Safety of Dry Ice

Dry Ice temperature is extremely cold at -109.3° F or -78.5° C. It is imperative that when you handle dry ice, you must do so with care and wear protective gloves while touching it. If touched briefly, it is harmless, but with prolonged contact with the skin, dry ice freeze skin cells and causes an injury similar to a burn. 

Store dry ice in an insulated container, such as a cooler or tote. The thicker the insulation, the slower it will sublimate. It is not meant to be stored in an airtight container, because the sublimation of dry ice to carbon dioxide gas will cause the container to expand and possible explode. Keep proper ventilation wherever the Dry Ice is stored. Do not store dry ice in unventilated areas, including basements, automobiles, boat holds because the sublimated carbon dioxide gas will sink to low areas and replace oxygenated air. 

Do not store dry ice in a refrigerator freezer. It will keep everything frozen in the freezer, however, it will be used up at a faster rate. It is a good alternative to use if your refrigerator breaks down and you do not want food to spoil. 

Dry Ice is to be stored in a well- ventilated location and placed in an insulated and ventilated storage such as an insulated cooler or a special cooler designated for the storage of dry ice. An example of designated storage container is a stainless steel lined insulated container, HR-11 Insulated container or a fiberglass insulated container. Because of the thermal expansion of dry ice (one pound of dry ice produces around 250 liters of gaseous carbon dioxide), sufficient gaseous carbon dioxide can be released in a sealed container and cause a pressure explosion. Dry ice is NEVER to be stored in any type of tightly sealed device such as an ultra low freezer or plastic/glass container. 

Always use a protective cloth or proper gloves while handling dry ice. DO NOT leave Dry Ice unattended around children.  Always store dry ice in a well ventilated container and store in a ventilated area. Failure to do so may result in burns/frostbite or suffocation.

Burns/frostbite: Dry Ice can cause burns to the skin in short periods of time. Thermal Rated gloves are to be used to handle dry ice. 

Suffocation: Carbon dioxide is a simple asphyxiant. Always store dry ice in a well ventilated area to minimize the build up of carbon dioxide. Personnel should be trained and use caution while handling dry ice. 

Treat dry ice burns the same way you would treat a heat burn. See a doctor if the skin blisters. Otherwise if only red, it will heal in time as any other burn. Apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection and bandage only if the burned skin area needs to be protected. 

If you have any questions or concerns, we have the answers for you. Let us help you and set up your delivery of dry ice today.