Dry Ice Safety 101: Handling, Storage, and PPE Best Practices

Dry Ice is an incredibly useful tool, from food transport and flash freezing to equipment cleaning and fog effects. But because it’s made of solid carbon dioxide (CO₂) at –78°C, it must be handled with care. Whether you’re a small business starting to use Dry Ice regularly or a first-time user, understanding safety is key to protecting people, products, and property.

Why Dry Ice Safety Matters

Dry Ice doesn’t melt, it sublimates directly from solid to gas. That means it releases CO₂ as it warms up, which can displace oxygen in enclosed spaces and pose a suffocation risk if not properly ventilated. It can also cause severe cold burns or frostbite on contact. Knowing how to handle and store it properly ensures both safety and efficiency.

1. Safe Handling: Protect Your Skin and Eyes

• Wear insulated gloves designed for cryogenic or Dry Ice use, not cloth or leather alone.

• Use tongs or scoops to move Dry Ice; never touch it directly with bare hands.

• Protect your eyes with safety goggles or a face shield when cutting or breaking Dry Ice.

• Work in well-ventilated areas to prevent CO₂ buildup, especially in basements, walk-in coolers, or vehicles.

Pro Tip: Keep Dry Ice containers off surfaces that can crack from cold, like tile or glass. Place them on wood, rubber, or cardboard instead.

2. Proper Storage: Keep It Cold, But Not Sealed

Dry Ice must never be stored in an airtight container. As it sublimates, CO₂ gas expands rapidly, building pressure that can cause containers to burst or explode.

Follow these best practices:

• Store in an insulated cooler or Dry Ice chest, not a freezer or sealed bin.

• Keep containers in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

• Do not store in a walk-in cooler overnight unless properly ventilated.

• Never transport Dry Ice in a closed vehicle without air circulation.

Reminder: A standard insulated cooler will slow sublimation but cannot stop it entirely — expect 5–10 lbs to sublimate every 24 hours.

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Essentials

Here’s what every Dry Ice user should have on hand:

PPE	Purpose
Cryogenic gloves	Prevent frostbite during handling
Safety goggles or face shield	Protect eyes from ice chips and vapor
Long sleeves and pants	Shield skin from contact burns
Closed-toe shoes	Prevent injuries from dropped pellets or blocks

4. Disposal and Environmental Safety

When you’re done with Dry Ice, don’t throw it in the trash or sink.

Instead:

• Leave it in a well-ventilated area at room temperature to sublimate naturally.

• Keep it away from children and pets.

• Never pour Dry Ice into water in confined spaces, it can rapidly fill the area with CO₂ gas.

Simcoe Gases: Your Local Dry Ice Partner

At Simcoe Gases, we don’t just supply Dry Ice, we help you use it safely and effectively. Whether you need pellets for food transport, blocks for cleaning, or customized delivery for industrial use, our team ensures:

• Reliable, local delivery

• Safety guidance for staff training

• CO₂ recovery and sustainability-focused production

We’re proud to support Canadian businesses with the products and knowledge they need to use Dry Ice confidently and responsibly.

Final Thoughts

Dry Ice is a powerful, versatile tool, but only when handled correctly. By following proper PPE, storage, and ventilation practices, you’ll protect both your people and your product. For safe, high-quality Dry Ice and expert advice, trust Simcoe Gases, your independent Canadian gas partner.

Download our Dry Ice Safe Handling Guidelines