Dry ice blasting introduces three site-safety considerations: CO₂ buildup from sublimating pellets, hearing protection from the compressed-air noise envelope, and projectile/debris hazards from displaced contamination. None is unmanageable. All require active monitoring.
CO₂ exposure limits
OSHA PEL for CO₂ is 5,000 ppm time-weighted average. ACGIH TLV is 5,000 ppm TWA with a 30,000 ppm STEL. Outdoor blasting essentially never approaches these limits — the gas dissipates immediately. Indoor blasting in well-ventilated production spaces typically stays well under 1,000 ppm. The risk is in confined or poorly ventilated areas, where we monitor with handheld CO₂ meters and use spot ventilation.
Confined space program
We carry a documented confined-space entry program compliant with 29 CFR 1910.146. For permit-required confined spaces we coordinate with your safety officer, run continuous atmospheric monitoring (O₂, LEL, CO₂, CO, H₂S as applicable), and stage rescue capability per your site's permit requirements.
Hearing protection and noise
Compressor and blast nozzle noise typically runs 100–115 dB at the operator. Operators wear dual hearing protection (plugs plus muffs). Bystander zone is established at the level where exposure stays under 85 dB or appropriate PPE is required for entry.
Personal protective equipment
- Cryogenic-rated gloves for pellet handling
- Safety glasses with side shields, full face shield in line of fire
- Dual hearing protection
- Hi-vis outer layer
- Respiratory protection per air monitoring (typically not required, but available)
- Cut-resistant clothing for restoration and demo-adjacent scopes
Site safety plan
Every job over half a day gets a written site safety plan: scope, hazards identified, PPE required, atmospheric monitoring plan, emergency procedure, and contact roster. We share it with your EHS officer before the crew mobilizes.