Working Safely with CO2

Carbonated or fizzy drinks are popular beverages found in most food and beverage establishments. Such drinks are commonly supplied through a draft system using carbon dioxide or CO2, a toxic gas that can, in the event of a leak, cause serious injury and even death.

Despite the various health and safety legislations worldwide, employers need to ensure that their staff is working in a safe environment and be mindful of the potential dangers CO2 can cause in day-to-day operations.

When working with CO2, staff should be aware of the dangers associated with a gas leak and identify early symptoms that could indicate CO2 poisoning (see Table 1). They should also be protected from the gas by using the appropriate gas analysis equipment that can warn them of any risk. While the monitoring of gases in carbonated beverages is important, similar monitoring equipment in breweries should also be used as CO2 is a by-product of the fermentation process.

Sounding the alarm

As CO2 is undetectable by the human senses, fixed or portable alarm systems that can detect the gas should be used to safely monitor the amount of the gas present. They are durable, operate in harsh environments and are protected against the effects of wash down and the corrosive chemicals found in cleaning agents such as chlorine.

By installing CO2 alarms approximately 3.28 ft above the floor by the wall in cellars or enclosed areas, companies would be able help to detect the gas and ensure safety.

Employees who deliver the gas to various hospitality locations can also use portable alarms to monitor high CO2 levels. Some versions can even sound the alarm if no movement is detected after a certain period of time.

Lessons learnt

In October 2005, a driver and staff died in a fast food restaurant in Central Florida, US. The driver was refilling a tank of CO2 in a room that was without a ceiling when he and his colleague found themselves locked within. As both men tried to climb over the wall, the gas leaked and filled the room quickly. They fell unconscious and were later suffocated. One died at the site and the other died in the hospital a day later.

As CO2 is undetectable by the human senses, fixed or portable alarm systems that can detect the gas should be used to safely monitor the amount of gas present.

In April 2008, employees at a brewery in Munich, Germany, detected a strong smell that was similar to that of carbonated water. The alarms sounded and emergency services were called in. However, one of them collapsed and was later declared dead at the scene. It was believed that a cracked pipe had caused the leak.

Employees who deliver CO2 to various hospitality locations can use portable alarms to monitor high levels of the gas. Some versions can even sound the alarm if no movement is detected after a certain period of time.

A safe place to work

Despite the various health and safety legislations worldwide, employers need to ensure that their employees are working in a safe environment and be mindful of the potential dangers CO2 can cause in day-to-day operations. It is therefore important for the employers understand the risks associated with using the gas and have gas analysis equipment to ensure safety in the workplace.

By installing CO2 alarms approximately 3.28 ft above the floor by the wall in cellars or enclosed areas, companies will be able to help detect the gas and ensure safety.

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How CO2 affects the human body

CO2 is heavier than air and it is dangerous in the event of a leak in an enclosed area. A mere 10% concentration of CO2 can cause one to lose consciousness quickly. He/She will not be able to detect the gas as it is odorless and colorless and colourless. The risk of CO2 poisoning is increased as the gas affects the human body with symptoms that can easily be attributed to other factors. Table 1 shows the risks associated with the various levels of CO2 exposure.

Table 1: Risks associated to the various levels of CO2 exposure.

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