subject: Safety Measures For Dry Ice Shipping [print this page] Primarily used as a cooling agent for shipping, Dry Ice is basically the solid form of carbon dioxide. It is extremely cold and sublimates to gas only at 78.5 C (109.3 F); hence the product finds wide application for wrapping or shipment of frozen foods, Ice cream as well as perishable things like meats, seafood, chicken and others. Dry ice preferred over normal water ice, as it is of lower temperature. Further, unlike water ice that leaves water after getting melted, Dry Ice doesnt leave any residue except incidental frost. However, the extreme coldness of the ice makes it hazardous to handle without protection, as it causes burns out of freezing (frostbite). Besides, without protection coming in contact with Dry Ice is considered hazardous, which raises the need of abiding by certain precautions while handling Dry Ice Shipment. This article provides a brief but complete note on Dry Ice, its possible health hazard and its secure shipment tips.
Health Hazards Possibility From Dry Ice
Remaining exposed to dry ice for a prolonged time enhances the risk of stern skin damage because of frostbites. Further, the sublimating dry ice also poses the danger of hypercapnia, as it produces huge quantities of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) gas, which may cause suffocation if proper ventilation is not available. Also, industrial dry ice contains contaminants that make it unsafe to bring in direct contact with foodstuffs.
Legal Safety Regulation on Dry Ice
European Union has not Classified Dry Ice as a dangerous substance. Even, United Stated Department of Transportation doesnt consider it to be a hazardous material for doing ground transportation, but when shipped through water or air; it is considered as a dangerous product. Toe the line with this, IATA packing instruction 904 suggested that dry ice has to be specially labeled with a black-and white label of diamond-shape, UN 1845. Further, The US Federal Aviation Administration has made the strict regulation that airline passengers are only allowed to carry dry ice up to and 2.3 kg in checked baggage and 2 kg in carry-on baggage.
Precautionary Tips For Dry Ice Shipment
All the regulatory bodies have streamlined certain precautionary measures, which are strictly to be followed for the safe shipment of Dry Ice. The precautionary measures are listed below:
Right Packaging
Packaging material that can get damaged or even destabilize under cool conditions are strictly not to be used; for instance Plastic material.
Correct Marking
For air and water transportation, quantity of dry ice for each package should be equal or less than 5 lbs. And the packages should have the Course 9 US DOT dangerous material caution tag, and other tags like "Co2 Strong, UN1845" or even "Dry Glaciers, UN1845".
Intact Shipment Time
It is recommended that Dry Ice bundles should possibly be shipped within twenty four hours.
Secure Dealing with
Use of protective hand cloves and face masks while wrapping the shipments, its uploading and downloading is very essential.
by: Markpaul
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