Dry ice - safety

I. Characteristics of a dry ice

The dry ice is totally natural product. An attribute of the dry ice is sublimation that is conversion into gas from the solid fraction under the atmospheric pressure, without intermediate liquid fraction. Therefore, the term - dry ice.

The dry ice creates a bacteriostatic atmosphere which improves quality of products, preventing their oxidization. The dry ice is a non-flammable product, odor-free and tasteless, it can have a contact with foodstuffs. CO2 is heavier than the air and therefore - concentration of CO2 is the highest at the floor level. At high concentrations, in particular - in closed rooms it can cause suffocating.

II. Hazards

1. Direct contact with CO2 in a dry form (dry ice) can cause frostbites.
2. The dry ice, at the time of sublimation, forces oxygen from the air out. CO2 content exceeding 5% in the air is hazardous. One can feel dizziness, tired and lose consciousness. Very high concentration of CO2 may cause suffocating.
3. At time of sublimation in a tightly closed container, the pressure can grow up -
4. risk of explosion. Hence, the dry ice must be stored in containers intended for foodstuffs and in containers, which it had been delivered in.

III. Precautions and procedures

1. In case of a contact with the dry ice an employee must be equipped with special instruments, that is goggles, a mask and gloves with thermal-insulation. One needs to remember not to touch the dry ice with naked hands.
2. Dry ice has nothing in common with ice creams. It is not intended for direct consumption. It cannot be eaten or used to cool beverages down. The dry ice is freezing and cooling agent used in different industries.
3. Containers with a dry ice are stored in a cooling area in a separated hall.
4. Places, where containers are stored, must be relevantly marked.
5. The operation process must take place in the following way:
   • The employee comes to/drives up with a box to a container with the dry ice,
   • He/she opens the box,
   • He/she opens the container,
   • He/she puts required quantity of ice into the box,
   • He/she closes the container with the dry ice,
   • He closes the box.
6. Activities repeated every time boxes are loaded.
7. The rule is: limit maximally time of opening of the container with the dry ice and the box and consequently - time of staying of an employee next to the dry ice.
8. After the dry ice has been put together with a frozen product into a box, close the box and seal it.
9. Found defects and damages to the box / container must be reported to a direct superior and the damaged container / box must be marked.

IV. Individual and collective protection equipment

1. When carrying out all of the activities related to opening of the container / box, taking the dry ice out, punting the dry ice, use:
   • goggles, a mask, thermo-insulated gloves,
   • clothes and shoes (acc. to clothes tables for employee working in a cold store).
2. When cleaning the boxes / containers use protective goggles.
3. Next to containers with the dry ice, at 30 - 50 cm height (from the floor) install a detector (CO2 rate in the air detector).

V. Procedure in case of a danger

1. In case when the CO2 in the air detector operates, leave the work place and vent the room.
2. In case of a potential fire extinguishing action within area of the containers with the dry ice, use the fire extinguisher situated at the site.

VI. First aid

In case of a direct contact with the dry ice:

1. Contact with skin: flush the skin approx. 15 min using a warm water, then apply a sterile bandage and provide medical help.
2. Contact with eyes: painful and barely healing frozen bits may cause serious damage to the eyes. Eyes, after they have had a contact with the dry ice must be immediately flushed with a warm water; flush eyes 15 minutes at least. Apply a sterile bandage and provide medical help. Provide immediate help by oculist.
3. Inhalation: Persons with: quick breathing symptoms, headaches, no movement, no consciousness, must be taken into the fresh air. Assure peace and warm covering. Call a doctor. In case of an apnea carry out artificial respiration.
4. Chocking: Avoid. In case of chocking - call for a doctor promptly.
5. Swallowing: DO not swallow. Swallowing of the dry ice can cause serious internal injuries; provide prompt medical assistance.

VII. Proper disposal

1. If necessary, remove the dry ice outdoors.
2. Do not enter the dry ice into the sewage system, where it could be subject of hazardous concentration.
3. In case of a need - contact the dry ice vendor.