International Fire Code

5307.5 Required protection. "When carbon dioxide storage tanks, cylinders, piping and equipment is located indoors, rooms or areas containing carbon dioxide storage tanks, cylinders, piping and fittings and other areas where a leak of carbon dioxide can collect shall be provided with either ventilation in accordance with Section 5307.5.1 or an emergency alarm system in accordance with Section 5307.5.2.

5307.5.2 Emergency alarm system. An emergency alarm system shall comply with all of the following:

• Continuous gas detection shall be provided to monitor areas where carbon dioxide can accumulate.
• The threshold for activation of an alarm shall not exceed 5,000 parts per million (9,000mg/m3).

National Fire 

Protection Association

NFPA 2020 - Chapter 55     

 6.7* Employee Alarm System. "Where required by government regulations, an employee alarm system shall be provided to allow warning for necessary emergency action as called for in the emergency action plan required by 4.2.1.1, or for reaction time for safe egress of employees from the workplace or the immediate work area, or both."

6.15.7 Inlets to the Exhaust System.  6.15.7.1 The exhaust ventilation system design shall take into account the density of the potential gases released.  6.15.7.2 For gases that are heavier than air, exhaust shall be taken from a point within 12 in. of the floor. 

6.11 Hazard Identification Signs. "6.11.1 Location. Hazard identification signs shall be placed at all entrances to locations where compressed gases are produced, stored, used, or handled in accordance with NFPA 704, Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response." 

 6.11.1.2 The authority having jurisdiction shall be permitted to waive 6.11.1 where consistent with safety. 

The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Inspectors

 NB17-0203 Part 2, S12.5 . "A continuous gas detection system shall be provided in the room or area where container systems are filled and used, in areas where the heavier that than air gas can congregate and in below grade outdoor locations."

"Carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors shall be provided within 12 in. (305 mm) of the floor in the area where the gas is most likely to accumulate or leaks are most likely to occur. The system shall be designed to detect and notify at a low level alarm and high level alarm.

The threshold for activation of the low level alarm shall not exceed a CO2 concentration of 5,000 (9,000 mg/m3) Time Weighted Average (TWA) over 8 hours. The threshold for activation of the high level alarm shall not exceed a carbon dioxide concentration 30,000 ppm.

CO2Meter News Archive

NBIC National Board Inspection Code Handbook

IFC Digital Codes Library

MBAA Safety ToolBox for Breweries

Australia AS5034 Installation & Use of Inert Gases for Beverage Dispensing

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration Standards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards, were established under the United States Department of Labor. 

OSHA established a 10,000-ppm PEL as an 8-hour TWA and a 30,000-ppm STEL to protect employees and workers from potential injury that is associated with elevated short-term CO2 exposures.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness. 

NIOSH has a TWA REL of 10,000 ppm with a 10-minute 30,000-ppm ceiling limit; however, NIOSH (Ex. 8-47, Table N1) concurred that the proposed limits were 10,000 ppm (8-hour TWA) and 30,000 ppm (15-minute STEL) to Carbon dioxide

OSHA Confined Space

Locations Near the Floor

 Walk-In Cooler

Cold Box

Locations with Restricted Ventilation

Locations CO2 is Given Off From Process

Locations CO2 is Collected or Discharged

Fire Code Compliance

The Personal 5% CO2 Safety Monitor and Data Logger is a personal safety device designed for those who work around stored carbon dioxide. This portable safety monitor features audible, visual, and vibrating alarms, and data logging capabilities. With over a 12-hour charge, this device will ensure your safety while working around carbon dioxide.

Personal 5% CO2 Safety Monitor & Data Logger  (SAN-11)

The CO2 Multi-Sensor System is a wall-mounted safety device meant to protect customers and workers around stored carbon dioxide. This monitor has the ability to connect up to twelve sensors to one main display tablet. It also meets even the most stringent of fire codes, including Denver, CO!

CO2 Multi-Sensor System
(CM-7000)