HomeSafety & site planning
Dry ice blasting avoids added wash water and conventional abrasive media. It still needs a defined scope, suitable controls and agreement on the site requirements.
Before mobilisation
The asset, contamination, access and maintenance window determine what needs checking. Any permits, isolation responsibilities, containment and handback requirements should be resolved before work is agreed.
Tell us about specialist access, electrical involvement and procurement requirements early. Site acceptance and any specialist responsibilities need to be confirmed before mobilisation.
Include your induction, insurance, licence or ticket requirements and any SWMS/JSA or vendor-prequalification process. We’ll confirm which documents and specialist arrangements are needed, and whether the requirements can be met before engagement.
Discuss your site requirementsPlanning considerations
Dry ice becomes carbon dioxide gas. Enclosed or poorly ventilated areas need specific assessment of ventilation, atmospheric monitoring and access. Dry ice handling also requires protection against cold injury and pressure build-up in sealed containers.
Confirm the operating state and isolation boundary with the site and relevant personnel. M&S does not offer live electrical cleaning. Nearby energised parts also need to be considered.
Check substrate condition, coatings, seals, wiring and fine features. A test area may be needed before agreeing settings or removal performance.
Compressed-air blasting and dislodged material affect the work area. Agree exclusion zones, suitable PPE, containment and protection of adjacent people, product and plant.
Dry ice leaves no spent abrasive media, but removed contamination and containment materials remain. Identify the contaminant and agree how it will be collected and handled.
Work at height, confined spaces, hazardous areas and food-production environments need their own site requirements. The method and available capability must be accepted before mobilisation.
From enquiry to handback
Agree what is being cleaned, the required result and any inspection or testing needed afterwards. Cleaning does not itself certify an electrical asset, validate food sanitation or prove restored process performance.
Specialist approvals and return-to-service decisions remain with the responsible site personnel.
Identify the asset, deposit, location and required result.
Check surface compatibility, access and the maintenance window.
Resolve isolation, ventilation, containment and site requirements.
Confirm settings and use a test area where the result needs checking.
Check the agreed area, manage residue and confirm any further inspection or testing.
Method limitations
Bulk mud, loose material and hard scale may suit another method. Ordinary dry ice blasting is not a universal rust-removal process and does not inherently produce an abrasive coating-preparation profile.
Compare the cleaning methodsFor general background, see WorkSafe Victoria’s dry ice safety guidance and WorkSafe Queensland’s electrical-work guidance. Site-specific procedures and the applicable requirements still need to be determined for the work.
Contact M&S
Describe the asset, location and maintenance window. Mention permits, access or specialist requirements in your message.
