In Great Britain, CO2 is classified as a ‘substance hazardous to health’. Although CO2 is naturally present in atmospheric air, it is in very low concentrations, which is harmless. At higher concentrations, CO2 can cause dizziness, headaches and a loss of consciousness. Because CO2 has a greater density than Oxygen and Nitrogen, and because people exhale CO2, indoor spaces are particularly susceptible to accumulation of CO2.
Increased CO2 levels have also been linked with an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission as it often signifies poorly ventilated spaces. According to government guidelines, CO2 levels of 800 parts per million (ppm) or less indicates a well-ventilated room whereas values over 1500ppm likely mean overcrowding or poor ventilation.
Therefore, ongoing monitoring of CO2 is essential in the workplace. This will allow the employer to consider whether it’s necessary to have open windows or, in workplaces where opening a window is not possible, an air ventilation system. Or whether it’s simply a case of making the workplace less crowded.
Eltek Data Loggers provide systems which regularly check CO2 levels to an accuracy of 50ppm and provide alarms via email or SMS if those levels exceed a defined threshold. Eltek’s software then stores this data making it easy for the employer to track levels over time. Plus, it is now possible for the data to be sent via 4G or LoRaWAN to Eltek’s new browser-based software, Darca Connect, which allows visibility of real-time and historic levels at any time, from anywhere, on any device. Darca Connect can then produce reports to ensure that the employer can show due diligence in protecting their workforce from undue risks caused by poor air circulation.
It is not just CO2 which Eltek systems are able to track. Eltek have monitors for temperature, humidity, visible and ultraviolet light, CO, NO2, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), fine particulate matters (PM) 1, 2.5 and 10, and Ozone (O₃).
If you think you would benefit from air quality monitoring, Eltek will be happy to help find a bespoke solution for your needs.
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