How to handle dry ice and CO2 safely?

As you begin your journey with dry ice blasting or dry ice production, it's essential to understand that while dry ice cleaning is safe for operators, it does involve handling carbon dioxide (CO2) in its solid form (dry ice), which requires specific safety considerations.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through operator safety and provide everything you need to know about safely handling dry ice during blasting or production operations, including proper ventilation requirements and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

By reading these essential CO2 safety guidelines, you'll be able to harness the impressive cleaning and cooling power of dry ice while keeping yourself and your team protected from potential hazards.

Have more questions about dry ice? Learn more here.

Dry Ice and CO2 Safety Considerations

Large concentrations require ventilation

• CO2 is heavier than ordinary atmospheric air so, when CO2  is present, it displaces oxygen in insufficiently ventilated rooms and may cause suffocation.
• It is colorless and essentially odorless and tasteless so it is difficult to detect without specialized equipment.
• Symptoms to watch for:
  • CO2 concentrations of 3-5% cause headaches, rapid breathing, and discomfort
  • Higher concentrations (8-10%) lead to headaches, nausea, cramps, and potentially may cause unconsciousness, suffocation, or respiratory arrest.
    
    

Dry ice requires proper PPE

Dry ice is incredibly cold. Because of this intense cold, prolonged direct contact with dry ice can cause a cold burn, similar to frostbite. However, this type of skin reaction typically only occurs if you hold onto dry ice with your bare hands for more than just a few seconds. A quick touch is generally not a cause for concern.

CO2 Safety Precautions

Proper ventilation

Proper ventilation is your first line of defense when working with CO2.

• Ensure adequate ventilation in all areas where CO2-emitting machines operate
• Only use dry ice production or dry ice blasting equipment in properly ventilated spaces that comply with local/national regulatory standards
• Enter rooms with high CO2 concentrations only while wearing self-contained breathing apparatus, even during emergency rescue situations

Monitor and limit exposure

Follow established exposure guidelines set by OSHA.

• 5,000 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workday (with no exposure above fresh air concentrations for the remaining 16 hours)
• Acute exposure limit of 30,000 ppm for no more than 15 minutes
• Always use CO2 monitoring devices when operating CO2 emitting equipment in confined spaces
  
  

Follow Safety Guidelines

• Review and follow all safety guidelines for materials that displace oxygen
• Ensure all operators and supervisors are familiar with CO2's physiological effects as outlined in local/national regulatory documentation
• Place informative warning signs at entry points to areas where CO2 might accumulate
• Implement workplace safety protocols specific to dry ice handling

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Dry ice safety is straightforward with the proper equipment! When operating dry ice blasting  machines, you will need:

• Protective gloves or tongs: Protect your hands from burns and potential injuries from the blasting process
• Eye protection: Safety eyewear should also be worn when dry ice is in motion, such as when dry ice blasting or when operating dry ice manufacturing equipment without a chute on.
• Ear plugs: Safeguard your hearing from the loud noise generated by the dry ice blasters
  

Recognizing Overexposure Symptoms

Always stay alert for symptoms of CO2 overexposure, such as:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Rapid breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Increased heart rate
• Eye and extremity twitching
• Lack of concentration
• Visual and hearing disturbances (including blurred vision and ringing in the ears)

Effective CO2 Ventilation Strategies

Exhaust Ventilation

• Generally, the most efficient method
• Creates negative pressure to pull contaminated air out
• Exhausts air safely away from intake areas
• Brings in fresh air to replace extracted air

Supply Ventilation

• Blows fresh air into the space
• Pushes contaminated air outside
• Requires careful setup to avoid "short-circuiting" (inadequate air circulation)

Monitoring

• Install air monitoring devices to track CO2 concentrations
• Place monitors near dead areas and remote corners with minimal ventilation
• Provides accurate measurement of actual CO2 accumulation
• Essential for workplace safety when using CO2 emitting machines

First Aid

First Aid for CO2 Exposure

Active safety programs and safety-conscious personnel significantly reduce the likelihood of CO2 accidents. To minimize potential injury, operators should be trained for prompt emergency response.

If an incident does occur, employees must follow guidelines for a proper response.

• Never attempt rescue without knowing CO2 concentration levels or without wearing proper breathing apparatus
• Move affected individuals to fresh air immediately
• Seek urgent medical attention
• If breathing has stopped, administer artificial respiration
• For difficult breathing, qualified personnel should provide oxygen

Important: While effects from brief CO2 exposure are reversible, prolonged or high-concentration exposure can cause permanent damage.

Additional Dry Ice Handling Safety

Dry Ice Storage

• Never store or transport dry ice in tightly sealed containers
• Sublimation creates pressure that can cause container rupture

Safety Documentation

• Always obtain and review the CO2 safety data sheet when purchasing liquid or solid CO2
• Follow all recommended dry ice blasting safety guidelines provided by suppliers of dry ice blasting equipment

Ready to implement proper safety protocols for your dry ice operations?

While dry ice offers numerous practical applications, its unique properties require careful handling. By adhering to the safety guidelines outlined, from proper storage and ventilation to the use of appropriate protective gear, you can confidently and safely utilize dry ice for your cleaning needs. Remember, a little precaution goes a long way in preventing potential hazards and ensuring a safe and successful experience with Cold Jet machines.

Check out the Ultimate Guide to Choosing The Right Dry Ice Blasting Machine

Contact our experts today for for more information on safety measures specific to your facility. Our team can provide customized training sessions, help you select appropriate monitoring equipment, and ensure your dry ice setup meets all safety standards. Don't compromise on safety - reach out now to enhance your dry ice safety procedures and protect your most valuable asset: your team.