Before we get into our dry ice safety tips, let’s go back to chemistry class for some basics.
Now that we understand the basics, let’s review why dry ice is so dangerous.
The primary danger of handling dry ice is skin burns. Dry ice causes near-instant cell death on contact—prolonged contact can cause permanent damage.
Did you know that thousands of people swallow dry ice every year? In response to this, we need to state that dry ice is not safe to swallow. Ingesting it can cause severe internal frostbite, which is wildly painful and difficult to treat.
Carbon dioxide is an asphyxiant. As dry ice sublimates directly into its gaseous form, it fills the surrounding environment with carbon dioxide, which cannot be inhaled. These carbon dioxide vapors are especially dangerous in the space the ice is stored in.
On the topic of storage, never store dry ice in an enclosed space. Dry ice must be properly ventilated to release pressure. When left in a sealed environment, dry ice will gradually build up pressure as it sublimates, leading to dangerous explosions. In fact, some people use dry ice to make bombs. These bombs have caused hundreds of injuries and are illegal in many states. We do not recommend making them.
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Our dry ice safety tips cover everything you need to know to stay safe when handling dry ice, from the storage of dry ice to how to transport dry ice.
Now that we’ve covered our dry ice safety tips, it’s time for a pop quiz! Answer these five questions correctly, and we’ll grant you the title of dry ice master. Score your own quiz with the answer key below the questions! No cheating!
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How’d you do? If you passed, we’re proud to bestow you the title of dry ice master! Otherwise, it may be time to hit the books and reread this blog.
Certified dry ice masters only use top-shelf ice. Need long-lasting ice for your commercial or personal needs? Oxygen Service Company can help! We’re the Midwest’s premier supplier of dry ice and gases. Contact us today to see how we can meet your dry ice needs.
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