Dry Ice Safety Stats and Facts

FACTS

Dry Ice Risks

1. Risk of Exposure. Do not ingest dry ice. Avoid direct skin contact with dry ice. Always use thick gloves, tongs, or a shovel when handling dry ice.
2. Risk of Explosion. Do not confine dry ice in airtight bottles or containers. Dry ice releases gas as it sublimates, if packaged in a container that does not permit the release of gas it could expand and cause personal injury. Always store dry ice in an insulated cooler designed for the storage of dry ice.
3. Risk of Asphyxiation. A large volume of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas emitted in a confined space, or other unventilated areas may create an oxygen-deficient atmosphere. Dry ice must be stored in a well-ventilated location. Never store dry ice in a cold room, warm room, or storage closet unless adequate supply ventilation is provided. Do not place dry ice directly on a tiled or solid surface countertop as the extreme cold may cause damage.

STATS

• 9 other workers suffered ice burn injuries caused by contact with dry ice.
• Dry ice as a solid expands when it converts to a gas form and can increase in ambient air concentration in a confined space. Respiratory distress and seizures can occur at 2% concentration and death can occur at 10% or greater.2 This can result in what is referred to as confined space hypoxia and has been estimated by OSHA to result in 90 deaths each year.
• 3 people have died after dry ice was poured into a swimming pool at a party in Moscow on Friday.