Tomco DE89RB- 1000, Operation & Maintenance Manual

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CARBON DIOXIDE SAFETY
The text in this section has been adapted from CGA (Compressed Gas Association)
publication CGA G-6 – 1984: Carbon Dioxide.
GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Gaseous carbon dioxide is an asphyxiant. Concentrations of 10% or more can pro-
duce unconsciousness or death. Lower concentrations may cause headache, sweat-
ing, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, dizziness, mental de-
pression, visual disturbances, and shaking. The seriousness of the latter manifesta-
tions is dependent on the concentration of carbon dioxide and the length of time the
individual is exposed.
Carbon dioxide is an odorless gas and should be treated as a material with poor
warning properties. It is denser than air, and high concentrations can persist in open
pits, tanks, or low depressions on the terrain. Before entering such an area, carbon
dioxide monitoring should be carried out and the area cleared by forced ventilation,
or a self-contained, supplied air respirator should be worn.
Appropriate warning signs should be affixed outside of those areas where high con-
centrations of carbon dioxide gas can accumulate. An example is shown below:
2.1
CAUTION - CARBON DIOXIDE GAS
Ventilate the area before entering.
A high CO
2
gas concentration
may occur in this area
and may cause suffocation.