The Risks with CO₂

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.

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Calculate the CO₂ level

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 CO₂ safety system is a must!

 

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Tutorial about CO₂,  it’s applications and US Safety Codes