CO2Meter has long been recognized for the Remote Oxygen Depletion Safety Alarm which provides warning for staff before they enter an area with dangerously low oxygen levels caused by pressurized gas leaks.
Pressurizing a gas in a tank or a cylinder provides a convenient way to transport and store it. Flower shops use cylinders of helium to fill balloons. Restaurants use tanks of carbon dioxide to carbonate soda. Outdoor grills use propane to cook your steaks. What these all have in common is that under pressure, the gas becomes a liquid.
Pressurized gases are used in many industries:
- CO2: Restaurants, Breweries, Wineries
- Nitrogen: Food Packaging
- Argon, helium, CO2: Welding
- Oxygen: Hospitals, Medical
- Tetrafluoroethene, CO2: Refrigeration
- Helium: Cryogenics and IVF Facilities
Recently, The College of American Pathologists, (CAP) detailed new requirements which pinpoint the potential hazards related to using and storing liquid nitrogen (LN2) and dry ice.
These requirements apply to the laboratories, clinics, and reproductive facilities to ensure safety in regards to oxygen deprivation - which the college encountered in a deadly incident in 2017.
The Dangers of Pressurized Gas
Cryogenic fluids are a special sub-set of pressurized gases. Cryogenics is the science of very low temperatures. In general, all temperatures below 120 Kelvin (-244°F or -153°C) are considered cryogenic.
At these temperatures, nitrogen, oxygen, helium, methane, ethane and argon all become liquids. Thermopeida lists some of the most common cryogenic fluids.
As refrigerants, cryogenic liquids are useful in modern science. For example, at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, they enable the superconducting operation of beam positioning devices with liquid helium at 4K, or -452°F.
With the exception of oxygen, all the gases are asphyxiates. An asphyxiate gas is a nontoxic or minimally toxic gas which reduces or displaces the normal oxygen concentration in breathing air. Breathing of oxygen-depleted air can lead to death by asphyxiation, or suffocation. (Wikipedia)
Small amounts of any pressurized gas are not harmful. However, a leak in a pressurized gas tank, line or fixture can easily become dangerous. For example, one volume of liquid nitrogen at its boiling temperature vaporizes to 696.5 volumes of nitrogen gas at room temperature.
For most common gases the expansion ratio from liquid to gas is between 700 and 900. This means that even a small leak can quickly lower the oxygen level in an enclosed room or area.
Why Oxygen Deficiency Alarms are Essential for Gas Safety
To solve this problem, some facilities depend on personal oxygen monitors. These are useful in normal operations. But what happens if the oxygen level is reduced overnight? By the time a personal alarm sounds, they may not be able to leave the room.
Another challenge is that people can make mistakes. No matter how much training they receive, eventually someone will walk into a potentially hazardous situation without an oxygen monitor.
Our Oxygen Deficiency Alarm solves these problems. By remotely monitoring for oxygen levels in real time, staff will be warned before they enter an area. In addition, the alarm can control ventilation fans or can be connected to a facility’s HVAC and/or alarm systems.
What About too much Oxygen?
Tanks of liquid oxygen can also be a risk. Breathing oxygen at pressures of 0.5 bar or more (roughly two and a half times normal) for more than 16 hours can lead to irreversible lung damage and, eventually, death. Above 60% concentration, oxygen becomes an asphyxiate. However, even at levels above normal air (20.95%) oxygen is dangerous because it acts as an oxidizing agent. Combined with heat and fuel, oxygen promotes fire.
Key Features to Look for in an Oxygen Deficiency Alarm Monitor
When selecting an oxygen deficiency alarm monitor, choosing a device with the right features is essential for ensuring a safe working environment, especially in areas with potential gas leaks from pressurized gases.
An effective oxygen monitor, like the RAD-0002-ZR not only detects low oxygen levels but also provides timely alerts to prevent accidents and health risks associated with oxygen deficiency. By prioritizing features that enhance accuracy, reliability, and ease of use, businesses can better protect employees and meet safety regulations.
Key features to look for in an oxygen deficiency alarm monitor include:
- Real-Time Monitoring and Fast Response: Ensure the monitor offers continuous, real-time readings and quickly triggers alarms when oxygen levels drop below safe thresholds.
- High-Visibility Alarms and Notifications: A clear visual and audible alarm system helps ensure that all personnel are immediately alerted to any hazard, even in noisy environments.
- Long Battery Life or Reliable Power Source: Choose a monitor with a long battery life or an uninterrupted power source to prevent downtime and maintain constant monitoring.
- Ease of Calibration and Maintenance: Regular calibration is crucial for accuracy, so look for monitors that are easy to calibrate and maintain to ensure consistent performance.
These features collectively support effective oxygen deficiency monitoring, enabling proactive responses to hazardous conditions in pressurized gas environments.
Ensuring Compliance with Safety Regulations Using Oxygen Deficiency Alarms
Ensuring compliance with safety regulations in environments with potential oxygen deficiency is critical, especially in industries working with pressurized gases like liquid nitrogen.
Oxygen deficiency alarms play a vital role in maintaining workplace safety by continuously monitoring oxygen levels and alerting employees when levels fall below safe thresholds, allowing for swift action to prevent harm.
Adhering to guidelines such as those from the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) not only helps organizations stay compliant but also promotes best practices for managing oxygen hazards in enclosed spaces. The CGA's liquid nitrogen safety guidelines emphasize using proper ventilation, personal protective equipment, and reliable oxygen deficiency alarms to detect gas leaks that may rapidly displace oxygen.
Following CGA's liquid nitrogen safety best practices, companies should place oxygen deficiency monitors in locations prone to gas buildup and ensure alarms are clearly audible and visible across the workspace.
How to Respond When an Oxygen Deficiency Alarm Detects a Gas Leak
When an oxygen deficiency alarm detects a gas leak, an immediate and well-coordinated response is essential to ensure the safety of all personnel. Oxygen deficiency alarms are typically set to activate when oxygen levels drop below safe limits, often due to gas leaks from inert gases like nitrogen or argon.
Following a standard operating procedure (SOP) helps contain the risk swiftly and minimizes exposure. Employers should train employees on the necessary steps to take when an alarm goes off to ensure everyone knows how to respond effectively and safely.
Here’s a standard operating procedure to follow when an oxygen deficiency alarm is in an active alarm status:
- Evacuate the Area Immediately: All personnel should quickly exit the affected area, following designated evacuation routes and moving to a safe, oxygen-rich environment.
- Initiate Emergency Ventilation Protocols: If safe to do so, activate emergency ventilation systems to help restore normal oxygen levels in the space.
- Notify Emergency and Safety Personnel: Alert the designated safety team or emergency responders to assess the situation, identify the source of the leak, and ensure it is resolved safely.
- Do Not Re-enter Until Cleared by Safety Personnel: Only re-enter the area once authorized personnel have confirmed that oxygen levels are back to safe levels and the alarm is no longer active.
Best Practices for Installing an Oxygen Deficiency Alarm Monitor
Installing an oxygen deficiency alarm monitor correctly is essential for effective gas leak detection and employee safety in environments where oxygen levels may fluctuate due to inert gases like nitrogen or argon.
Following best practices for installation ensures that the monitor operates accurately and provides timely alerts, helping facilities comply with safety regulations and mitigate potential risks.
Placement is key: oxygen monitors should be installed in areas most likely to experience gas leaks, including storage rooms, confined spaces, and locations near gas storage or dispensing equipment.
Positioning is key: positioning the monitor at an appropriate height, often around breathing level, allows for accurate monitoring of oxygen levels within the workspace.
Additionally, ensure that the monitor’s alarms—both visual and audible—are clearly visible and heard across the entire workspace. Testing the device after installation is critical to ensure it operates as expected, with regular maintenance and calibration recommended to maintain its accuracy.
For maximum safety, oxygen deficiency monitors should also be connected to the facility’s emergency response system if possible, allowing for automated ventilation or alert protocols in the event of an alarm. By following these installation best practices, facilities can create a proactive approach to managing oxygen levels, ensuring a safer environment for all employees.
For more information on gas safety best practices for your facility or help selecting the right oxygen deficiency safety alarm, contact a CO2Meter expert today.