Gas Detection for Warehouses

Continuous monitoring of Carbon monoxide and Nitrogen dioxide in distribution warehouses

A distribution warehouse is a multifaceted building that receives, sorts, stores and ships a massive number of products. Each warehouse varies in size and layout but commonly has truck off-loading bays, large areas with conveyor belts and storage systems and expansive delivery vehicle loading areas. With the large number of vehicles backing up to the loading bays and entering the building to be loaded with forklifts, monitoring levels of carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide is necessary to ensure the health and safety of the workers.

Carbon monoxide is the most abundant of the exhaust fumes, but there is also the possibility for nitrogen dioxide from diesel powered engines. If the forklifts are battery powered there should be a hydrogen gas detector in the battery charging area. If the forklifts are powered by natural gas or propane, gas detectors with a methane sensor or propane sensor should be included in the gas detection system.

 

Image: Distribution Warehouse Monitoring System

 

 

KEY CONSIDERATIONS
  • A life safety system for protecting workers​
  • Depending on the number of obstacles that prevent airflow, the coverage area may be diminished, requiring more gas detectors​
  • Audible / visual devices should be mounted high up on the walls or columns

 

TARGET GASES
  • Carbon Monoxide (CO)​
  • Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)​
  • Hydrogen (H2)

 

 
 
 
DOWNLOADS
Monitoring CO and NO2 in a Distribution Center

 

 
RELATED PRODUCTS

 

FCS Multi Channel Controller

 

DCC Self Contained Controller

 

SCC Self Contained Controller
  
CGAS-D Digital Transmitter
CGAS-A- Analog Transmitter
ESH-A- Remote Sensor
  

 

MORE INFORMATION 

Integrating the gas detection system with the building automation system connects the ventilation system and emergency response alert system should gas levels exceed health and safety limits.

There should be several visual and audible alarm device such as the Remote Strobe & Horn (RSH-24V-R) mounted in highly visible areas throughout the warehouse facility with easy-to-read signs identifying their purpose (CO alarm or NO2 alarm).

If some of the delivery trucks are diesel, CO and NO2 sensor combination gas detectors should be used to monitor the hazardous gas levels in the enclosed space. CO is about the same density as air and will readily disperse throughout an area where there may be some air movement and activity, remaining in the breathing zone (4-6 ft from the floor). NO2 gas is heavier than air, but when hot, as in exhaust form, it will rise but as it t cools, the NO2 gas will dissipate and settle throughout the breathing zone. CO and NO2 sensors should always be mounted in the breathing zone.