Continuous Monitoring of Multiple Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Parameters
Gareth Evans, PPM Technology Ltd Unit 34-35 Cibyn Industrial Estate, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, UK. LL55 2BD Tel: +44 (0) 1286 676999 • Email:
gareth@ppm-technology.com • Web:
www.ppm-technology.com
Measuring and monitoring hazardous gases is a critical issue in industrial and workplace safety. Many facilities are especially vulnerable to the effects of an unhealthy indoor environment when
fuel-burning vehicles are used indoors. Placing an IAQ monitoring system in buildings and facilities enables immediate identification of IAQ problems, the sources and causes of any problem can be eliminated before symptoms become evident.
which causes serious problems and abnormalities to a person’s health. Prolonged inhalation of this gas can actually cause a person to lose consciousness, experience nausea and headaches in extreme cases it can be fatal. It is for those reasons that emissions from forklift trucks and other vehicles need to be monitored.
Image 1: PPM Technology’s Wireless IAQ Profile Monitor
PPM Technology’s IAQ monitoring instruments are frequently used to monitor dangerous levels of Carbon Monoxide and Nitrogen Dioxide in indoor ice rinks and arena’s, these facilities are vulnerable to these pollutants as fuel-burning equipment such as the ice-resurfacing vehicle are used indoors.
Our technology is also suitable for use in any other buildings where fuel-burning vehicles and machinery emit Carbon Monoxide and other harmful pollutants. For example; in buildings where forklift trucks are present, indoor parking areas and any other facilities where vehicles are used indoors. Other sources of Carbon Monoxide include from improperly vented furnaces, malfunctioning gas ranges and poorly maintained combustion devices (e.g. boilers, furnaces).
Any building, which uses machinery, equipment or vehicles that emit carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide into the indoor environment should have a proper monitoring system in place.
Forklift trucks are often constantly in use in many buildings such as warehouses and large-scale manufacturing environments, highly dangerous levels of Carbon Monoxide can be emitted unless properly controlled.
Whether powered by Diesel, LPG fuels or Electricity, engine powered forklift trucks emit carbon monoxide into the atmosphere. Carbon Monoxide, known as the silent killer is extremely dangerous as it cannot be seen or smelt. Therefore it needs to be regulated and monitored, it is also imperative that there is adequate ventilation within the area where the forklift will be operated.
Over time Carbon Monoxide obstructs the blood from carrying oxygen around. It then mixes with haemoglobin; it is this mix,
Exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide (about 20 ppm) over an extended period (approximately 8 hours) is reported to result in the absorption of sufficient amounts to cause slight changes in temporal judgment or visual activity. These changes are slight and unlikely to be noticed by the affected person. Pre-existing respiratory or circulatory ailments in individuals can be aggravated when exposure levels increase above 30 ppm.
As carbon monoxide exposure increases above 50 ppm, headaches are more frequently reported. Depending on levels in excess of 50 ppm, and the duration of exposure, symptoms will progress from headaches and drowsiness to rapid breathing, nausea, and vomiting. At extremely high levels (greater than 800 ppm) there is a risk of death.
Typical IAQ investigation and examination consists of taking single-point measurements of pollutant levels. This monitoring method is unreliable, as the pollutant levels are subject to hourly and daily fluctuations. Building service professionals and designers alike have regarded these examination methods as being inadequate considering today’s environmental challenges. Continuous monitoring means trends can be identified, ensuring the presence of high levels of Carbon Monoxide in a building can be prevented.
Image 2: Wireless monitoring units can be placed at various locations throughout an entire to achieve a complete and accurate profile of IAQ
simple, effective, and flexible management of air quality. It is able to collect a complete and accurate record of IAQ, presenting facility managers and health and safety officers with the data they need for effective air quality management within the building.
There are many other factors that must be considered to ensure a building achieves a healthy indoor air environment, including good ventilation and a well-maintained HVAC system, emission of airborne and chemical pollutants from a variety of sources, emission of organic pollutants from building materials, carpeting and furniture and pollution entering buildings from external sources (e.g. vehicle fumes). The concentrations of pollutants can be amplified by factors such as humidity and temperature.
PPM Technology’s Wireless IAQ Profile Monitor enables
The wireless system enables simple continuous detection and measurement of many of the factors that contribute to a building’s indoor air environment, including temperature, humidity, and numerous toxic gases and compounds, such as, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ammonia, formaldehyde, TVOCs, methane, ozone and smoke.
Controlling and monitoring these IAQ parameters would improve occupant comfort and work efficiency as well as immediate and long-term health.
Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced
IET May / June 2011
www.envirotech-online.com
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