While vital to hospitality in pubs, bars, nightclubs and some restaurants, CO2 and nitrogen gas can present hidden dangers to health.
CO2 and Nitrogen Gas Cylinders
Staff may be overcome when changing CO2 cylinders for soft drinks dispensers or while changing barrels in the cellar.
Cylinders storing carbon dioxide and nitrogen are used to carbonate beer and soft drinks, but they can be dangerous if they develop leaks – particularly when stored in enclosed spaces, like cellars and cool rooms.
Leaks can also occur at other points in the system, for example pipe fittings.
Risk Assessment
Use the results of a risk assessment to help identify the necessary precautions to reduce the danger of injury. These will depend on the nature of the gas, the associated risk and the work involved.
It is recommended that you install a safety system which would indicate whether or not there has been any leakage of gas within the cellar and so make it possible to prevent anyone entering until the appropriate safety measures have been taken.
An alarm system will alert people to the presence of a gas leak and warn them not to enter the area. Alarm systems and the equipment itself need to be closely maintained and tested regularly. Staff need to be trained so they know what to do if the alarm goes off.
