A little prep before the crew arrives makes a dry ice blasting job faster, safer, and cheaper — because most jobs are quoted with time as a factor, anything that removes delay works in your favour. Here’s a simple checklist to get your site ready.
1. Clear access to the work area
Give the crew a clear path to the equipment or surface being cleaned:
- Move loose materials, tools, and stock out of the way.
- Ensure the equipment is reachable — the less climbing, dismantling, and reaching, the faster the job.
- Note any tight or confined spaces in advance so ventilation can be planned.
2. Sort out power and compressed air
Dry ice blasting needs a compressed-air supply and power for the equipment. In most cases we bring our own compressor and system, but confirm:
- Whether we’re using your plant air or our mobile compressor (agreed at quoting).
- Access to the equipment’s electrical disconnect if it needs to be de-energized.
3. Plan ventilation
CO2 gas is heavier than air and displaces oxygen in enclosed or low-lying spaces. For indoor or confined work:
- Open doors, bays, or vents where possible.
- Flag any pits, basements, or tight rooms so airflow and CO2 monitoring can be arranged.
4. Protect nearby items
Dry ice leaves no residue, but the contaminant being removed does fall away. To keep cleanup quick:
- Mask or move sensitive items near the work zone.
- Lay down drop protection if the removed contaminant needs to be contained.
- Identify anything that should NOT be cleaned so it can be masked off.
5. Handle lockout/tagout and safety sign-off
If we’re cleaning electrical or moving equipment:
- Have your lockout/tagout procedure ready.
- Let us know your site’s safety orientation or sign-in requirements ahead of time.
- Share any permits (confined space, hot work) that apply.
6. Take “before” photos
Snap a few photos of the contamination before we start. They’re useful for your records, for insurance or compliance, and for a great before-and-after story.
A quick pre-job checklist
- Work area cleared and accessible
- Power / compressed air confirmed
- Ventilation planned for enclosed spaces
- Nearby items masked or moved
- Lockout/tagout and permits ready
- Site sign-in / safety requirements shared
- “Before” photos taken
The bottom line
The more ready your site is, the less time on the clock — and the better the result. Not sure how to prepare for your specific job? We’ll walk you through it during the site review.
See what dry ice blasting is or our cost guide.
Ontario Dry Ice Blasting (ODIB) serves Southwestern Ontario. Send photos and a description to scott@ontariodryiceblasting.com or call 226-627-4878.