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
Set up ventilation & PPE
Ensure strong ventilation and put on insulated gloves, eye/face protection, hearing protection and appropriate respiratory protection.
Connect compressed air
Connect the blaster to a compressed-air supply that meets the unit's pressure and volume requirements.
Load dry-ice pellets
Load pellets into the hopper following the unit's instructions.
Test on a small area
Start at lower pressure and test on an inconspicuous area to dial in settings for the surface.
Blast the surface
Hold the nozzle at the recommended distance and angle, keeping it moving across the surface. Let the sublimation do the work.
Shut down safely
Relieve air pressure and let remaining pellets sublimate in a ventilated space.
Rent this equipment
Allied Rental delivers, sets up and supports across the San Francisco Bay Area — and our team walks you through safe operation.