Carbolite CAF 16/38 - Manual (Page 3)

CAF16
MF45 1.05
3
1.3 Hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide Warning
H
2
can form explosive gas mixtures, take precautions to avoid leakage of H
2
.
H
2
and CO
2
can react to form CO. See section 1.4: Carbon Monoxide
Warning.
Carbon dioxide (CO
2
) is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that is an
asphyxiant. Rapid unconsciousness occurs at levels above 11%, levels of
20 - 30% are immediately hazardous to life.
Information extracted from Croner Publications Ltd. Substances Hazardous To Health.
To minimise the risks associated with CO
2
it is most important that the furnace is installed and
operated in accordance with this instruction manual. If the furnace operator experiences any of the
effects listed above, the furnace must be isolated from the gas and electricity supplies immediately
and expert advice sought. For safety guidelines seek the gas manufacturers advice.
1.4 Carbon Monoxide Warning
Carbon monoxide is a product of reaction of H
2
and CO
2
.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and inflammable
gas which is acutely toxic. CO is introduced into the blood stream through the
lungs and binds with the haemoglobin preventing it from carrying oxygen
around the body. This can result in rapid damage to body tissues due to
oxygen starvation. Since CO is an accumulating toxin it can be dangerous
even when present in quite low concentrations over long periods of time.
Individuals vary considerably in their reactions to concentrations of toxic gases; table 1 shows the
typical effects of cumulative CO exposure.
Information extracted from Guidance Note EH43 (1996) from the Health and Safety Executive.
To minimise the risks associated with CO it is most important that the furnace is installed and
operated in accordance with this instruction manual. If the furnace operator experiences any of the
effects listed above, the furnace must be isolated from the gas and electricity supplies immediately
and expert advice sought. For safety guidelines seek the gas manufacturers advice.
Table 1. Carbon monoxide in air:
Parts per
million Effect.
50 Recommended Exposure Limit (8 hours time weighted average concentration).
200 Headache after about 7 hours if resting or after 2 hours exertion.
400 Headache with discomfort with possibility of collapse after 2 hours at rest or 45
minutes exertion.
1200 Palpitations after 30 minutes at rest or 10 minutes exertion.
2000 Unconscious after 30 minutes at rest or up to 10 minutes exertion.
For further information refer to:
- Guidance Note EH43 (1996) from the Health and Safety Executive. ISBN 0 11 883597 1
- EH40/97 Occupational Exposure Limits 1997. ISBN 0 7176 1315 1