Gas Safety

Dispense Gas Leaks

While an essential part of the drinks dispense system in the hospitality trade, CO2 and nitrogen can be hazardous to health if leaked in confined spaces.

CO2 is invisible and odourless, so it is difficult to detect a growing concentration caused by leaks.

Being heavier than air, CO2 does not dissipate easily. Low levels of exposure can result in headaches and dizziness, higher levels lead to laboured breathing and in worst cases, asphyxiation.

How to deal with a gas leak

To protect yourself and your staff against an accidental gas leak:

make sure that you comply with all the regulations which apply to licensed premises
always follow 'best practice' cellar management procedures
install a gas monitor such as the Cellaguard CO2 monitor

Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

CO2 is an asphyxiant gas and mildly toxic. It is heavier than air and, if there is a leak from a CO2 cylinder, it tends to accumulate at low level. If CO2 leaks in an area without low level ventilation, the gas will accumulate and rise upwards, reducing the oxygen content of the air.

The air we breathe contains about 0.04% carbon dioxide, but breathing air with increased concentrations of the gas can lead to effects ranging from heavy breathing and a feeling of suffocation through loss of consciousness to asphyxiation.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is not toxic but can cause asphyxiation by reducing the concentration of oxygen in the air.

Dealing with a gas leak

You should check your dispensing systems every day for faults by checking that all nuts and seals are tight and by listening for hissing sounds.

If you suspect that a leak has occurred, you must put emergency gas procedures into operation immediately.

Small gas leaks

A small gas leak may occur if, for example, a nut is not tightened or a gas seal is faulty on the gas cylinder hose or on the tapping head of the keg. If you suspect a small gas leak has occurred, take the following steps:

First …

tell someone that you are about to go into the cellar, why, and how long you think you will be there
prevent anyone from entering the cellar
If possible, turn off the cylinder valve to isolate gas supply
ventilate the affected area ( cellar, store room or coldroom ) by opening all doors
if possible, isolate the problem by switching off the individual secondary regulator valve, or checking connections if the leak is upstream of the secondary valves
Once the source of the leak is identified, isolate and call the responsible provider to repair
Turn the gas back on only when the leak has been repaired

If at any time you feel the effects of increased carbon dioxide concentration (feeling short of breath, breathing faster), leave the cellar immediately and call for assistance.

Major gas leaks

A major gas leak can be caused by a fully open tapping head or bursting disc rupturing.

A bursting disc is a quick pressure release system which ruptures if the pressure in the cylinder rises above a certain limit. It is designed to release the contents so that the cylinder itself does not burst. If a bursting disc ruptures there will be a sudden loud noise and a plume of white vapour as the gas is released. Also, the cylinder may fall over.

If there is a major gas leak, take the following steps:

First ...

if you can do so without entering the cellar, turn off the gas supply
Then ...
inform all staff and evacuate the affected area
call for assistance
do not let anyone go into the cellar - under any circumstances - until you are sure it is safe to do so (emergency service personnel may enter if using self-contained breathing apparatus)
open all outside doors and windows to ventilate the area
close all doors to passages leading to any area where carbon dioxide could accumulate
leave the cellar refrigeration switched on - the fans will help to disperse the gas
if a bursting disc has ruptured, the cylinder surface temperature will be below freezing - do not touch a frosted cylinder without wearing protective gloves

Medical emergencies

If a gas leak results in a medical emergency (i.e. if someone has lost mobility or consciousness as a result of breathing a high concentration of carbon dioxide or nitrogen), take the following actions:

call the medical and fire and rescue emergency services
if the victim is in an underground cellar, do not go down to attend the victim as you may also be affected
if the victim is not in an underground cellar, keep the victim warm
apply artificial respiration if breathing has stopped
follow the instructions of emergency services personnel

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