Safety Guidelines

When working with CO2 , precaution must always be taken to ensure that the area is sufficiently ventilated and that proper PPE is administered when dealing with the liquid or solid form of CO2 (dry ice).

How To Handle Dry Ice:

  • - Aways handle dry ice with insulated gloves, never with bare hands. Dry ice is extremely cold and can cause skin to freeze, much like a cold burn.

  • - Do not place in vehicle with closed windows or with A/C set to recirculate. When traveling with dry ice in vehicle slightly open windows for ventilation.

  • - Keep dry ice out of reach of children and pets.

  • - Do not store dry ice in an airtight container. If the carbon dioxide gas released has nowhere to go it can build up bursting or exploding the container.

  • - Do not store dry ice in the refrigerator freezer, unless the freezer is broken. The extremely cold temperature could cause your thermostat to shut off.

  • - Do not dispose of dry ice in sewer, garbage disposal or garbage chute. Gas can accumulate, build up pressure and damage pipelines. Allow leftover dry ice to sublimate (return to gas form) in a well-ventilated area.

- Never eat or swallow dry ice.

  • - Overexposure to carbon dioxide can cause headache, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting or could lead to death. Do not use in small spaces with poor ventilation.

Proper ventilation 

  • - Areas where CO2 emitting machines are being used must have effective ventilation.

  • - Only operate dry ice production or dry ice blasting machines in areas with proper ventilation that maintains the concentration levels of the governing codes of your local/national body.

  • - Rooms in which large quantities of CO2 have collected must be entered only with self-contained breathing apparatus. This applies even if persons have been overcome and urgently require assistance.

Proper PPE

  • - Gloves or tongs must always be used when handling dry ice.

  • - 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.

  • Stay alert and be aware

    Always stay alert for symptoms of 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)

  • CO2 safety data sheet

  • When purchasing liquid or solid CO2 , we recommend that the purchaser obtain and review the CO2 safety data sheet and follow the recommended safety guidelines.