Dry Ice Safety
Safe Tips for using Dry Ice for Dry Ice Blasting
Manufacturers Material Safety Data Sheets

Remember these safety precautions when you work with dry ice!


Guidelines for Safe Dry Ice Use

Handling
The temperature of dry ice is -109º F, cold enough to freeze skin cells and cause an injury similar to a burn. Always handle dry ice with protective gloves or a towel.

Ventilation
Dry ice is carbon dioxide which is heavier than air and can displace oxygen in a room.  Although carbon dioxide only makes up 0.035% of the atmosphere, it can be toxic in quantities greater than 5%.  Carbon dioxide is given off during dry ice blasting.  Always make sure you are in a well-ventilated area when using dry ice blast cleaning in your operation.

Storage
Store dry ice in an insulated container. Do not store ice in a container that is completely airtight. As the ice changes to CO2 (carbon dioxide) gas, it will cause an airtight container to expand or possibly explode.

Ear Protection
Dry ice blasting equipment can be loud.  Use proper hearing proection when performing cleaning operations with dry ice blasting equipment.

Eye Protection
Just as with sand blasting or pressure washing, eye protection should be used during all dry ice blasting operations to protect from material loosened by dry ice blasting and dust.

Nose Protection
Wearing a mask is recommended during dry ice blasting operations to protect from dust and other particulate.

INTENTIONAL MISUSE OF DRY ICE MAY BE HARMFUL OR FATAL.

	Do not touch. Dry ice is a skin and eye irritant. Avoid contact with skin, mouth, eyes, and clothing. May cause severe frostbite or burns.
	Do not eat. Dry ice is harmful if eaten or swallowed. If eaten, seek medical help immediately.
	Could cause suffocation. Dry ice changes to CO2 gas as it sublimates (melts). Do not use or store in a confined space.
	Do not place in airtight containers. Airtight containers may explode as dry ice converts to CO2 gas.
	Do not store dry ice where people sleep. Only use dry ice in open or wellventilated areas. Otherwise, a lack of oxygen (suffocation) can occur, causing serious injury or death.

For a copy of our dry ice safety brochure, click on the link below, and print.

Safety Brochure - English - PDF
Safety Brochure - Spanish - PDF
We have Material Safety Data Sheets available for dry ice and LCO₂. To download these sheets, click on one of the links below, and print.

Dry Ice MSDS - PDF
LCO₂ MSDS - PDF

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Call us toll-free 800-DRY-ICE2 for your dry ice and dry ice blasting needs, or visit one of our locations.