Dry Ice Safety & Handling Guide

What is dry ice?

Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide (CO₂). It does not melt into water – it turns straight into carbon dioxide gas (this is called sublimation). It is extremely cold (−78.5°C) and is used for keeping food frozen in transit, cold-chain packing and fog effects at events.

The main dangers

• Cold burns: touching dry ice with bare skin can cause frostbite-like burns within seconds.
• Suffocation: carbon dioxide gas displaces oxygen. In small, closed or low-lying spaces (cars, cellars, cold rooms, small rooms, walk-in fridges) it can build up and cause dizziness, headaches, breathing difficulty or unconsciousness.
• Pressure and explosion: never put dry ice in an airtight or sealed container (bottles, jars, sealed boxes, lidded flasks). The gas builds pressure and the container can burst.
• Never swallow: dry ice must never be eaten or swallowed, and must never be put into a drink that someone will drink.

Handling

• Always wear insulated gloves, and use tongs or a scoop. Never touch dry ice with bare hands.
• Wear eye protection if you break or chip dry ice.
• Keep dry ice away from children and pets at all times.
• Only handle and use dry ice in a well-ventilated area.

Storage

• Keep dry ice in an insulated box (for example a polystyrene cool box) with a loose-fitting lid – never an airtight container.
• Store it in a well-ventilated area, not in a small closed room, cellar or walk-in cold room.
• Do not store dry ice in a domestic fridge or freezer – it can damage the thermostat.
• Do not store dry ice directly on tiled or glass worktops – the extreme cold can crack them.

Transport

• If you carry dry ice in a car, keep it in the boot or a separate area away from passengers and keep windows open or the ventilation on fresh air.
• Never leave dry ice in a parked, closed vehicle.

Using dry ice for fog and effects

• Dry ice fog is carbon dioxide – it sinks and collects in low areas. Use it only in well-ventilated spaces and keep children and pets away from the fog.
• Do not put dry ice into drinks, punch bowls or food that will be eaten or drunk.

Disposal

• Let unused dry ice sublimate outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, away from people, pets and drains.
• Never put dry ice down a sink, toilet or drain, and never put it in a rubbish bin or sealed bag.

First aid

• Cold burn: remove contact with the dry ice, warm the area gently with lukewarm (not hot) water and seek medical advice.
• Dizziness, headache or breathing difficulty: move everyone to fresh air straight away. If symptoms are serious, call 999.
• Swallowed dry ice: this is a medical emergency – call 999.

Weight loss during delivery

Because dry ice sublimates continuously from the moment it is packed, the weight you receive may be lower than the weight ordered. The amount lost depends on time, temperature and packaging. Nice Ice is not responsible for weight loss caused by sublimation.

Ordering dry ice from Nice Ice

• 5 kg packs, £45 per pack. Minimum order 10 kg (2 packs).
• Dry ice must be ordered at least 2 days in advance.
• When you order, you must confirm that you have read and understood this safety and handling guide.
• The customer is responsible for safe handling, storage, use and disposal of dry ice after delivery. Nice Ice is not liable for injury, loss or damage caused by misuse or by failure to follow this guide.

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