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Safety Measures

Dry Ice Blasting is a powerful and efficient cleaning process — but safety must always come first. Operators and staff in the blasting area must follow all safety precautions to ensure safe and effective operation.

Dry Ice Blasting Safety

  • Do not touch dry ice with bare hands. It can instantly freeze skin.
  • Always wear proper PPE: face shield, gloves, 32+NRR ear plugs, and ear muffs.
  • Close all lids (hopper and pellet box) before starting.
  • Attach hoses securely and check fittings.
  • Ensure ventilation in confined spaces.
  • Never point the nozzle at anyone — stay alert when people are nearby.
  • Be cautious where you blast.
  • Use hose whip checks for added safety.
  • Keep hoses and cords away from forklift paths.
  • Inspect hoses and cables regularly for cuts or gouges.
  • Read the Operator Manual before use.
  • Never expose bare skin to CO₂ pellets.
  • Only trained personnel should operate the equipment.
  • Never operate damaged or modified units.
  • Ventilate properly — never blast in confined areas without approved ventilation.
  • Turn off main power and remove control cable before disconnecting hoses.
  • Do not exceed recommended air pressure levels.
  • Ground the material being cleaned.
  • Avoid kinking the blast hose before or during operation.

Electrical Safety Precautions

  • Do not operate equipment with exposed electrical parts.
  • Never use equipment with bypassed or disabled safety circuits.
  • Follow national and local electrical codes for all installations.

Safety Precautions with Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) & Dry Ice

  • Exercise caution when handling CO₂ pellets (−109°F / −79°C).
  • Never touch dry ice directly — always use insulated gloves.
  • CO₂ can displace oxygen in confined areas — ensure proper air circulation.
  • Always wear thermal gloves and face shields during operation.
  • CO₂ is non-toxic, non-corrosive, and FDA/USDA approved, but oxygen displacement poses a risk in enclosed spaces.
  • Always operate in well-ventilated environments to prevent asphyxiation hazards.

Noise Control & Hearing Safety

Dry ice blasting generates high noise levels. Hearing protection is mandatory near open-air blasting zones.

  • Typical sound levels:

  • 90 dBA – moderate cleaning

  • 100–110 dBA – aggressive cleaning

  • Use foam earplugs and earmuffs for protection.
  • A dosimeter should be used to measure actual noise exposure.
  • Welding curtains or barriers can significantly reduce sound reflection.
  • The Cold Jet system maintains higher cleaning efficiency even at reduced air pressures — lowering exposure time.
  • Prolonged exposure above 85 dBA for 8 hours requires a hearing conservation program (OSHA/NIOSH compliant).
  • With earplugs and earmuffs, an operator can safely blast:

  • 4 hours at 125 dBA

  • 8 hours at 117 dBA