Toxic and Combustible Gas Detectors for Parking Garages, Loading Docks, and Warehouses

Experts in Parking Structure, Loading Dock, and Warehouse Gas Detection

Underground, enclosed, or otherwise confined parking structures, loading docks, and warehouses may become hazardous areas when exhaust gathers from cars, tractor-trailers, forklifts, and other fossil fuel burning engines. Dependable gas detection in these areas can protect those who enter or work in these areas.

 

Fossil fuels burning engines including gasoline, diesel, and propane-powered vehicles produce large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). Most of the carbon in the fuel emits as CO2 in the exhaust. Other components of the exhaust gas include CO, unburned hydrocarbons, nitric oxide (NO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Substantial amounts of particulate matter (smoke) and higher concentrations of NO2 are also prevalent in diesel engine exhaust.

Hazardous gases often present in fossil fuel burning engines at idle:

Hazard	% by Volume	TLV	Human Effects
CO2 - Carbon Dioxide	11% (110,000 ppm)	0.5% (5000 ppm)	Above 7% causes dizziness and headache; prolonged exposure could cause unconsciousness within a few minutes to an hour.
CO - Carbon Monoxide	0.12% (1200 ppm)	500 ppm	Exposure to high concentrations may cause seizure or coma.
C6H14 - Hexane	0.08% (800 ppm)	50 ppm	Small amounts may cause nausea while long-term exposure to more than 800 ppm could cause cramps and muscular weakness.
NO - Nitric Oxide	0.08% (800 ppm)	25 ppm	Sustained levels could cause tissue toxicity and vascular collapse.
NO2 - Nitric Dioxide	0.08% (800 ppm)	5 ppm	Small doses may cause eye, nose, and throat irritation. Continued exposure could cause chronic bronchitis.

 

OSHA and building codes mandate that owners must insure a safe breathing environment for occupied work areas and public occupancy structures. Appropriate ventilation and monitoring measures must be in place to safeguard the public and facility personnel.

In the past, large exhaust fans provided ventilation for loading docks, parking structures, and warehouses. The fans ran continuously or on a schedule; however, continuous ventilation is costly as these large fans require much power. Scheduled cycles decrease power-draw but weather, architectural design, grade, and air circulation caused by movement in the area are all factors that contribute to variations in air quality and exhaust buildup.

Continuous gas detection systems can cycle ventilation systems when gas concentrations approach hazardous levels. This provides an energy efficient and cost effective method for ventilating while minimizing potential hazardous gas buildup and energy waste.

Fixed gas detection systems are now available specifically for parking structures, loading docks, and warehouses. These systems have designs that are low-cost, minimize maintenance, and are scalable to meet the needs of a wide-range of facility sizes.

Benefits of Continuous Gas Monitoring:

• Increased Safety

• Reduced Maintenance Costs

• Energy-use Reduction