Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as gasoline, diesel, or natural gas. In enclosed or poorly ventilated areas like underground or multi-story car parks, vehicle exhaust becomes a major source of CO buildup.
Because carbon monoxide also binds to the hemoglobin in red blood cells, it prevents oxygen from reaching vital organs and tissues. Even at low concentrations, carbon monoxide exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea; with higher levels resulting in unconsciousness, brain damage, or fatality.
Car parks are particularly vulnerable due to:
- Vehicle idling in confined areas
- Poor or inadequate ventilation systems
- High traffic density during peak hours
- Failure of exhaust fans or air circulation equipment
Without specialized gas safety systems, these risks often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Carbon Monoxide Hazards in Car Parks
The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also states that more than 400 people in the U.S. experience fatality from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning each year. In addition, more than 20,000 individuals visit the hospital emergency rooms and 4,000 individuals are often in critical care each year from Carbon Monoxide exposure.
In car parks, the risks are amplified:
- Vehicle exhaust emissions are the primary source of CO.
- Cold-weather idling (warming up cars) can significantly elevate CO concentrations.
- Emergency generators or maintenance equipment used in parking garages can add to exposure risks.
When CO levels rise above safe thresholds, simply opening doors or windows may not be enough to disperse the gas, particularly in underground structures.
When carbon monoxide gas accumulates in indoor spaces it can quickly poison both humans and animals. Just opening a window or entryway does not guarantee you're safe.
Why Fixed CO Gas Monitors Are Critical in Car Parks
Gas detectors not only provide personal safety for workers, but fixed CO gas monitoring systems are the industry standard for car parks.
These devices can:
- Continuously monitor ambient CO concentrations
- Trigger alarms and ventilation systems when CO levels exceed safety thresholds
- Provide compliance documentation required by OSHA, NIOSH ventilation standards
- Protect facility operators from liability by demonstrating proactive safety measures.
CO2Meter also offers a range of industrial fixed CO monitors designed specifically for car parks, warehouses, and other enclosed environments where vehicle exhaust is a concern.
Key Regulations and Safety Standards for Parking Structures
The majority of facility and car park managers must adhere to strict safety codes to minimize CO risks.
Some key regulations include:
- OSHA PEL: Maximum permissible exposure of 50 ppm (8-hour TWA).
- NIOSH REL: Recommended exposure limit of 35 ppm (8-hour TWA) and 200 ppm ceiling.
- ASHRAE Standard 62.1: Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality requires demand-controlled ventilation in parking garages.
- International Fire Code (IFC): Calls for gas detection systems to activate ventilation automatically when CO reaches hazardous levels.
Failing to comply with these standards above, not only endangers lives but also risks penalties, lawsuits, and reputational damage.
Carbon Monoxide Exposure Limits
OSHA has created guidelines for individuals who may need information to conduct effective safety and health programs.
Measured in parts per million (ppm) CO in your home is normally less than 1-2ppm but in commercial spaces is much higher. It only takes 25-35ppm to make you sick and experience headache, dizziness and nausea.
Both OSHA and the Centers for Disease Control list 50ppm as the evacuation level for CO exposure. So, you can see why more than 20,000 people visit emergency rooms annually with CO poisoning symptoms.
Best Practices for Preventing CO Risks in Car Parks
Implementing proactive safety measures ensures both compliance and occupant protection. Facility and car park managers should always:
- Install fixed CO detectors throughout the garage
- Integrate gas detectors with ventilation systems for automatic fan activation
- Conduct routine inspections of exhaust fans and airflow systems
- Educate staff and tenants about CO risks and evacuation procedures
- Schedule annual calibration and maintenance of gas detection devices
By investing in reliable fixed gas monitors, car parks can safeguard occupants, reduce liability, and maintain operational compliance.
For further information on the difference between carbon monoxide vs. carbon dioxide, read What's the Difference: Bottom CO vs. CO2.
Protecting Car Parks with Carbon Monoxide Safety Monitors
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Fixed Gas Detector w/ Remote Sensor (0-50ppm)
Even though battery operated CO detectors are critical in your home, fixed and portable CO detectors like the one shown above, are also critical in industrial and car park applications.
As we have seen, carbon monoxide is silent but deadly. By installing fixed CO gas monitoring systems, facility managers can prevent poisoning incidents, ensure regulatory compliance, and furthermore protect the public.
When looking for trusted industrial fixed CO monitors it's important that you find a solution that integrates seamlessly with ventilation and safety systems. By doing so, you can safeguard your facility and prevent potential hazards from occurring in the field.
For more information, explore these Carbon Monoxide Safety Monitors to find the right solution for your parking garage or facility.
Need to speak to someone? contact us today or call us directly at 877-678-4259
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