Dry Ice Health & Safety
As industry pioneers and Ireland’s leading dry Ice supplier, we understand we also have a responsibility to advise and inform. Dry ice is very safe to use if you follow some simple, common-sense guidelines. This page contains everything you need to know about dry ice safety, handling, and storage.
DO NOT TOUCH DRY ICE WITH BARE SKIN – ALWAYS WEAR PPE
Risk of cold burns
Dry Ice is extremely cold at minus 78 degrees celsius. Contact with bare skin can cause severe frostbite and cold burns within seconds. Always use insulated gloves when handling dry ice.
DO NOT STORE DRY ICE IN AIRTIGHT CONTAINERS
Risk of injury
As the dry ice reverts to a gas, it will cause a potentially dangerous build-up of pressure in an airtight container. We have various models and sizes of specialised dry ice containers.
DO NOT ADD DRY ICE LOOSE INTO DRINKS
Risk of internal injury
Dry ice can cause serious internal injury if ingested. Always use Chillisticks as a safe method of adding dry ice into drinks to create the visual fog effect for cocktails.
HOW DO I STORE DRY ICE?
Always use insulated gloves when handling dry ice. These are available from our online store. Due to the extremely low temperature of dry ice (-78oC), direct contact with skin could cause freeze burns or even frostbite. The severity of the burn depends on how long the skin is in contact with the dry ice.
Disposing Of Dry ice
To dispose of dry ice, unwrap and leave it at room temperature in a well-ventilated area. It will sublimate from a solid to a gas.
NEVER leave dry ice unattended around children or animals.
VENTILATION FOR DRY ICE
In small amounts, CO₂ is harmless, but in larger quantities it can lead to shortness of breath or even asphyxiation. It is important to always use dry ice in a well-ventilated area. If dry ice has been stored in a room or vehicle for more than 10 minutes then you must open a door or window and allow adequate ventilation.
Note: If you working with or near dry ice and suddenly find you are having difficulty breathing or are out of breath, open any nearby windows and vacate the area for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
What are safe levels of CO₂ in a room?
ppm = parts per million
| 250 – 350 ppm | Normal background concentration in outdoor ambient air |
| 350 – 1,000 ppm | Concentrations typical of occupied indoor spaces with good air exchange |
| 1,000 – 2,000 ppm | Complaints of drowsiness and poor air |
| 2,000 – 5,000 ppm | Headaches, sleepiness, and stagnant stale air. Poor concentration, loss of attention, increased heart rate and slight nausea may be present. |
| 5,000 ppm | Workplace exposure limit (as 8-hour TWA) in most jurisdictions. |
| > 40,000 ppm | Exposure may lead to serious oxygen deprivation. |
Figures sourced from Kane International Ltd.
Use dry ice in the workplace?
Ensure that your team are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need.
In preparation for your QA and H&S Audits, this online course gives you and your people a clear understanding of best-practices for handling, storing, and transporting dry ice.
This online Dry Ice Safety Awareness Training course is delivered via Moodle and takes approximately 1.5 hours. The course is self-led to allow the learner to work at their own pace.
Once your order has been processed, you will receive your course login details via email.
Please note this course does not provide certified Dangerous Goods Training – this course focuses on Dry Ice Safety Awareness, how to handle, store, and transport dry ice according to best-practice guidelines.
OUR LOCATIONS
Head Office
Unit 3 Portarlington Ind. Est.,
Portarlington,
Co.Laois
R32 XR7Y
T: +353 (0)57 862 3860
E: info@polarice.ie
Northern Ireland Depot
Unit 47 CIDO Business Complex,
Portadown,
Co. Armagh
BT63 5WH
T: +44 (0)2843758045
Dublin Depot
c/o Expert Air,
Unit 42 Airways Industrial Estate,
Santry, Dublin 9,
D17 V672
T: +353 (0)1 862 3730
Cork Depot
Unit 624 Harbour Point
Business Park,
Little Island, Co. Cork
T45 RK26
T: +353 (0)21 463 4607