4 Tips On How to Safely Operate Dry Ice Blasting Equipment

As an industrial company that produces tangible goods, you know how out of shape your machinery and equipment can get. Unfortunately, you may not be able to use traditional methods of abrasive media blasting, such as sand blasting. You may not even be able to use water blasting to clean your machines. That's where dry ice blasting comes in.
Dry ice cleaning services, otherwise known as CO2 cleaning, can give your equipment a factory finish without having to worry about possibly damaging the machine or its components. You can rent CO2 blasting equipment and do the cleaning yourself, but there are some safety measures you should take into account.
Make Sure the Area is Well Ventilated
While carbon dioxide is actually a natural gas and is present in our atmosphere, it can be lethal in high concentrations. Levels of 3-5% can cause headaches and shortness of breath, 7-12% intensifies these symptoms and can lead to unconsciousness, and higher levels can cause suffocation and ultimately, death. That's why it's imperative to make sure that the area is properly ventilated, not only for the employees performing the cleaning but for those in close proximity as well.
Wear Safety Gear
Solidified carbon dioxide might not seem all that intimidating, but make no mistake, it can be extremely cold. The temperature of the ice is around -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit, making it considerably lethal in prolonged-exposure situations. While it typically won't cause much damage if it comes into brief contact with bare skin, it's better not to take that risk. Wearing full-body protective gear can help ensure you're protected.
Proper Storage
You will want to store the dry icein a well-insulated container to ensure that it doesn't sublimate. However, the container should not be airtight. Holding CO2 in an airtight container can cause the container to explode due to expansion.
Sublimation Procedures
After your cleaning procedure is done and you have no use for the ice, you can dispose of the remaining material by letting it sublimate. You can do so by revealing the material to room temperature conditions and letting it transform into a gaseous state. Be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area and where nobody will mistakenly touch the media.
To rent CO2 blasting equipment or purchase media, call us today.


