Carbon Dioxide (Co2) leakage remains a potential killer for any hospitality venue that sells tap beer and post mix and doesn’t have a properly fitted and maintained Co2 monitor, according to Joe Thorp, managing director of Hoshizaki Lancer.
Based in South Australia, Hoshizaki Lancer is one of the world’s largest providers of draught beer, soft drink and frozen beverage dispenser systems, ice machines, professional food service refrigeration units and heat recovery systems.
Moreover, carbon dioxide is used by thousands of hospitality venues to carbonate and provide pressure for tap beers and post mix.
Thorp said Co2 is undetectable by human senses and the presence of Co2 in a non-naturally ventilated space can be lethal in a matter of seconds.
“There is always the potential for pressurised gases to escape from leaking equipment connections or damaged hoses,” he said.
“The only way to safely monitor for carbon dioxide leaks and ensure staff safety is to fit a carbon dioxide alarm.
“Under Australian Standards AS5034 it has been a requirement since the end of 2011 for all venues to have such a system installed.
“However, when we are installing beer and post mix lines and equipment we see the inside of many cellars and are concerned with the number of venues that have poorly maintained monitoring systems or no Co2 monitoring system installed.
“If a monitoring system isn’t calibrated properly then its effectiveness is at best minimal and may create a false sense of security.”
Hoshizaki Lancer has recently released to the market a self calibrating Co2 monitoring system, however, Thorp said most systems on the market require regular calibration.
“The Lancer LogiCo2 MkVII safety system has a patented automatic calibration, requiring just the press of one button on an annual basis to test all functions are working properly,” he said.
“When combined with a 15-year sensor life, it ensures long term maintenance-free operation for publicans and restaurant managers.”
The LogiCo2 system can be upgraded to include up to four sensors, with two individually programmed relays that can activate remote warning beacons or ventilation.
The product features three pre-set alarms for continuous monitoring for Co2 in cellars and other confined spaces.
The first is a time weighted average reading of 0.5 per cent, highlighting very low levels of leakage to raise awareness to staff of potential problems.
The second is a pre alarm which is activated at a Co2 air level of 1.5 per cent notifying staff and allowing personnel to investigate and safely repair any leaks.
The final alarm is activated at three per cent Co2 presence, chosen to ensure that no one is exposed to IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) levels which occur at four per cent.
The system has a remote digital display, enabling the publican to monitor the gas storage area from the office or elsewhere within the building.
The sensor also monitors cellar temperature, displaying the temperature on the sensor as well as the central unit.