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CO₂ & GAS / TROUBLESHOOTING

The CO₂ alarm is sounding. What do I do?

A carbon dioxide alarm is a life-safety situation. CO₂ has no smell, and dangerous concentrations can gather in low or poorly ventilated areas.

Leave the area. Call emergency services from outside.

Do not attempt to find a leak or open valves during an active CO₂ room-monitor alarm.

START WITH THE SYMPTOM

First, narrow it down

Do not look for the leak, check a gauge, or go downstairs to investigate an alarm. Leave first.

AT A GLANCE

What you're seeing

SymptomPossible causeWhat to do next
Monitor actively alarmingPossible unsafe CO₂ concentrationEvacuate and call 911.
Person dizzy or unconscious near gas equipmentPotential CO₂ exposureDo not attempt an unprotected rescue; tell 911.
Equipment alarm, but not CO₂ room monitorMay be a system status warningConfirm alarm type from a safe location.
WORK THROUGH IT

What to check

01

Evacuate the affected area immediately

Tell coworkers and customers to leave by the safe exit route. Do not enter a basement, stockroom, or enclosed area where the alarm is sounding.

02

Call emergency responders from a safe location

Dial 911 or the local emergency number. Tell them a carbon dioxide monitor is alarming and whether anyone feels dizzy or has trouble breathing.

03

Keep people from re-entering

Do not go back inside to open windows, shut valves, or collect belongings. Responders or trained personnel can decide how to ventilate and isolate the system safely.

04

Contact the gas supplier and Carbonator after the emergency call

Give the responders and supplier the tank location and any known recent delivery or service, but do not go into the alarm area to get information.

05

Resume service only after the all-clear

Qualified personnel should identify the source, confirm that the air is safe, and correct the problem before the room or beverage system is used again.

Why it happens

High CO₂ concentrations can cause unconsciousness and asphyxiation. A CO₂ alarm is not the same thing as a nitrogen generator over-run alert or a low-product notice.

WHEN TO CALL CARBONATOR

Need service?

Emergency response comes first. Carbonator and the gas supplier can address equipment repairs once the area is safe.

Contact us (215) 726-8000