Safety Tips on Handling Dry Ice
Not too many people are familiar with dry ice. For one thing, dry ice can cause severe burns if not handled with precaution.
Dry ice is easily some of the most fantastic stuff out there. First, it is often used for dramatic fog effects making everything from your Halloween decorations to a goblet of drink look super cool. But it also has several cool industrial uses, like dry ice blasting for cleaning sensitive machinery. Oh, and it works super well at keeping food cool without adding a lot of weight to coolers. Without dry ice, the world would be a much less exciting place. But it can be dangerous. For one thing, dry ice can cause severe burns. Read on for more tips on handling dry ice safely.
Dry Ice Is Extremely Cold
The reason that dry ice is so useful is that it is freezing. It is colder than regular ice, so it can seriously damage unprotected skin. You should always wear thick gloves when handling dry ice and use the appropriate tools. If you use dry ice in drinks, make sure it is not accidentally swallowed. You should also never put dry ice down the drain, as the extreme cold can cause damage to pipes and equipment. Finally, if you are using dry ice around children, make sure they are aware of the risks and take proper precautions.
Sublimation Releases CO2
Dry ice doesn’t melt. It dissipates through sublimation – when a solid converts directly to a gas. This means that as dry ice sublimates, it releases CO2 gas. This can be extremely dangerous as carbon dioxide (CO2) gas can quickly build up. If you have dry ice in a closed container, the CO2 gas can build up and cause it to explode. CO2 gas can also build up in a room and cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, and CO2 poisoning. Since carbon dioxide (CO2) is heavier than air, the CO2 gas will concentrate on the floor and build up over time. Make sure that you are always using it in a well-ventilated area. Even if you are just transporting the dry ice in your vehicle, make sure that you have a window down so that the CO2 doesn’t build up and cause issues.
Dry Ice for All Your Needs
Dry Ice Corp is the largest regional supplier of dry ice and related products in the Northeastern United States. Our 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, Pinterest, and Twitter.
