Portable Protection For Workers From Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Gas Hazards

Carbon dioxide is a commonly encountered but often misunderstood gas, and as such, the potential hazard it poses to human health can often be disregarded. As the applications involving the use or possible exposure to CO₂ are on the increase, the need for dedicated personal carbon dioxide monitoring has never been greater

Portable gas detectors are ideal for workers in industries where high concentrations of CO₂ may be present; agriculture, aircraft maintenance, food/beverage manufacturing, oil and gas production, petrochemical and refining, wastewater treatment, shipyards, welding, and cold-temperature (dry ice) storage/transportation. The BW Solo portable detector for CO₂ is a cost-effective, simple to operate and use solution to help you keep workers safe in these environments.

Know the risks

The primary danger from CO₂ gas is as an asphyxiant, although it also exerts toxic effects at the cellular level. A high concentration can displace oxygen in the air. If less oxygen is available to breathe, symptoms such as rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, dizziness, disorientation, headaches and fatigue can result.

CO₂ concentrations greater than 10% in breathable air may cause convulsions, vomiting, coma and even death, and the lack of oxygen can cause permanent damages to organs, including the brain and heart.

Know the process

Dry ice is the solid form of CO₂ commonly used in the shipment and storage of temperature sensitive products, such as vaccines. As dry ice warms it sublimates (moves directly from a frozen state to a gas), which can create toxic levels of CO₂ in the local atmosphere.

Those shipping and handling materials preserved with dry ice should follow government guidance, establish processes and training for mitigating health risks and ensure safety measures are rigorously followed.

Know the environment

At standard temperature and pressure, carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless, heavier than air gas. Any confined space, or poorly ventilated enclosed space, can potentially pose a threat of hazardous CO₂ levels.

Measuring the level of oxygen in these environments is not adequate for protecting workers from dangerous levels of CO₂. Most oxygen detectors will alarm when the concentration of oxygen falls by approximately 1.4% from the normal level. If this lower oxygen level is primarily due to displacement by CO₂, the local atmosphere will contain several times the allowable limit for worker exposure to carbon dioxide.

DOWNLOAD WHITE PAPER

DOWNLOAD APP BRIEF

DOWNLOAD INFOGRAFIC

LEARN MORE

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

DOWNLOAD DATASHEET

CO₂ levels should be monitored during all phases of the supply chain. Honeywell offers the broadest range of portable and fixed gas detection solutions to meet all your safety and budget needs. CO₂ detectors can be used to accurately detect for leaks or background toxic levels so that workers and facilities are aware of hazardous gas levels and can respond quickly.

Partner with the Experts in Gas and Flame Detection

Learn more or schedule a complimentary demonstration today. Virtual meetings are available