GAS DETECTORS

Lifesaving Gas Detection by Analox

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a colorless and odorless gas, which is present in the air we breath, in very low concentrations. Classified as a ‘substance hazardous to health’ by the Health & Safety Organizations – in higher concentrations carbon dioxide becomes harmful to health, and has proved to be fatal in many circumstances. One of the biggest dangers of carbon dioxide, is the fact that it is a ‘silent killer’ as it simply cannot be detected, even at the highest of concentrations by human senses alone.

Exposure to elevated levels of CO₂ has the following effects:

• 250-350 ppm: Normal, outside air breathing level.
• 350 – 1,000 ppm: Normal, indoor air breathing level.
• 1,000 – 2000 ppm: Elevated levels in poor quality air, associated with drowsiness.
• 2,000-5,000 ppm: High Levels in Poor Air: dizziness, nausea, increased heart rate
• >5,000 ppm: UK and US OSHA Long Term Exposure Limit (8 Hour Reference Period)
• >15,000 ppm: UK Short Term Exposure Limit

In most workplaces and facilities, it’s the humans within the facility who’re responsible for most of the carbon dioxide in the immediate atmosphere. Although typically safe in these concentrations – in poorly ventilated offices, workers can report feeling tired and drowsy where they themselves have contributed to elevated CO₂ levels.

Although elevated carbon dioxide levels can be a problem in poorly ventilated office spaces, CO₂ is only a danger to life in workplaces and premises which either store, or use the gas in their day to day operations. In these premises, it’s essential that carbon dioxide monitoring and detection is in place, to ensure that the owner of a premises, fulfills their duty of care to both employees, customers and visitors.

Wherever there is carbon dioxide on a premises, there is a risk of potentially fatal leak. Carbon dioxide leaks happen day in, day out – and often (can) prove fatal. A worker typically enters an environment with high carbon dioxide concentrations, loses consciousness, falls onto the floor – where the gas concentrations are higher still. Death then occurs through asphyxiation. It would be a misconception to believe that these accidents only happen in industrial environments, where danger is expected. These deaths and incidents take place in a wide range of environments, including restaurants, bars and fast food kiosks.

The latest incarnation to the range of carbon dioxide detection equipment is the Ax60+, our fixed point CO₂ monitor. This product is easy to set up, easy to use, and easy to tailor around your exact measurement requirements – with different alarm points being easily set, to adhere to local legislation.

If you have any questions about monitoring carbon dioxide in your premises, please do just get in touch and we will be happy to discuss your exact requirements in further detail.