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Analox have products designed to
protect you against the dangers of Carbon Dioxide.
Analox 50
Market Leading fixed CO2 Detector
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CO2 Buddy
New personal CO2 monitor
(click the picture for more info)
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About Carbon Dioxide
Carbon Dioxide is a natural component
of the atmosphere at a content of about 0.036%. Carbon Dioxide
is generated within our bodies continually and, as we breathe
out carbon dioxide, the highest concentrations of this gas in
our homes can be found in rooms where we spend most of our time.
At concentrations of up to 700ppm people usually do not notice
any ill effects.
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Working in areas where carbon
dioxide is used or stored.
Within the food and beverage
industry carbon dioxide is used as a refrigerant, in food
packaging and in the carbonization of beers and soft drinks.
The increase in the use of carbon dioxide has led to the need
for a greater awareness of the dangers associated with leaks
from equipment, particularly in confined spaces. As carbon
dioxide is tasteless and colourless at levels which affect
the human body, a danger level can be reached without you
being aware. |
There are lots
of reasons why you may not think this is your problem
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What happens when levels increase?
Carbon dioxide affects humans in a number
of ways and as the table below shows levels as low as 2% have
a significant effect on our bodies.
What happens to you when the carbon dioxide
content of the air you breathe rises above the normal 0.036% (360ppm)
| 1000ppm |
0.1% |
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Prolonged exposure can affect powers
of concentration |
| 5000
ppm |
0.5% |
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The normal international Safety
Limit |
| 10,000ppm |
1% |
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Your rate of breathing increases
very slightly but you probably will not notice it. |
| 15,000ppm |
1.5% |
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The normal Short Term Exposure
Limit. |
| 20,000ppm
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2% |
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You start to breathe at about 50%
above your normal rate. If you are exposed to this level over
several hours you may feel tired and get a headache. |
| 30,000ppm
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3% |
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You will be breathing at twice
your normal rate. You may feel a bit dizzy at times, your
heart rate and blood pressure increase and headaches are more
frequent. Even your hearing can be impaired. |
| 40,000-50,000ppm |
4-5% |
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Now the effects of CO2
really start to take over. Breathing is much faster - about
four times the normal rate and after only 30 minutes exposure
to this level you will show signs of poisoning and feel a
choking sensation. |
| 50,000-100,000ppm |
5-10% |
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You will start to smell carbon
dioxide, a pungent but stimulating smell like fresh, carbonated
water. You will become tired quickly with laboured breathing,
headaches, tinnitus as well as impaired vision. You are likely
to become confused in a few minutes, followed by unconsciousness. |
| 100,000ppm-1,000,000ppm |
10-100% |
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Unconsciousness occurs more quickly,
the higher the concentration. The longer the exposure and
the higher the level of carbon dioxide, the quicker suffocation
occurs. |
What can be done?
Confined spaces such as cellars or dispense
gas stores come within the regulations of many countries. You
may need to do a risk assessment and certainly, for your own peace
of mind, you need to ensure the health and safety of you and your
employees. One of the best ways is to install an Analox 50 carbon
dioxide detector.
Where this everyday gas is stored
in high concentrations people have died.
Analox 50 |
Delivery Drivers or Personnel entering
confined spaces.
Even if you do not have carbon dioxide
in your premises, your employees may be exposed to its risks.
Delivery drivers, sub contractors, stock takers, surveyors - all
can be affected by someone else's carelessness or failure to maintain
equipment. Our personal carbon dioxide monitor, the CO2
Buddy, protects against this risk and gives your employee enough
time and warning to escape.
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The CO2 Buddy |
Mixed gas storage - Safety levels
Chart shows the Oxygen level, at
specific CO2 alarm points, when air is contaminated
with the illustrated CO2/N2 mixtures.
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