When companies are looking for an eco-friendly but still effective cleaning process, dry ice blasting is often a go-to choice. This process uses carbon dioxide pellets that evaporate quickly which are sprayed onto surfaces for cleaning. One of the best aspects of dry ice blasting is that it’s non-abrasive and safe to use on a variety of surfaces, including sensitive electronics and soft plastics, without leaving any residue.
While dry ice blasting is a great way to clean surfaces, there are several risks and safety precautions companies must consider before using it.
“The safety considerations and risks outlined in this article are critically important to understand before buying or renting dry ice blasting equipment.”
Applications for Dry Ice Blasting
Dry ice blasting has a wide range of applications across various industries, including:
Industrial equipment cleaning: Dry ice blasting is effective at removing oil and grease from moving parts like conveyor belts and also poses no threat to electronic components
Mold remediation: Dry ice blasting is a preferred method of removing mold and sanitizing surfaces
Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration: Cleans soot and char from surfaces after fires, eliminating odors without further damage to surfaces
Food and Beverage Processing: Sanitizes and cleans equipment and production lines without the use of water or chemicals, minimizing downtime and reducing risk of contamination
Electrical Equipment Cleaning: Removes contaminants from electrical components, motors, and switchboards without applying moisture
Historical Restoration: Gently cleans and restores historic buildings, monuments, and sculptures without damaging delicate materials
Paint and Graffiti Removal: Strips paint or graffiti from a variety of surfaces including metal, brick, and concrete without damaging the underlying strata
Rubber and Plastic Mold Cleaning: Cleans molds used in rubber and plastic production, removing residues without damaging the mold surface or requiring cooling down
Oil and Gas Industry Equipment: Removes oil, grease, and other residues from pipes, valves, and machinery used in the oil and gas industry
Pharmaceutical Equipment Cleaning: Cleans production machinery in pharmaceutical facilities, ensuring sterile environments without using chemicals
Marine and Ship Maintenance: Cleans hulls, decks, and engine components, removing rust, barnacles, and other contaminants
Dry Ice Cleaning Risks
Although dry ice blasting avoids dangers associated with high-pressure water, abrasive particles, or toxic chemicals, it comes with its own risks. Some dangers of dry ice blasting include:
● The pellets are shot out at high speed, which means there is a chance they will ricochet back toward you
● Since dry ice is so cold, there is the possibility of frostbite if the pellets contact the skin for too long
● CO₂ gas displaces oxygen, which can cause the operator to experience shortness of breath or pass out from lack of oxygen
● You cannot see or smell carbon dioxide, which makes it difficult to determine if you are being exposed to too much of the gas
● Inhaling too much carbon dioxide will lead to hypercarbia, also known as carbon dioxide toxicity
The risks associated with carbon dioxide can not be understated. Every year, dozens of workers suffer fatal accidents due to asphyxiation, most of which are preventable.
Before you rent or purchase the equipment required to clean with dry ice, make sure that you have also budgeted for and purchased the required safety equipment.
Staying Safe While Dry Ice Blasting
Protecting the operator during the dry ice blasting process involves several key parts. Exposed skin needs to be protected, eye and hearing protection must be worn, respiratory protection used, and proper ventilation and airflow considered.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the first line of defense and will include coveralls, eye protection, respirator, hearing protection, and gloves. One important note about gloves is that they should be appropriate for handling the freezing pellets.
Respiratory protection is important because of the material which is being removed from the surface. This material may contain harmful substances that can cause negative health consequences.
Since carbon dioxide will displace the oxygen in the area, you must ensure there is adequate airflow so that the carbon dioxide is removed from the area and fresh air is brought in. Along with this, no one should work alone whenever there is a risk of a low-oxygen environment and asphyxiation.
Active Dry Ice Blasting Safety Devices
Use CO₂ monitors to track gas levels, particularly in confined spaces. OSHA’s exposure limit is 5,000 ppm over an 8-hour workday. Monitoring CO₂ levels is the only way to ensure workers aren’t overexposed.
Respiratory protection is important, but ventilation is a measure which you need to take seriously. High powered fans will help to evacuate the carbon dioxide while bringing in fresh air. This will help to reduce or eliminate the buildup of carbon dioxide.
Storage of Dry Ice Pellets
Even the storage of carbon dioxide has some risks associated with it. If pellets transition from solid to gas inside a sealed container, it could explode. To prevent containers from exploding, always use a vented container specifically designed to store dry ice pellets. Never use a sealed containment system.
These containers should be insulated and have the appropriate markings as required by health and safety regulations. In addition to this, the required PPE, safe work procedures, and data sheets should accompany the containers as they are transported or used.
Concluding Considerations for Dry Ice Blasting
Overall, dry ice blasting is a safe and effective method for cleaning a variety of surfaces. That being said, the safety considerations and risks outlined in this article are critically important to understand before buying or renting dry ice blasting equipment.
rom storage and transportation to the risk of asphyxiation, every worker must understand and acknowledge the risks and safety protocols.
If dry ice blasting sounds like the right process for your company, Red-D-Arc has the equipment to get you started.
