CO2 Gas Detection Systems
Commissioning of CO2 Alarm Systems
Not every company is authorized to install CO2 alarm systems. Make sure that the company you hire has the necessary authorizations. Improperly installed systems pose a high risk. A CO2 alarm system should always be installed by qualified personnel. Our technical staff has been trained as TÜV-certified experts in dispensing systems and is therefore authorized to sell, install, inspect, and certify such systems. We offer risk assessments, consulting services, and the sale of appropriate warning systems.Without an on-site inspection and risk assessment, it is not possible to provide an accurate price quote. That is why you will always receive a quote tailored to your specific needs.
Hazards Associated with CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)
In almost all hospitality businesses, CO2 is used as a dispensing gas for tap/dispensing systems. Due to leaks or improper use, unintentional CO2 release can occur. CO2 is a colorless and odorless gas, which means it cannot be detected by humans in a hazardous area!
The legal requirements have been in place for a long time, but due to a lack of awareness and, above all, an underestimation of the danger, protective measures are still barely observed in Austria.
Basics:
CO2 is not toxic! However, above a certain concentration in the air, it becomes harmful to health, as it reduces or prevents oxygen enrichment in the blood.
From 3% carbon dioxide in the air, depending on the size of the room, initial symptoms already occur. Depending on the concentration, this leads to dizziness and seizures. From a concentration of 8% in the hazard area, there is an extreme risk to life. Above 10%, death occurs within a short time.
The Most Common Misconceptions
1.) CO2 is the same as CO. WRONG!
CO and CO2 are two completely different substances!
CO is carbon monoxide and is mainly produced by combustion systems, e.g. in wood stoves or gas boilers.
Carbon dioxide CO2 absolutely cannot be detected with CO detectors, which are sold, for example, in home improvement stores.
2.) CO2 is heavier than air and only accumulates near the ground.
This is only partially correct! Due to air currents and fans in use, e.g. from cooling machines, the CO2 distribution is completely altered and spread throughout the entire room. There are several studies on this.
3.) An open window is completely sufficient!
The law requires cross-ventilation, with one opening required to be near the ground. These requirements can hardly be met in any cellar.
4.) The candle is the safest and cheapest tool.
Going into the cellar with a candle is not very helpful. The candle flame only goes out at around 12% CO2 concentration in the breathing air. At that concentration, you would already be unconscious and in serious danger of death.
How do I protect myself and my employees?
Simply having the knowledge and information about the potential danger from dispensing gases is already an important step in the right direction. Inform and train your employees — this alone can, in some cases, prevent serious accidents. Of course, we still recommend implementing technical measures as well.
usually difficult to implement
If sufficient natural ventilation is provided, mechanical ventilation can be dispensed with. This requires two permanently effective (open and unobstructed) ventilation openings leading directly outside, ideally one near the floor and one near the ceiling (cross-ventilation). Each of these ventilation openings must have a cross-section of at least 1% of the floor area, but at least 200 cm2 each.
expensive and not possible in cold storage rooms
This is ensured when mechanical ventilation (supply and exhaust air system) meets the following requirements: at least a twofold hourly air exchange with continuously running ventilation, and a fault indication by alarm (e.g. warning light or horn) inside and, if necessary, outside at the access door, if the fault indication would otherwise not be noticeable from outside.
usually the safest and simplest option
Gas detection devices must be regularly inspected by a qualified person within the intervals and scope specified by the manufacturers of the gas detection devices. If no such manufacturer specifications are available, the inspection for proper condition must be carried out by a qualified person at least once a year, but no less frequently than every 15 calendar months. Employees must be demonstrably instructed on the function of the gas detection system and the measures required in the event of warnings, alarms, and fault messages, as well as on rescue measures.