Cold Jet PR350H - Safety

Pre-Installation Guidelines & Checklist
20
Safety
Carbon Dioxide (CO
2
) and Dry Ice Properties
At a temperature of -15°C (5°F) under normal atmospheric pressure, carbon dioxide has a
density of 1.87 kg/m
3
(0.12 lb/ft
3
) and is 1.5 times heavier than air. It is a colorless and odorless
gas with a slightly pungent odor at higher concentrations and spreads along the ground.
Carbon dioxide gas will collect in low-lying areas such as pits and cellars.
Dry Ice Production Process
The expansion of liquid carbon dioxide at pressures between 15-18 bar (217.6-261.1 psi) to
atmospheric pressure is how the pelletizers produce CO
2
-snow at a temperature of -78.5°C
(-109.3°F). The CO
2
-snow is then compressed to form high-density dry ice pellets.
Safety Hazards
Dry ice is extremely cold and may cause severe frost bite or tissue damage when in direct
contact with exposed skin. Always wear protective gloves and clothing when handling dry ice.
CO
2
is classied as a non-ammable and non-toxic gas. It is normally present in the
atmospheric air at a level of approximately 0.04%. It is a normal product of metabolism
being held in bodily uids and tissues where it forms part of the bodies normal chemical
environment. Higher concentrations can cause suocation.
Operate the pelletizer in a well-ventilated work area with continuous CO
2
-level monitoring.
The eects of CO
2
are entirely independent of the eects of oxygen deciency. Therefore,
CO
2
concentrations at 3-5% causes headaches, fast breathing and discomfort while higher
concentrations may cause unconsciousness, suocation or respiratory arrest. The legal
exposure limit set by OSHA is a 0.5% average over an 8-hour workday and the acute (15
minute) exposure limit set is 3.0%.
Always use a CO
2
monitoring/alarm system when working with machinery that emits CO
2
in a
conned room/space.
Operation and maintenance should only be performed by authorized and trained personnel.
Below are some basic safety guidelines:
y Follow local governing codes to ensure a minimum standard of safety.
y Wear protective gloves, safety glasses, and ear plugs.
y Operate the pelletizer in a well-ventilated work area with a CO
2
monitoring/alarm
system.