An efficient gas detection system will ensure a safe breathing environment for users and workers in parking stations, tunnels and other confined spaces with a constant presence of vehicles. A suitable gas detection system will reduce costs for the facility and increasing the overall environmental quality and well-being for all.

Until electric cars finally take over, the presence of vehicles in underground or otherwise confined parking structures, tunnels, loading docks, and warehouses represent a constant source of airborne contaminants – notably CO, NO2, oil and gasoline fumes. These gases are obviously undesirable and there are several reasons to monitor them and prevent possible buildups through air changes and ventilation.

The number one reason is, of course, safety. With both workers and public involved, parking managers must ensure a safe breathing environment. Carbon Monoxide is extremely toxic, can cause dizziness and headaches over 200ppm and can kill in a short time when concentrations surpass 3000ppm. Prolonged exposure to high levels of Nitrogen Dioxide, on the other hand, can cause chronic bronchitis and emphysema. NO2 is the major contaminant to be considered when expecting a significant presence of diesel-powered vehicles in the structure.

The final reason is environmental quality and well-being of the car park users and workers. A continuously running ventilation system would cause significant production of noise and heat, affecting the facility overall comfort level.

In Europe, BS EN 50545-1:2011+A1:2016 specifies general requirements for construction and testing and describes the test methods that apply to fixed apparatus for the detection and/or the measurement in car parks and tunnels of Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitric Oxide (NO) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) intended to control a ventilation system and/or to give an indication, alarm or any other signal to warn of a Toxic Hazard.