Simple safety precautions
Wear safety gloves and glasses during all of the demonstrations.
The main hazards and according safety precautions for using dry ice are:
HAZARD 1: Extremely low temperature (–78 degrees C) can cause freeze burns
SAFETY PRECAUTION: Wear gloves when handling dry ice or use tongs or spoon
NOTE: When performing demonstrations, wear gloves even when you are using tongs
HAZARD 2: Expansion of carbon dioxide gas produced can generate high pressures in sealed airtight containers
SAFETY PRECAUTION: Store dry ice in non-airtight containers. Never store in airtight containers with screw caps.
NOTE: Storing dry ice in a standard esky with the lid on is safe as the carbon dioxide can leak out through small gaps between the lid and esky
HAZARD 3: Carbon dioxide gas produced is an asphyxiant in high concentrations
SAFETY PRECAUTION: Use in large, well ventilated areas. This hazard is negligible in the small quantities required for the demonstrations provided.
