SAFE HANDLING OF DRY ICE
When handled properly, dry ice is safe and easy to use. Please follow these guidelines for the safe handling and disposal of dry ice.
- AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN AND EYES.
- Dry ice is extremely cold, -78oC and can cause severe frostbite within seconds of direct contact. (Frostbite is a freezing injury resembling a burn).
- NEVER HANDLE DRY ICE WITH YOUR BARE HANDS.
- Always wear insulated gloves. Safety glasses, long-sleeved shirt, long pants and shoes are also recommended. Use a plastic scoop to handle dry ice pellets.
- DO NOT PUT DRY ICE IN YOUR MOUTH OR OTHERWISE INGEST IT.
- If dry ice is accidentally ingested, it can cause severe internal injury. Never put dry ice in beverages to cool them.
- KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
- Only adults should handle dry ice.
- DO NOT USE DRY ICE IN CONFINED AREAS.
- Dry ice releases dense carbon dioxide vapour that can cause rapid suffocation.
- TRANSPORT DRY ICE OUTSIDE YOUR VEHICLES COCKPIT.
- If forced to transport inside a vehicle then always leave windows open to allow for fresh air circulation. Never leave dry ice in a parked vehicle. Sublimation of dry ice in a closed vehicle can result in the accumulation of dangerous concentrations of asphyxiating carbon dioxide vapour. Dry ice can be safely transported without special ventilation in the closed cargo area of a truck if all occupants are restricted to the cab. When opening a closed cargo area containing dry ice, allow the closed space to ventilate for 5 minutes before entering.
- NEVER STORE DRY ICE IN GLASS OR OTHER SEALED (AIRTIGHT) CONTAINERS OR COOLERS.
- Storage in a sealed container can result in a rupture or explosion of the container from over-pressurization.
- DO NOT PLACE DRY ICE IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH PERISHABLE FOODS OR BOTTLED/CANNED BEVERAGES.
- Produce may sustain severe freezer burns and bottle/canned beverages can split or explode.
