There is no reason why anyone should risk exposure to dangerous levels of CO2! For humans even a small increase of CO2 in the air is dangerous. Normal outdoor air has an average CO2 percentage of just 0.04%. At 1,5 % CO2 content humans reacts by increased heart rate and at 4 % CO2 there is an Immediate Danger to Life and Health (IDLH).

Watch our film about how to work safely with CO2

As CO2 is used more and more in different applications, people are, in their daily life, both at work and free time, at risk of being exposed to CO2 levels that are above IDLH (Immediate Danger to Life and Health). For example, at gas (petrol) stations, convenience stores or fast food restaurants, where carbonated soft drinks are dispensed.

To prevent accidents from happening, employers and staff, members need to know the risks associated from working with CO2 gas, be able to identify early symptoms, and be protected by a fixed or portable CO2 Safety Systems.

Based on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, common symptoms of CO2 exposure include dizziness, headache, poor sleep, lassitude, anxiety, ocular changes, coronary heart disease, gastritis, kidney and liver damage, eye and skin burns, and dermatitis. These symptoms will occur only if the NIOSH standard’s recommended exposure limit (REL) and / or Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) standard’s permissible exposure limit (PEL) exceed 5,000 ppm.

The Carbon Dioxide concentration in a room depends on the VOLUME of the room and the amount of CO2 that is let into it. If there is a leak, the CO2 accumulates from the ground (because it is 1.5 times heavier than air). We have created a simple and easy tool to help assessing the risk of a CO2 leak.

Just fill in the floor area of the room in the calculator and the amount of the CO2 in Pounds or Kilos. We use 2.4 meters or 7feet 10 inches as a standard ceiling height. By doing this we calculate the volume. The potential CO2 concentration will be revealed by the calculator, helping you get a better understanding of the risk associated with the CO2 supply. For example, a 100-square foot basement with a small 20 pound CO2 tank is a lethal risk and the need for a proper CO2safety system is a must!

Many risk assessment analysis’s have been made with the same conclusion: with the human factor included, the risk for being exposed to harmful levels of CO2 equaling IDLH (Immediate Danger to Life and Health) is not acceptable in our modern society of today. It is because of this danger that many countries like Germany, Holland, Belgium, England, Sweden and Denmark among others have set direct STEL ( Short Time Exposure Limits) values that are not allowed to be exceeded.

At the world’s largest fast food chain, it is mandatory with CO2 Safety Systems in all of their 33 000 restaurants. In Germany and Holland they have also enforced laws that mandate CO2 Safety Systems where there is a risk of exposure to harmful levels of CO2.

This as well as the EU COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 2006/15/EC, OSHA, the Australian Standard 5034-2005 and the recommendations from the ACGIH regarding both the Short Time Exposure Limit (STEL) as well the Time Weighted Average (TWA) limit of 5000 ppm all show that installing a CO2 Safety System that comply with these regulations is pure common sense and not doing it is nothing but irresponsible, towards both working staff as well as the customers.

Current U.S. National Standards, U.S. Codes, and non-Regulatory (CGA) guidelines impacting CO2 Gas Detection requirements are detailed below. Note that these are not necessarily what a Particular State or Municipality bases their code upon, or enforces:

2018 IFC – Section 5307 Compressed Gases Not Otherwise Regulated
5307.3 Insulated liquid Carbon Dioxide systems used in beverage dispensing applications
5307.3.2 Gas Detection System – Where ventilation is not provided in accordance with Section
5307.3.1, a gas detection system shall be provided in rooms or indoor areas and in below-grade outdoor locations with insulated Carbon Dioxide systems. Carbon Dioxide sensors shall be provided within 12 inches of the floor area where the gas is expected to accumulate… 5307.3.2.1.  Activates an audible and visible supervisory alarm…of a …concentration of 5,000 ppm…
5307.3.2.2. Activates an audible and visible alarm…of a …concentration of 30,000 ppm…

Chapter 50 Hazardous Materials – General Provisions
5005.1.12 Emergency Isolation. Where gases or liquids having a hazard ranking of Health Class 3…an approved means of leak detection …shall be provided.

2016 NFPA 55 Chapter 13 Insulated Liquid Carbon Dioxide Systems
13.2 Uninsulated Carbon Dioxide Compressed Gas Systems. The storage, use, and handling of Carbon Dioxide in uninsulated systems shall be in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 13 and Chapters 1 through 7.
13.10 Carbon Dioxide Beverage Systems
13.10.1 General. Systems with more than 100 lb. of Carbon Dioxide used in beverage dispensing applications shall comply with13.10.2 through 13.10.4.
13.10.2 Equipment. The storage, use, and handling of Carbon Dioxide shall be in accordance with Chapters 1 through 7 and the requirements of this chapter, as applicable.
13.10.4 Required protection. Carbon Dioxide storage tanks, cylinders, piping, and equipment located indoors, in rooms, and other areas where a leak of carbon dioxide can collect shall be provided with…an emergency alarm system in accordance with 13.10.4.2.13.6.2 Rooms or areas where container systems are filled and used indoors or in enclosed outdoor locations shall be provided with a gas detection and alarm system that shall be capable of detecting and notifying…at, or in excess of…PEL…and STEL…More conservative set points shall be permitted to be used.
13.6.2 Rooms or areas where container systems are filled and used indoors or in enclosed outdoor locations shall be provided with a gas detection and alarm system that shall be capable of detecting and notifying…at, or in excess of…PEL…and STEL…More conservative set points shall be permitted to be used.

Two Supplements of NBIC are applicable to Liquid Carbon Dioxide Storage Vessels

2017 NBIC Part 1 Supplement 3 for Installations
2017 NBIC Part 2 Supplement 12 for Inspections
Both NBIC Supplements specify “a continuous gas detection shall be provided in the room or area where container systems are filled and used, in areas where heavier than air gas can congregate and in below grade outdoor locations…CO2 sensors shall be provided within 12 inches of the floor in the area where the gas is most likely to accumulate, or leaks are most likely to occur”.
a) The threshold for activation of the low-level alarm shall not exceed a…concentration of 5,000 ppm Time Weighted Average over 8 hours.
b) The threshold for activation of the high-level alarm shall not exceed a…concentration of 30,000 ppm…

Toxic and Hazardous Substances, Limits for Air Contaminants:  Carbon Dioxide PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) – 5000 ppm Time Weighted Average over 8 hours, STEL – 30 000 ppm

3.6 Carbon Dioxide leak detection system
Indoor areas, rooms, or enclosed outdoor locations where small insulated carbon dioxide systems are filled and used shall be provided with a leak detection and alarm system. This system shall be capable of detecting and notifying…at, or in excess of,…PEL…and the…STEL…More conservative set points are permitted to be used.

3.5 Safety precautions
…Carbon Dioxide monitoring should be done before entering any area in which Carbon Dioxide gas can accumulate…

Don't wait and jeopardize your business! contact one of our trained and certified professionals today! We will help you determine a system that will protect you and your employees! Our systems are affordable and installation is easy with our trained professionals!

risks of co2 gas exposure