1 Introduction
PAG
E
7
7
w
w
w
.w
es
tsy
stems
.co
m
W
EST
Syst
em
s
W
EST
Syst
em
s
W
EST
Syst
em
s
Introduction
1.1
Safety information
Carbon dioxide is a
toxic gas
. Carbon dioxide is colourless,
odourless, tasteless and is heavier than air. Air concentration
higher than 5000 ppm can cause dizziness, shortness of breath,
rapid pulse. Higher concentrations of carbon dioxide can be
lethal
; the short-term exposure limit (STEL) recommended by
NIOSH is 30,000 ppm (3%).
Hydrogen Sulfide is a poisonous gas: air concentration higher
than a few ppm can be
lethal
; the short-term exposure limit
(STEL) recommended by NIOSH is 10 ppm.
Diffuse carbon dioxide fluxes are normally related to anomalous
carbon dioxide air concentration. The user must verify the safety
conditions before entering dangerous areas using specific and
approved instrumentation.
The flux meter described in this manual is designed to measure
diffuse emission of soil gases and CANNOT be used for different
purposes, especially if related with safety.
The instrument and the electronic accessories are NOT designed
to work in explosion risk areas.
