How Use Dry Ice with the Proper Safety Measures
Never let your skin come in contact with dry ice for more than a second.
When used correctly, dry ice is an incredibly useful tool. People use it to preserve food when camping, and in a couple of months, people will be buying dry ice for their Halloween parties. However, every year people injure themselves when working with dry ice because they either don’t understand or appreciate the dangers of this frozen form of carbon dioxide. In order to stay safe, here are some things you should know about working with dry ice.
Never Let Dry Ice Touch Your Skin
Did you know that dry ice is -109º F? At this temperature, it can cause human skin cells to freeze, which are similar to heat burns. You never want to let your skin come in contact with dry ice for more than a second. Whenever you are handling dry ice, always use leather gloves or a protective cloth. An over mitt will usually do the trick. If you do experience a dry ice burn, you should treat it the same way you would treat a normal heat burn. Use antibiotic ointment to prevent infection and apply bandages if necessary. Schedule an appointment with your doctor, if your skins begin to blister or flake off.
How To Store Dry Ice
Many people make the mistake of storing dry ice in airtight containers. This is a recipe for disaster because dry ice requires sufficient air ventilation whenever it is stored. You want to always store dry in an insulated container, preferably with thick insulation. This is because thick insulation will slow down the sublimation process. When dry ice sublimates in an airtight container, it can cause it to expand or ever explode! In addition to not being nearly cold enough, freezers are not a place to store your dry ice because they do not provide adequate ventilation.
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.
