1.0 Symbols and Warnings
1.3
Hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide Warning
Applicable for furnaces constructed to use H
2
and CO
2
test gases with CO
2
'Purge' gas.
H
2
can form explosive gas mixtures, take precautions to avoid leakage
of H
2
.
H
2
and CO
2
can react to form CO.
see section 1.4.
Carbon dioxide (CO
2
) is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that is an asphyxiant.
Rapid unconsciousness occurs at levels above 11%, levels of 20 - 30% are immediately
hazardous to life.
Information extracted from Croner Publications Ltd. Substances Hazardous To
Health.
To minimise the risks associated with CO
2
it is most important that the product is
installed and operated in accordance with this instruction manual. If the product
operator experiences any of the effects listed above, the product must be isolated from
the gas and electricity supplies immediately and expert advice sought. For safety
guidelines seek the gas manufacturers advice.
1.4
Carbon Monoxide Warning
Operation of the CAF furnace involves the use of carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is a product of reaction of H
2
and CO
2
.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and inflammable gas which
is acutely toxic. CO is introduced into the blood stream through the lungs and binds with
the haemoglobin preventing it from carrying oxygen around the body. This can result in
rapid damage to body tissues due to oxygen starvation. Since CO is an accumulating
toxin it can be dangerous even when present in quite low concentrations over long
periods of time. Individuals vary considerably in their reactions to concentrations of toxic
gases; table 1 shows the typical effects of cumulative CO exposure.
Information extracted from Guidance Note EH43 (1996) from the Health and
Safety Executive.
To minimise the risks associated with CO it is most important that the furnace is installed
and operated in accordance with this instruction manual. If the furnace operator
experiences any of the effects listed above, the furnace must be isolated from the gas
and electricity supplies immediately and expert advice sought. For safety guidelines seek
the gas manufacturers advice.
Table 1. Carbon monoxide in air:
6
