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Equipment Guide · Safety-Critical

How to Operate a Dry Ice Blaster

Dry-ice blasting cleans surfaces by firing dry-ice pellets at high speed — non-abrasive and residue-free, ideal for mold, soot and industrial cleaning. It involves compressed air, very cold material and CO2 gas, so safety is essential. This is an overview; operation requires proper PPE and training.

Safety first: This equipment can be hazardous if operated incorrectly. This guide is a general overview — always follow the unit's manual, use proper PPE, and contact Allied Rental Company's team for hands-on guidance. It does not replace professional training.

⚠ Safety essentials

  • Dry ice is −109°F — always wear insulated gloves and eye protection. Contact causes frostbite.
  • Blasting releases CO2 gas, which displaces oxygen. Only use in well-ventilated areas; never in confined spaces without ventilation and monitoring.
  • Wear hearing protection — blasting is loud — and a face shield/respirator for the debris being removed.
  • Keep the nozzle pointed only at the work surface; never at people. High-velocity pellets cause injury.
  • Store and handle dry ice per safety guidance; never seal it in an airtight container (pressure buildup).

Step by step

1

Set up ventilation & PPE

Ensure strong ventilation and put on insulated gloves, eye/face protection, hearing protection and appropriate respiratory protection.

2

Connect compressed air

Connect the blaster to a compressed-air supply that meets the unit's pressure and volume requirements.

3

Load dry-ice pellets

Load pellets into the hopper following the unit's instructions.

4

Test on a small area

Start at lower pressure and test on an inconspicuous area to dial in settings for the surface.

5

Blast the surface

Hold the nozzle at the recommended distance and angle, keeping it moving across the surface. Let the sublimation do the work.

6

Shut down safely

Relieve air pressure and let remaining pellets sublimate in a ventilated space.

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Allied Rental delivers, sets up and supports across the San Francisco Bay Area — and our team walks you through safe operation.