Beverage Gas Safety and Australian Standards

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is commonly used in many hospitality venues to carbonate tap beer and soft drinks. CO2 is often stored in non-ventilated areas, such as cool rooms and cellars, which can lead to a serious safety hazard if the system is to leak.

CO2 is odourless, colourless and unable to be detected by humans unaided. Inhalation of these gases can cause a person to be overcome without warning and suffocate in only a few minutes. So if a system is to leak leading build-up of gases in a confined space, like a cool room or cellar, it can cause serious harm and even death.

There is a simply solution to ensure your staff are safe, and that is to install a CO2 Monitor. The monitor is a small unit which is installed inside the cool room/ cellar to monitor the gas levels. A repeater is then installed on all access doors which will alarm in the event of a gas leak to alert people of the potential build-up of gas before entering the room.

Due to the risks associated with the use of gases like CO2, the installation of a CO2 monitor in all non-naturally ventilated areas is a mandatory requirement in order to comply with the Australian Beverage Gas Standard 5043

Other compulsory requirements include:

• Bi-annual inspections and calibrations of all monitors to ensure correct operation.
• Warning/emergency signage should be displayed at all entrances to cool rooms and cellars.
• Employers should conduct regular staff training and awareness of the hazards.

If you require any further information or a quotation for installation and/or maintenance of a Co2 monitor, please call our friendly staff on 1300 112 187 and we will be delighted to assist in protecting your staff members and business.