Cleaning with dry ice, or ice blasting as it is known, is a highly effective method of sanitizing areas. A dry ice cleaning service is used in industrial cleaning, the food packaging industry, smoke and water damage cleanup, the cleaning industry, and mold removal, to name just a few examples. The following six do’s and don’ts for handling dry ice will help make sure ice blasting is done safely and correctly.
1. DO Wear Protective Gear
Gloves and goggles are a must when dealing with dry ice. Protect your skin by using leather gloves and do not let the dry ice touch you as this may result in an injury, such as a burn. Goggles are not required, but they are recommended as protective eye gear.
2. DON’T Put It Down
The dry ice equipment should not be placed anyplace where it could possibly crack a surface, such as a tile countertop or floor. Not putting the equipment down will help prevent any damage to property that is being cleaned by a dry ice cleaning service.
3. DO Use Proper Storage Techniques
Story your dry ice in a well-insulated container. But do not ever put it in an airtight container, since the dry ice could make the container explode
4. DON’T Use In a Stuffy Area
Always be sure that you use dry ice in an area that is open and has good airflow. Make sure you have plenty of circulation and that the area is well-ventilated with fresh air. Open the doors and even open the windows, if possible. Carbon dioxide exposure is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Fresh air is one way to help prevent carbon dioxide exposure from happening.
5. DO Supervise When Using
Dry ice is carbon dioxide, and when carbon dioxide is inhaled by humans, it can result in serious side effects. These include dizziness, shortness of breath, blue lips, or a headache.
6. DON’T Sublimate Incorrectly
When you are finished dry ice blasting, the dry ice needs to be put away. This is called sublimating. Since dry ice is a gas, it must be left open in the atmosphere where it will be absorbed. Wherever you are going to let it sublimate, it is of paramount importance to make sure that the area is well-ventilated. Make sure you put it someplace where no one will touch it, preferably someplace where it is out of the way. It will sublimate at about 2% 10% per day depending on the insulation level of the container it is in. Since dry ice is -79 degrees Celsius, if it is not stored in a container that is well-insulated, it will sublimate.
A dry ice cleaning serviceis a fantastic, efficient way to clean surfaces and areas that may have mold, mildew, smoke, and other impurities. With careful attention and proper use, dry ice can be a valuable asset to a clean and sanitary work environment.