Considerations for Carbon Dioxide Use in Labs

Carbon dioxide, or CO₂, is one of the most abundant gases on earth. As a result, it is used across a variety of laboratory applications in many industries, from research to biotechnology and beyond. Despite its availability, CO₂ gas can present hazards in workplaces, particularly when there is not adequate ventilation, allowing levels to rise too high. While designing your lab gas distribution system, keep these considerations in mind.

What to Know About Laboratory CO₂ Gas Handling

CO₂ gas is colorless, non-flammable, and odorless at room temperature. It is 1.5 times heavier than air and tends to concentrate in areas that are low, confined, or unventilated. As this gas is used widely throughout laboratories, it is essential to always follow all safety standards.

Applications that Benefit from a CO₂ Lab Gas Supply

Carbon dioxide use in labs spans a wide range of applications. A few common uses include but are not limited to:

• Solvent Extraction. CO₂ can be used as a solvent to extract compounds from natural products.
• pH Regulation. CO₂ is used in buffering solutions to regulate pH levels in many laboratory experiments.
• Cell Culture Incubation. CO₂ can be used to supply carbon for microbial growth.
• Instrument Calibration. Analytical instruments can use CO₂ to ensure correct calibration.
• Gas Chromatography. CO₂ is used as a carrier gas to separate complex compound mixtures.

CO₂ Gas Management Guidelines & Standards

While no official regulations or federal standards exist for CO₂ levels in indoor spaces, it is recommended that CO₂ gas levels do not exceed over 1000 parts per million (ppm). Any levels over 1000 ppm can result in exposure symptoms for workers and extinguish pilot lights on any gas-powered appliances, negatively impacting lab safety and productivity.

CO₂ Gas Handling for Improved Lab Safety

Potential Hazards of Using CO₂ Lab Gas Distribution Systems

The hazards of CO₂ release include the possibility of damage to sensitive equipment and, most importantly, health consequences for workers. Operator error, improperly maintained equipment, and other factors can result in leaks and have critical health impacts on employees. Symptoms will depend on the severity of CO₂ exposure, but they can include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Difficulty breathing
• Sweating
• Fatigue
• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure

In extreme cases, the victim may experience a coma, asphyxia, convulsions, or even death. If severe exposure occurs, always seek immediate medical attention.

Ensure Lab Safety Through Proper CO₂ Gas Management

These safety considerations for CO₂ gas handling are designed to keep personnel safer and laboratory operations running without interruption. In addition to ensuring all applications are carried out in well-ventilated areas, be sure to:

• Install continuous monitoring systems to detect changes in CO₂ levels
• Store all CO₂ cylinders in clearly marked, well-ventilated areas
• Inspect all lab gas distribution system equipment regularly
• Maintain proper labeling to avoid human error
• Wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Require all employees to undergo CO₂ gas handling training
• Integrate automatic gas distribution system components whenever possible

Maximize Safety with Automatic Changeover Valves for Lab Gas Distribution Systems

Automatic components—such as Assurance Valve’s Eliminator automatic gas cylinder changeover valve—can help lower the risk of human error, maintain consistent CO₂ levels during all processes, and raise the efficiency of your laboratory work. The Eliminator makes the most of your resources: product is used more efficiently, and workers can focus on higher-level considerations as it automatically switches from primary to secondary cylinders without intervention. Other benefits include:

• Easy installation to get you to work as soon as possible
• Simple operations mean no specialty training is required
• Custom options to match your lab gas distribution system
• Non-electric to ensure no gas flow disruptions
• And much more!

Find out how the Eliminator automatic changeover system can help increase lab safety and build better CO₂ gas management for your facility by contacting us today.