Appendix B
Handling Liquid Co
2
High concentrations of CO
2
gas can cause asphyxiation! OSHA Standards specify that employee exposure to carbon
dioxide in any eight-hour shift of a 40-hour work week shall not exceed the eight-hour time weighted average of
5000 PPM (0.5% CO
2
). The short term exposure limit for 15 minutes or less is 30,000 PPM (3% CO
2
). Carbon diox-
ide monitors are recommended for confined areas where concentrations of carbon dioxide gas can accumulate.
Store and use liquid CO
2
only in a well-ventilated place.
As the liquid evaporates, the resulting gas tends to displace the normal air from the area. In closed areas, excessive amounts of
CO
2
gas reduce the concentration of oxygen and can result in asphyxiation. Because CO
2
gas is colorless, odorless and tasteless, it
cannot be detected by the human senses and will be breathed as if it were air. Breathing an atmosphere that contains less than 18%
oxygen can cause dizziness and quickly result in unconsciousness and death.
Note: The cloudy vapor that appears when liquid CO
2
is exposed to the air is condensed moisture; not the gas itself. The issu-
ing gas is invisible.
Never dispose of liquid CO
2
in confined areas or places where others may enter.
Disposal of liquid CO
2
should be done outdoors in a safe place. Pour the liquid slowly on gravel or bare earth where it can
evaporate without causing damage. Do not pour the liquid on pavement.
B - 1
8600 Series ___________________________________________________________________________________Appendix B
