Dry ice is solidified carbon dioxide that is frozen at extremely cold temperatures. The ice is used for a variety of reasons, such as storing food and perishable items, condensing metal and carbonating liquids. Dry ice should be treated in a different manner than regular ice due to its chemical composition and temperature. There are important safety measures to follow when handling and transporting the material.
Instructions
1. Wear protective clothing prior to handling dry ice. Dry ice exists at -109 degrees F. Direct contact with skin can cause severe frostbite or injury. Put on insulated gloves that are made of a thick material. Also wear enough clothing (long-sleeves, pants, longs socks) to make sure that absolutely no skin is exposed. If possible, use tongs to pick up the dry ice instead of your hands.
2. Handle the dry ice in a well-ventilated room. Because dry ice is raw carbon dioxide, the ice does not melt upon warming up. Instead, the dry ice turns into the gas form of carbon dioxide. Breathing too much carbon dioxide can cause suffocation. When transporting the dry ice, place it in a truck bed or cargo space where nobody is present. If the dry ice must be transported in a passenger seat, open the vehicle's windows to improve air circulation.
3. Place the dry ice on a solid surface such as a wood cutting board or a piece of plywood. Placing the ice on tile or laminated material may result in the bonding agent holding the tile or laminate to the floor to become loose and disintegrate. Do not place the ice in an airtight container. The pressure caused by the dry ice may cause the container to explode or rupture.
Tags: carbon dioxide