Instructions for Dry Ice Shipping

Dry ice is a solid form of carbon dioxide that is kept at the extreme low temperature of minus 109.5 degrees F, according to the Continental Carbonic website. The substance is used for packaging and shipping frozen and perishable items. Specific guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) are in place to ensure proper use of dry ice during shipping procedures.

Ship Perishables

• Perishable material can be damaged and deteriorate over time when it is exposed to heat or humid conditions, according to the Continental Carbonic website. Use dry ice to ship perishable food products or biological specimens so that they arrive at their destinations undamaged. Dry ice provides very low temperatures and an inexpensive solution for these types of shipments. Typically, dry ice is limited to 5 lbs. per shipment on the aircraft, although weight is usually not regulated for ground shipments. That 5 lbs. of dry ice will sustain a perishable shipment for a 24-hour period.

Label Requirements

• Shipping with dry ice can pose hazards, such as suffocation from excessive carbon dioxide gas as it is released from the container. It can also damage skin upon contact and may pose an explosion hazard in some cases, according to the Continental Carbonic website. Because of these risks, label all shipments using dry ice appropriately to comply with DOT regulations.

  Clearly identify all shipments containing dry ice with a Class 9 DOT miscellaneous hazardous material warning label. The label should read “Carbon Dioxide Solid, UN1845” or “Dry Ice, UN1845.”

Safe Containers

• Dry ice is not suitable for all shipping containers. Use packaging that is able to hold up to loading and unloading without the risk of damage to the container. Close the container properly to prevent spillage that may be caused by vibration of changes in environmental conditions.

  Use packaging with ventilation that allows for the release of carbon dioxide gas. An airtight seal on a package containing dry ice can lead to package explosion.

  Do not use a packaging material that may be cracked or weakened by extremely cold temperatures. Plastic should never be used to package dry ice. Opt for insulated foam (cooler material) for safe shipments. Check the U.S. Postal Service resource link below for specifics on mailability of hazardous materials.

Safe Handling and Storage

• Touching dry ice with your bare skin can cause immediate freezing and an injury similar to a burn, according to the Dry Ice Source website. Inhaling too much carbon dioxide gas can also be dangerous and cause suffocation, so safe handling is extremely important when dealing with this hazardous material. Always wear protective gloves to handle dry ice and use the material in a well-ventilated area. Store dry ice in an insulated container that is also ventilated. If you have difficulty breathing or begin breathing quickly, leave the area where the dry ice is located. Never touch dry ice with your bare skin, eat it or place it in an area where people sleep.