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11. SAFETY
11.1 LIQUID CO
2
BACKUP
1)
Precautions for the use of CO
2
Properties of CO
2:
- Does not sustain life or combustion.
- Present in low concentrations (0.03%) in air.
- Makes the atmosphere unbreathable at concentrations exceeding 3%.
- Accelerates respiratory rate, induces faintness, vomiting, coma or even death.
- Heavier than air (d=1.53).
- Non-flammable, colourless gas with a slightly acidic odour at high concentrations.
- When liquid CO
2
is released at atmospheric pressure, carbon dioxide snow is generated at a temperature of –
80°C.
Ensuing risks:
- Risk of asphyxiation. Loss of consciousness occurs when concentration exceeds 8 to 10%.
- CO
2
builds up in low areas.
- Risk of frostbite.
- Risk of corrosion of steels in the presence of humidity.
Critical precautions to be taken:
- Areas where CO
2
is stored or used must be well ventilated (extraction or ventilation at both high and low levels
in the room).
- Areas liable to contain an unbreathable atmosphere must be indicated with a CO
2
– risk of asphyxiation hazard
pictogram.
- Never enter a room that has contained CO
2
without taking predefined precautionary measures.
- Eliminate links between areas where CO
2
is stored or used and low points (pits, drainage channels, basements)
where it could accumulate and render the atmosphere unbreathable.
- Use a CO
2
concentration detector (or O
2
concentration detector) to check that the CO
2
concentration is less
than 0.5% (as recommended by INRS, French National Research and Safety Institute).
In case of incident or accident:
- If asphyxiation has occurred
- Check the oxygen concentration in the room and then take the victim to the open air (taking an insufflator
with you).
- Begin artificial respiration and call the emergency services.
- In the event of a leak
- Do not enter the room without breathing apparatus if the carbon dioxide concentration is higher than
3%.
- Close the valve on the cylinder.
- Aerate the room at length, ensuring that low points are ventilated.
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