Why Ships with CO₂ Fire Suppression Systems Rely on PureAire Oxygen Deficiency Monitors for Safety

 

Fire Suppression Systems

Fire suppression systems are indispensable to ship safety. These automated systems quickly detect fires and respond immediately, protecting personnel, cargo, and the ship itself. These systems automatically release firefighting agents like water mist, foam, or carbon dioxide (CO2) to suppress or extinguish the flames. By rapidly containing fires, fire suppression systems prevent them from escalating and causing more widespread destruction.

Carbon dioxide fire suppression systems are among the most effective ways to extinguish fires without spreading the flames or damaging equipment. Unlike water-based suppressants that reduce heat, a CO2 fire suppression system floods the area with carbon dioxide, dropping oxygen concentrations to a level that can no longer sustain the fire.

However, CO₂ displaces oxygen, creating a dangerous asphyxiation risk for anyone in an enclosed space. Proper safety precautions are essential, as high concentrations of CO2 above 5% can be hazardous to personnel, posing an asphyxiation risk.

The Hidden Danger of CO₂ Fire Suppression

Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas that displaces or depletes oxygen and, at elevated levels, can cause dizziness, confusion, headache, shortness of breath, unconsciousness, and even death due to asphyxiation.

CO2 fire suppression systems flood a space with carbon dioxide, removing oxygen to suffocate the fire. While this system effectively suppresses fires, personnel cannot detect unsafe CO₂ levels or determine if it is safe to reenter the area once the fire is extinguished.

What Happens When Oxygen Levels Drop?

Oxygen deprivation is often referred to as a silent killer. People exposed to an oxygen-deficient environment are not aware of the lack of oxygen in the air.

At 19.5% oxygen, your body starts to feel the effects.

At 16-18% oxygen, you may experience dizziness, confusion, and impaired coordination.

At below 10% oxygen, unconsciousness and death can occur within minutes.

Since CO₂ has no smell, color, or warning signs, a reliable oxygen deficiency monitor is the only way to detect when oxygen levels are too low for safe entry.

The Solution: PureAire Oxygen Deficiency Monitor

The PureAire Oxygen Deficiency Monitor measures oxygen levels within confined spaces where CO2 fire suppression systems 24/7.

Why PureAire is the Best Choice for Marine Safety

✔ Non-Depleting Sensor – Unlike traditional O₂ monitors, PureAire’s zirconium oxide sensor never needs replacing, ensuring years of worry-free protection.

✔ Real-Time Continuous Monitoring – Provides instant audible and visual alerts when oxygen levels fall below 19.5%, preventing accidents before they happen.

✔ Loud Audible & Visual Alarms – Audible and visual alerts are immediately triggered when oxygen reaches an unsafe level, alerting crew members to stay clear of the area until oxygen concentrations return to a safe level.

✔ Rugged & Marine-Ready – Designed for harsh conditions, including engine rooms, cargo holds, and fuel storage compartments.

✔ Regulatory Compliance –Meets USCG, SOLAS, and NFPA 12 marine safety standards.

Where to Install the PureAire Oxygen Deficiency Monitor?

To maximize safety, install the PureAire Oxygen Monitor in the following key locations:

Engine Rooms – The most common area for CO₂ suppression, making it a high-risk zone for oxygen depletion.

Fuel Storage Areas – Ensures crew safety in spaces where flammable materials require fire suppression.

Cargo Holds – Prevents asphyxiation risks in enclosed storage compartments.

Crew Workspaces – Adds an extra layer of protection near CO₂ fire suppression zones.

By strategically placing PureAire monitors, you eliminate the risk of oxygen depletion accidents and keep your vessel compliant with safety regulations.

Regulatory Compliance: Meeting Marine Safety Standards

CO₂ fire suppression is highly effective, but without proper safety measures, it can be deadly. Regulatory agencies require oxygen monitoring in enclosed spaces using CO₂ suppression.

✅ U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) – Recommends oxygen safety measures for CO₂ fire suppression systems.

✅ SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) – Mandates proper ventilation and oxygen monitoring before re-entry.

✅ NFPA 12 – 4.5.6 Establishes oxygen monitoring as part of CO₂ suppression safety.

✅ Classification Societies (ABS, Lloyd’s Register, DNV) – Recommends oxygen monitors to prevent accidental asphyxiation.

Using PureAire’s Oxygen Deficiency Monitor, ship operators ensure compliance with industry-leading safety regulations while protecting their crew from harm.

Best Practices for CO₂ Fire Suppression & Oxygen Monitoring

To ensure the highest level of safety, follow these best practices when using CO₂ fire suppression with the PureAire Oxygen Monitor:

✔ Install oxygen monitors near all CO₂ discharge areas.

✔ Ensure alarms are loud and visible for crew members.

✔ Regularly inspect and calibrate oxygen monitors for accuracy.

✔ Train crew members on oxygen deficiency risks and safety protocols.

✔ Never enter a CO₂-discharged area without checking oxygen levels first.

By implementing these best practices, you can eliminate the risk of oxygen-related accidents and create a safer working environment for everyone on board.

Conclusion

CO₂ fire suppression systems, because of their oxygen-depleting nature, are an effective fire prevention system for marine vessels, but they pose a serious risk to personnel—oxygen depletion. Without a proper monitoring system, crew members could unknowingly enter an oxygen-deficient space, leading to life-threatening consequences.

The PureAire Oxygen Deficiency Monitor is the best solution for ensuring safe oxygen levels before, during, and after a CO₂ discharge. Its non-depleting sensor, real-time monitoring, and immediate alarms provide unmatched safety and peace of mind for ship owners, captains, and crew.

Don’t take risks with oxygen depletion. Protect your crew and vessel today with the PureAire Oxygen Deficiency Monitor.

Ready to Upgrade Your Marine Safety?

Every ship using CO₂ fire suppression needs a reliable oxygen deficiency monitor. The PureAire Oxygen Deficiency Monitor is the best safety solution available, providing continuous, real-time monitoring to ensure a safe environment for your crew.

Contact PureAire today to learn how our industry-leading oxygen deficiency monitors can keep your crew, cargo, and vessel safe.

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The Hidden Dangers Inside Boiler Rooms - Why You Need a Boiler Room Gas Monitor

 

In an effort to prevent boiler room accidents due to elevated levels of carbon monoxide, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has adopted new regulations (16 Tex. Admin. Code § 65.206) regarding carbon monoxide (CO) gas detection equipment that is used in boiler rooms built on or after September 1, 2020.

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide gas is produced from the incomplete burning of natural gas, wood, coal, oil, propane gas, or anything else that contains carbon. In enclosed spaces such as boiler rooms, where fuels such as natural gas, oil, coal, or propane may be used,  CO levels can rise quickly creating a dangerous health and safety risk. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, and flammable gas that can be deadly within minutes without warning.

Exposure to CO can cause chest tightness, headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, confusion, loss of consciousness, and even death.

Additionally, carbon monoxide gas is highly flammable and can ignite easily when exposed to oxygen and/or source of ignition such as a spark or excessive heat.

Methane

Methane (CH₄), a primary component of natural gas, produces carbon monoxide if incompletely burned. Methane, like CO, is colorless, highly flammable, and odorless unless an additive is used to give it an odor . High levels of methane can deplete oxygen causing headaches, dizziness, weakness, loss of coordination, and asphyxiation.

Keeping Boiler Rooms Safe with a Dual CO/CH₄ Combustible Gas Detector

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as a silent killer because it has no warning properties. Absent appropriate gas detection equipment, people working in and around boiler rooms, would be unable to detect an accumulation of carbon monoxide.To detect, and protect against, risks emanating from excessive concentrations of CO or CH₄, best practices include placing gas detection monitors, containing visual and audible alarms, in boiler rooms where carbon monoxide or methane may accumulate.

PureAire Gas Detectors

PureAire Monitoring Systems’ Dual Carbon Monoxide/Methane Combustible Gas Detector offers continuous readings of CO and CH₄. The gas detector features an easy to read screen, which displays current carbon monoxide and methane levels for at-a-glance observation by employees servicing boiler rooms, who derive peace of mind from the detector’s presence and reliable performance. In the event of an accumulation of carbon monoxide or methane to an unsafe level, the detector will set off an alarm, complete with horns and flashing lights, alerting personnel to evacuate the area. At the same time, the PureAire gas detector can be programmed to disable the burners when CO levels reach a user selectable ppm level.

The monitor is housed in a NEMA 7 explosion proof enclosure suitable for Class 1, Division 1 and  2, Group B, C,  and D.