O2 & CO2 alarm
Response procedure for Area Managers
The following procedure should be used when alerted to a low oxygen or high carbon
dioxide alarm.
If a person is known to be inside the room
1.
Never assume the alarm is malfunctioning.
2.
Get immediate assistance by contacting Emergency services (0-000 and request
fire/ambulance support.) State that a person is in a room with an unsafe
atmosphere. Contact Security (222) for additional assistance.
3.
While waiting for Emergency Services, and with 2 persons present, ventilate the
room by natural or mechanical means, if possible and safe to do so. DO NOT
ENTER THE ROOM.
4.
While waiting for Emergency Services, consider using a handheld oxygen meter to
test oxygen level if:
equipment is available
risk assessment deems it safe to use (refer to completed risk assessment for the
room)
you are trained in its use
2 persons are present
a)
b)
c)
d)
Notes:
i. Do not use handheld oxygen meters in areas where carbon dioxide is usedthe oxygen level may be within the safe region when carbon dioxide level is
unsafe
ii. Currently there are no handheld monitors to test the level of carbon dioxide
To sample: Crack open the door and, without entering, take an air sample with the
meter. Remember to wait 10 seconds for the read delay of the meter.
If oxygen level is above or below the safe region (19-23%) DO NOT ENTER the
room. If oxygen level is within the safe region assess the need to enter the room to
check on the person inside.
If a handheld oxygen meter is not available or cannot be used, DO NOT ENTER
the room.
5.
While waiting for Emergency Services, consider using self-contained breathing
apparatus to enter the room if:
a) equipment is available
b) you are trained in its use
c) 2 persons are present
Ensure that correct procedures as per training are followed for entering and retrieving
persons.
Document Date of Issue: 1/04/2011
Issued By: Laboratory & Biosafety Committee
Follow-up and Investigation
6. Restrict access to the area until the issue has been identified & rectified
7. Submit an accident & hazard report
If the room is unoccupied
1.
Never assume the alarm is malfunctioning.
2.
With 2 persons present ventilate the room by natural or mechanical means, if
possible and safe to do so.
3.
Consider using a handheld oxygen meter to test oxygen level if:
a) one is available
b) risk assessment deems it safe to use (refer to completed risk assessment for the
room).
c) you are trained in its use
d) 2 persons are present
Notes:
i. Do not use handheld oxygen meters in areas where carbon dioxide is usedthe oxygen level may be within the safe region when carbon dioxide level is
unsafe
ii. Currently there are no handheld monitors to test the level of carbon dioxide
To sample: Crack open the door and, without entering, take an air sample with the
meter. Remember to wait 10 seconds for the read delay of the meter.
If oxygen level is above or below the safe region (19-23%) DO NOT ENTER the
room. If oxygen level is within the safe region assess the need to enter the room and
investigate. If you decide to enter, obtain the assistance of a second person and use
self-contained breathing apparatus if it’s available and you are trained in its use.
If a handheld oxygen meter is not available or cannot be used, do not enter the room.
4.
Restrict access to the area until the issue has been identified & rectified
5.
Submit an accident & hazard report
The following records should be maintained locally:
-
Area risk assessments
-
Hand-held oxygen meter and SCBA use procedures and training attendees
-
Oxygen and carbon dioxide meter service records
Document Date of Issue: 1/04/2011
Issued By: Laboratory & Biosafety Committee