Safe Handling of Dry Ice
A safety talk focused on dry ice hazards, including cold burns, carbon dioxide buildup, ventilation, sealed containers, transportation, storage, and PPE.
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Key Hazards
- Cold burns or frostbite from direct contact
- Carbon dioxide buildup in poorly ventilated areas
- Pressure buildup in sealed containers
- Asphyxiation risk in small rooms, vehicles, coolers, or confined spaces
- Eye or skin injury from chips, pellets, or vapor clouds
- Improper storage or transport of dry ice
2–3 Minute Talk Script
Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide, and it creates hazards that are different from regular ice. It is extremely cold and changes directly from a solid to a gas, which can create both contact injuries and air quality hazards.
Workers should avoid direct skin contact with dry ice. Touching it with bare hands can cause cold burns or frostbite quickly, especially when handling blocks, pellets, or broken pieces.
Proper PPE should be used when handling dry ice. Insulated gloves, eye protection, and tools such as scoops or tongs may be needed depending on the amount and form of the material.
Ventilation is important because dry ice releases carbon dioxide gas as it sublimates. In small rooms, vehicles, coolers, walk-in units, or poorly ventilated areas, carbon dioxide can displace oxygen and create an asphyxiation hazard.
Dry ice should never be stored in a sealed container. As gas builds up, pressure can increase and cause the container to rupture or explode.
Transporting dry ice requires planning. Vehicles should have ventilation, and workers should avoid riding for long periods with large amounts of dry ice in a closed passenger compartment.
Workers should be alert for warning signs of carbon dioxide exposure, such as headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, confusion, or unusual fatigue. Anyone experiencing symptoms should move to fresh air immediately.
Safe dry ice handling means protecting skin and eyes, preventing pressure buildup, and controlling carbon dioxide gas. Treat dry ice as a hazardous material, not as ordinary ice.
Safety Reminders
- Do not touch dry ice with bare hands.
- Use insulated gloves and eye protection when needed.
- Store dry ice only in vented containers.
- Keep dry ice in well-ventilated areas.
- Do not transport large amounts in a closed vehicle cab.
- Watch for symptoms of carbon dioxide exposure.
- Keep dry ice away from children or unauthorized workers.
Ask the Crew
- Is dry ice being handled with the correct gloves and tools?
- Is the storage container vented?
- Could carbon dioxide build up in this area?
- Is ventilation adequate during storage or transport?
- Do workers know the symptoms of carbon dioxide exposure?