Gas Monitoring Systems for Vehicle Emissions

As the growth of multi-family residential housing units has increased in recent years, so has the number of enclosed parking garages. Builders and planners recognize that tenants prefer enclosed parking garages for convenience and comfort. Such garages are a definite selling point in northern states where snow clearing is a major issue. However, with such enclosed parking areas comes a significant danger.

The Problem with Vehicle Emissions in Enclosed Parking Garages

Even though enclosed parking garages are very attractive to tenants, keeping the air healthy should be a concern for building owners. Cars in enclosed spaces can produce high levels of carbon monoxide (CO), and diesel engine cars can produce high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). Both emissions are very dangerous and pose significant safety concerns to human life.  Human health effects can vary significantly based on the state of health, age, sex and weight and exposure over time to low concentration levels can lead to respiratory problems, lung damage and neurological problems.  Toxicity levels are well-documented and death can occur in a matter of minutes.

The International Mechanical Code requires mechanical ventilation of underground parking garages to eliminate such risks and keep buildings with such areas healthy for those who use them. According to section 404.1: “Enclosed parking garages. Where mechanical ventilation systems for enclosed parking garages operate intermittently, such operation shall be automatic by means of carbon monoxide detectors applied in conjunction with nitrogen dioxide detectors. Such detectors shall be installed in accordance with their manufacturers’ recommendations.”

The Solution to Parking Garage Gas Detection

Gas detectors protect those in your buildings by continually monitoring for dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and/or nitrogen dioxide. When the detector registers unacceptable levels, it automatically triggers the ventilation system to evacuate the harmful gases and bring in fresh air. The two systems work together to ensure compliance and healthier air.

Opera Gas Detectors are an ideal solution for any building with an enclosed parking garage. With over 35 years of experience in manufacturing gas detection devices, Opera is at the forefront of its industry. In addition to CO and NO₂, these CSA listed devices from the company are suitable for monitoring for any type of gas.

One of the leading sellers of gas detection systems is Opera Gas Detectors. The Opera 6002-14 unit senses both CO and NO₂ and transmits this information immediately. Some of the features of this system include:

• It is network-ready for either master/slave operation or central control
• Stand-alone operation with 1 or 2 adjustable alarm relays, indicators and strobe
• Network interface to allow remote control of the system
• Ready-to-use plug and play sensor modules
• Resistance to impact and water damage.
• BTL listed Smart Sensor

EP Sales is an Opera gas detector representative for MN, WI, IA, ND, and SD. For help with parking garage gas detection devices or any HVAC project requiring gas detection, get in touch with our team today. We’ll be happy to answer your questions about Opera gas detectors.