Intro to Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide is a gas consisting of one part carbon and two parts oxygen and is considered a trace gas in the atmosphere at around 400 ppm. Carbon dioxide's highest risk factor in an industrial workplace is that it is an asphyxiant that displaces oxygen from the atmosphere which can lead to hypoxia. Hypoxia occurs due to low levels of oxygen in body tissues and can cause confusion, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate and can be life-threatening.
CO2 is an important heat-trapping gas that comes from the burning of fossil fuels, wildfires, and volcanic eruptions. It is a necessary component to Earth since plants use it to produce carbohydrates during photosynthesis. It is harmless at normal levels. It's main uses are: to manufacture other chemicals, food manufacturing and storage, and more.
Gas Characteristics
- Colorless
- Odorless
- Compressed gas
- Liquefied gas
- Contains refrigerated gas
- Asphyxiant
- Explosive (if heated)
- May cause frostbite
- May increase respiration and heart rate
- High concentrations can displace oxygen in air and cause suffocation.
- Confined space hazard: Can accumulate in hazardous amounts in low-lying areas and confined spaces.
- OTHER NAMES: CO2, liquefied carbon dioxide, refrigerated carbon dioxide, carbonic, Carbonic Anhydride, R744, Carbon Dioxide USP.
- CAS 124-38-9
FIRST AID
- Eye Contact from Gas: may cause mild irritation, immediately flush eye(s) with plenty of water, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Check for contacts lenses and remove. Continue to rinse for at least 10 minutes. Direct contact to the liquefied gas can freeze the eye or cause permanent damage. If irritation or pain persists, see a doctor.
- Inhalation: Low concentrations aren't harmful. Higher concentrations can affect respiratory function and cause excitation followed by depression of the central nervous system. A high concentration can displace oxygen in the air. If less oxygen is available to breathe the individual may experience symptoms such as rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, clumsiness, emotional upsets and fatigue can result. As less oxygen becomes available, nausea and vomiting, collapse, convulsions, coma and death can occur.
- Take precautions to ensure your own safety before attempting rescue (e.g., wear appropriate protective equipment). Move individual to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, trained personnel should administer emergency oxygen. Seek medical attention if adverse health effects persist or are severe. If individual is unconscious, place in recovery position, and get medical attention right away. Maintain an open airway,
- Skin Contact from Gas: flush with plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing and thoroughly wash before use again. Immediately see a doctor, as treatment is often urgent.
- Direct skin contact with the liquefied gas can cause frostbite. Symptoms include numbness, prickling, and itching. Severe symptoms are a burning sensation and stiffness. If frostbite occurs, warm up the frozen tissues and seek medical attention.
IF ACCIDENTALLY RELEASED
- Personal precautions: increase ventilation to the area. Vapour or gas may accumulate in hazardous amounts in low-lying areas especially in a confined space, where ventilation isn't sufficient.
- Handling: Avoid accidental contact with incompatible chemicals. Ensure the correct pressure regulator is used for cylinder pressure and contents. Keep cylinder upright and protect from damage. Use suitable hand truck to transport cylinders. If used in a confined space, test for oxygen deficiency before and during work.
- Storing: in a cool, dry, well-ventilated, out of direct sunlight, away from heat and ignition sources, temperature-controlled, secure and separate from work areas, on the ground, or an isolated detached building.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Eye protection - wear chemical safety goggles. Skin protection - wear insulated protective clothing. Respiratory protection - up to 4000ppm: (APF=10) Any supplied air respirator, (APF=50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full face piece.
- Engineering Controls: use local exhaust ventilation, if general ventilation is not adequate to control amount in the air.