According to the list of dangerous goods, which special provisions apply to shipments of dry ice?

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Dry ice is classified by DOT and IATA as a “miscellaneous” hazard, Class 9. Dry ice is considered hazardous during transportation for the following reasons:

1. Explosion hazard: Dry ice releases a large volume of carbon dioxide gas as it sublimates. If packaged in a container that does not allow for release of the gas, it may explode, causing personal injury or property damage.
2. Suffocation hazard: A large volume of carbon dioxide gas emitted in a confined space may displace oxygen and create an oxygen deficient environment.
3. Contact hazard: Dry ice is a cryogenic material that causes severe frostbite upon contact with skin.  

Packing Guidelines for Dry Ice 

Do not use plastics that can be rendered brittle or permeable by the temperature of dry ice. Use commercially available packaging systems intended for dry ice shipments.  Packages must allow for release of carbon dioxide gas. Dry ice must never be sealed in a container with an airtight seal such as container with a threaded lid or plastic cooler.  The maximum allowable net quantity of dry ice allowed per package is 200 kg 

Required Markings for Dry Ice 

Markings and hazard labels for dry ice are required  when  the  package  is  sent  by  air,  water,  or when transported by commercial carriers and couriers by land (ex: Fed Ex, Airborne Express, etc).  The US Postal Service will NOT transport dry ice. 

The labels and markings required for dry ice are used  in addition  to any other labels and markings required for other hazardous materials in the package.

1. Class 9 Miscellaneous hazard label
2. Proper shipping name and UNID Number:   “Carbon dioxide, solid” or “Dry ice” and UN1845
3. Net quantity of dry ice 

Airway Bill for Dry Ice 

Remember to “declare” the dry ice on your airway bill. Dry ice is considered a “Dangerous Good”, however you do not need to complete a “Shippers Declaration” form if the only hazardous material in the package is the dry ice. 

When dry ice is shipped by air and water it is regulated as a dangerous good.The International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations give some regulatory relief to shipments of dry ice by air.The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations require that dry ice be packaged in accordance with packing instruction 904.It is allowed to be vented to prevent a build up of pressure that could rupture the packaging.Arrangements must be made between the shipper and the operator to ensure that ventilation safety procedures are followed.

A shipper’s declaration of dangerous goods is not required unless the dry ice is used as a refrigerant for other dangerous goods.Otherwise only an air waybill is required with the following information:Dry Ice or Carbon dioxide, solid, 9, UN 1845, number of packages and the net quantity of dry ice in each package.

The net weight of the dry ice in the package must be marked on the outside of the package in addition to the other required marks and labels (e.g., Dry Ice, UN 1845, Class 9 Miscellaneous label).

Dry ice is not regulated by the DOT as a hazardous material for ground (truck) shipments.

If dry ice is needed for an experiment while at the APS it may be obtained through the APS Detector Pool. Enter the request via the Detector Pool database.

The process for requesting dry ice is as follows:

1. Click on “Request Equipment”
2. Select Category = “Sample Prep”
3. Enter the requested dates -Click “Check Availability”
4. Click “Request Reservation” for Dry Ice
5. Fill in the Equipment Request Form.Comments are especially helpful (e.g. how much ice is needed, time of day required, location, etc.).
6. Click “Submit Request.”

Dry ice is only available during normal business hours.In addition, requests must be made in advance to ensure availability of a government vehicle for transporting dry ice from another building on-site.

Please contact the APS User Safety Program if you have any questions or can not access the internal links

Which of the following is a requirement when shipping dry ice?

Is dry ice classified as dangerous goods?

When shipping dry ice a shipper's declaration is always needed?

Why is dry ice dangerous shipping?