Dry ice handling and storage

A worker has been seriously injured following an incident where a sealed glass bottle containing dry ice has exploded. 

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.

Further information

For information on safety and risk control measures when working with dry ice, visit the SafeWork SA website.