What is the best CO2 safety monitor?
Since being a restaurant owner, brewer, indoor grower, or industry professional can have its own challenges - we decided to do the heavy lifting for you and compare the best monitors out there.
After consulting with leading professionals across multiple industries and a handful of installers, we chose the top 4 CO2 safety monitors that are most sought after in the industry. To determine what makes a CO2 safety monitor the best, we looked at critical features such as ease of use, relays, alarms, installation, flexibility, compliance and of course, cost.
And, while CO2Meter continues to gain recognition for its leadership in CO2 solutions and educational resources, we always want to provide customers with transparency and trusted research when it comes to ensuring safety in the field.
Below, we have compared industry leading carbon dioxide safety monitors, pinpointing what makes them unique and how they compare to assist customers when it comes time to choose the right device.
Why use a CO2 Safety Monitor?
The main reason that customers and industry professionals need a CO2 safety monitor is because they are either using, producing, or storing carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. This alone is beneficial when it comes to company process, however, it is severely dangerous for those working in and around the gas.
Another common challenge for many facility managers, brewers, or indoor farmers is that not only do they need to protect their employees or customers, they also need to meet specific regulations. Dependent upon your jurisdiction, as well as state and local fire marshals or inspectors, you may be required to ensure that your employees and businesses install and maintain a CO2 safety monitor.
Wall-Mount CO2 Safety Detectors
It is important to note that there are two different types of gas detection monitoring devices: Fixed/Wall-Mount and Portable/Handheld. Both of these devices will monitor and protect workers near stored or created carbon dioxide.
Today, we are going to compare Fixed/Wall-Mount CO2 safety monitors for restaurants, breweries, beverage dispensing areas, cultivation facilities, industrial applications, and safety industries.
For a full comparison on top portable CO2 safety monitors, click here to learn more.
What are the best CO2 safety monitors?
1. Remote CO2 Storage Safety 3 Alarm
The Remote CO2 Storage Safety 3 Alarm is a popular CO2 solution for customers and employees working near stored carbon dioxide (CO2).
This device provides users audible and visual alarms notifying personnel that a hazard is occurring. It also can activate relays and trigger third party systems like ventilation, fire panels, or building management/security systems should CO2 levels reach a higher than normal threshold. The device also meats code compliance and workplace exposure limits.
Many food and beverage franchises, restaurants, bars, breweries, and indoor agriculture farms report its ease of use, a 30 minute installation process and price point.
This device also includes international power adapters.
The RAD-0102-6 cost $695.
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2. Analox Ax60+ Safety Monitor
The Analox Ax60+ is a popular CO2 safety monitor used by many restaurants and sports bars due to its flexibility across environments.
This device is created primarily for CO2 monitoring. However, it can connect additional sensors to include O2 monitoring dependent upon customer use case. Another feature is the audible and visual indicators when the alarm setting is triggered providing safety indication and indicating if gas concentrations are at hazardous levels.
In addition to its ability to meet safety standards and setpoints this device also allows for multiple sensors.
The base Ax60+ cost $795.
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3. LogiCO2 CO2 Mk9 Detector
Third on our list, is the LogiCO2 CO2 Mk9 Detector. This device is reputable across the industry due to its longevity in the market and multiple language options. Although at a higher price point, the LogiCO2 CO2 Mk9 does come with a main sensor unit, display, and horn strobe.
This device also meets all code requirements.
The Mk9 costs $1,089
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4. PureAire CO2 Safety Monitor
Fourth on our CO2/O2 Safety Monitor list is the PureAire CO2/O2 Monitor.
This device is another common solution for restaurants, beverage industries, or anyone working near hazardous gas in confined spaces. The PureAire CO2 monitor is a good choice specifically for those looking to monitor dual gases as it can measure both CO2 and O2. In addition, the monitor also has user-configurable relays that can be sent for different use cases or applications.
The PureAire CO2/O2 monitor cost is $2,095.
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Do I need a CO2 safety meter?
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there is a set of standards for anyone using, producing, or storing more than 100 lbs. of CO2. The standard states that a CO2 safety monitor must be used to protect employees, customers, and establishments. It also notes specifically that a CO2 safety monitor must comply with the standards by measuring up to 5,000ppm over a 8-hour time weighted average (TWA).
While many industries use carbon dioxide to maximize plant yields or create delicious carbonated beverages; understanding the severity of a potential CO2 leak and having monitors in place can be life-saving.
Here are a few examples of why a CO2 safety monitor should be installed.
For those establishments that believe they can get away with not having a CO2 safety monitor installed, the result can be fatal.
When carbon dioxide is confined to a small space and a potential leak occurs or individuals experience exposure, the gas displaces the air. When this happens, CO2 exposure to those in the area can lead to severe health conditions such as:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Rapid breathing
- Confusion
- Increased heart rate
- Unconsciousness
At higher levels, carbon dioxide can lead to even more sever symptoms such as loss of vision, asphyxiation and fatality at high levels of 100,000ppm or greater.
Precautions and CO2 Leak Prevention
Monitoring CO2 levels in your establishment can be incredibly important as far too often we hear of incidents in restaurants, breweries, or grow facilities where fatalities could have been prevented with proper monitoring devices. In addition, the fact is that leaks and exposure to CO2 are impossible to detect leading not only to dangers for employees but potentially effecting customers and establishments.
Today, municipalities now require facilities to have CO2 safety monitors in place and installed for anyone storing, producing, or using CO2; as well as those using bulk CO2 systems.
We hope you found this guide both informative and useful in your CO2 safety monitor search and if you have any additional questions we would be happy to assist you in your set-up.
For more information on CO2 safety resources we recommend the following:
- Employee Safety Training: all employees should be properly trained on preventative measures, safety procedures, and symptoms of exposure on an annual or quarterly basis (for both new and existing personnel).
- Warning Signage: CO2Meter makes it a point to ensure that all customers understand that proper CO2 warning signage does come included with majority of our safety devices. You need to ensure that you have the proper signage to place around CO2 sources or areas where employees could potentially be exposed.
- Ventilation: Many of the CO2 safety monitors have the capability to trigger an exhaust fan or control panel. It is critical to make sure your facility has a standard ventilation system in place that will vent CO2 from the area.
To learn more about CO2 safety or to schedule a CO2 safety training for your facility and establishment - contact us online or call us at 877.678.4259 today!