtight container. When dry ice sublimates, it turns into CO2 gas, which could cause an airtight container to expand or possibly even explode. While dry ice is a good way to keep the food in your refrigerator/freezer cold during a power outage, it should not be stored in a working freezer. Dry ice doesn’t melt, so storing it in a freezer will not make it last longer. Instead, the extreme cold will cause your freezer to turn off and the dry ice will be used up more quickly. Finally, don’t leave dry ice sitting out directly on countertops, since the extreme cold could cause them to crack.
Ventilation
Since dry ice sublimates into Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas rather than melts like regular ice, it is important to keep the area well ventilated. Normal air is only 0.035% C02, 21% Oxygen, and 78% Nitrogen, and situations where the CO2 rises above 0.5% can be dangerous. If you are transporting dry ice in the car, keep the windows down or the air circulating with outside air. If you have to leave the dry ice in a closed vehicle or room for more than 10 minutes, air the vehicle or room out thoroughly before entering.
Treatment
Dry ice “burns” should be treated like regular heat burns: if the skin blisters or peels, see a doctor, otherwise apply antibiotic ointment and bandage only if needed.
Dry Ice for All of Your Needs
Dry Ice Corp is the largest regional supplier of dry ice and related products in the Northeastern United States. Our dry ice is fresh and delivered right to your doorstep. We are happy to help you determine the best way to ship your goods, whether you have a huge amount of cookies or a single pie, and help you select the perfect amount of dry ice for the job. Give us a call at (201) 767-3200 or contact us online for a quote. To connect with us online, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, and Twitter.
FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHEN TRANSPORTING, USING OR STORING DRY ICE! DRY ICE IS HARMFUL IF EATEN OR SWALLOWED! IF INGESTED, SEEK MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY! NEVER PUT DRY ICE INTO ANY FOOD, DRINKS OR LIQUIDS THAT MIGHT BE INGESTED BY HUMANS OR ANIMALS!
