Stepping into Management Knowledge

Equipment Training

1.19

Checking the CO2 alarm

PURPOSE OF THE TRAINING EXERCISE: To ensure the CO2 alarm is working correctly

TRAINING AIDS:

TRAINING METHOD: This training exercise should be used in conjunction with the alarm itself so the checks can be easily visualised and performed. Refer to policy sections 3.2 Bar and Cellar Safety & 3.5 Confined spaces and Risk Assessment 1.12 Cellar Safety

Carbon dioxide is a gas which is ever present in the air we breathe. If however, the concentration of CO2 becomes too high, this can lead to breathing difficulties and victims may be rendered unconscious due to a shortage of oxygen. One cylinder of CO2 contains enough gas to produce dangerous levels if a leak occurs. If not discovered early, the results could be catastrophic. As CO2 is odourless, it is impossible to tell whether the concentration is reaching hazardous levels. The Analox 50 has been fitted into any below ground cellar and any that are above ground and do not have an external door leading to fresh air. The lack of natural ventilation creates what is known as a “confined space”. The alarm is designed to notify occupants when the concentration of CO2 exceeds safe levels. Should the alarm sound, the cellar gas should be isolated if safe to do so, the cellar should be evacuated and an engineer call placed for repairing of any gas leaks. The device has two main parts, the sensor and display box which sits in the cellar, and the information panel which sits outside of the area. The second panel is the one to be checked before entering the cellar. If the alarm is sounding, then attention is required and action is needed. Never enter the cellar to isolate the gas if both alarm (red) lights are flashing and the buzzer is sounding as this indicates dangerous levels of CO2.

There are 4 main lights on the panel, depending on what the fault is, different lights will flash as per table below.

Once a period, it is essential that a check is done to ensure the unit is operating correctly.

Safety Assurance March 2016

H&S Training 1.19