How to Prevent Injury with Safe Handling of Dry Ice
Safety is especially crucial when it comes to handling dry ice.
Dry ice is an extremely versatile material that can be used for all sorts of purposes, from commercial cleaning methods to the transportation of perishable items, and even fun, foggy special effects for a play or party. Due to its extremely chilly temperature, it’s an excellent choice for storage, transportation, and more. Safety is especially crucial when it comes to handling dry ice to prevent injuries. When not appropriately handled, dry ice can be dangerous and even cause harm. Here are some things you need to know to prevent injury through safe handling of dry ice.
What is Dry Ice?
Dry ice is the frozen, solid form of carbon dioxide. It doesn’t melt like regular ice, which melts into liquid water. Instead, it melts into a cold gaseous form of carbon dioxide, which is what makes it so ideal for cloudy and foggy special effects. This process of solid dry ice melting into a gas is called sublimation, and it doesn’t leave behind a liquid mess, making it ideal for commercial cold storage and transportation. This cold temperature is what makes safety so important when it comes to dry ice.
Safe Handling
Dry ice has a frigid temperature of about -109 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes handling dry ice directly very dangerous since it can cause frostbite or even tissue damage. With this, it is important to wear long sleeves, long pants, and gloves to prevent an injury. You should also use tongs to pick up dry ice so that your skin does not come into contact with the substance. This step will help keep you from experiencing prolonged exposure to dry ice, which can cause injury.
Safe Storage
Safe storage of dry ice is crucial. Since dry ice melts into a gaseous form, it’s important to keep it stored in a well-ventilated container or cooler. If it is stored in a poorly ventilated or airtight container, dry ice can cause pressure to build up and potentially cause the container to explode. Always keep your dry ice in a well-ventilated area to prevent safety issues.
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 on Facebook, 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!
