SafeWork SA have been notified of an incident where a sealed glass bottle containing dry ice exploded, resulting in the serious injury of a worker.
Safety issue
Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) converts to carbon dioxide gas at -78°C and is often used in laboratories. When dry ice transitions from solid state to gas state, large volumes of carbon dioxide gas are produced.
Dry ice should not be placed in a sealed container that does not allow for the release of this gas as the build-up of pressure can cause the container to rupture or explode.
Safety measures when working with dry ice
When working with dry ice follow these few safety measures:
- do not store dry ice in a sealed, airtight container as the pressure resulting from the production of carbon dioxide gas may lead to an explosion
- always use appropriate eye protection when handling dry ice
- do not handle dry ice with bare hands
- do not use or store dry ice in confined areas or rooms without ventilation as carbon dioxide in high concentrations may cause asphyxiation
Risk control measures when working with hazardous substances
We remind all businesses who use, handle or store hazardous substances to develop, implement and maintain safe systems of work.
We advise persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to ensure:
- a comprehensive risk assessment is undertaken prior to the use, handling and storage of any hazardous substances
- appropriate controls are implemented to eliminate or minimise the risks associated with the use, handling and storage of hazardous substances
- workers are provided with adequate information, training and instruction in relation to the safe use, handling and storage of hazardous substances, the associated risks and the control measures implemented to control those risks.
