How to Work with Dry Ice Safely in a Classroom
In any kind of classroom, you’ll need to keep safety in mind when it comes to the handling and storage of dry ice.
When it comes to education, teachers are always on the lookout for great ways to make classroom learning fun. By bringing in unique experiments and activities, you can keep a classroom full of students engaged and really help a lesson land. Dry ice can be an excellent learning tool for these kinds of classroom activities, Due to its unique properties and exciting fog effects, dry ice can be used for chemistry experiments, volcano demonstrations, or even special effects in a theater production. In any kind of classroom, you’ll need to keep safety in mind when it comes to the handling and storage of dry ice. Here’s our guide to working with dry ice safely in the classroom.
Take Precautions
Dry ice, the solid form of carbon dioxide, is an incredibly cold substance that sublimates rather than melts. This means as it “melts,” dry ice turns into a gas, instead of a liquid like frozen water. This is what creates the signature fog effect that we associate with dry ice, and makes it a great refrigeration tool. On the surface, dry ice is about -109 degrees fahrenheit, so you should take great care when using it in a classroom. Always use gloves and tongs to prevent injury, and be sure to use it in well-ventilated spaces.
Safe Storage
Since dry ice melts into gaseous carbon dioxide, it’s important to store it safely to avoid damages or injury. Over time, the carbon dioxide gas will build up in the storage container, so you’ll want to be sure it is well-ventilated. Storing your dry ice in an airtight container can cause pressure to build and eventually damage the container, possibly even causing an explosion. Choose the right form of dry ice for your needs in order to store it as safely as possible. Dry ice is available as blocks, chips, and pellets to suit your classroom needs.
Be Aware of Risks
Lastly, make sure you run students through the safety risks involved with dry ice. Keep your classroom well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of carbon dioxide and prevent injury with the safe handling and storage of dry ice.
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 onFacebook, 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!
