Carbon dioxide that travels through piping to soda fountains in places such as popular fast food restaurants can be deadly if leaking occurs or if there’s an improperly connected carbon dioxide line to the soda machine. Leaking of carbon dioxide in a large amount will and have resulted in hazmat incidents.
Carbon dioxide is used in soda fountains to make the water “carbonated” with bubbles before it is blended with flavored syrup, such as that from Coke or Pepsi.
According to material safety data sheet on the gas, carbon dioxide in high concentration can quickly crowd out the oxygen in the air, leading to dizziness, unconsciousness and, sometimes death.
Some facts about CO2:
- Typically found in a gaseous state
- Colorless, Odorless, Tasteless
- Pressurized into liquid state
- DOT Placard: Green, category 2, non-flammable
- NFPA 704 Marking System: 3 Health, 0 Fire, 0 Reactivity, 0 Special Hazard
- Expansion ratio nearly 3000 to 1
- Displaces O2, asphyxiant
- Cryogenic
The Phoenix (AZ) Fire Department developed and has sent out via YouTube® for all emergency responders to view a “lesson learned” of a very important safety alert. The following YouTube® is to warn Firefighters, EMT’s, and Emergency Responders when responding about a new hazard of the job: Liquefied CO2 systems that are being used in fast food restaurants, convenience stories, and all other businesses…
This is a case study on what appeared to be a routine medical incident but involved CO2 exposure and a near miss.
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
