r Dioxide

Flue gas produced by the combustion of a fuel oil that has a high sulphur
content typically contains about 2,000 ppm of sulphur dioxide (SO2). Inert
gas system water scrubbers remove this gas with an efficiency that
depends upon the design and operation of the scrubber, giving inert gas
with a sulphur dioxide content of typically between 2 and 50 ppm.
Sulphur dioxide causes irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and may
also cause breathing difficulties in sensitive people. It has a distinctive
smell at its TLV-TWA of 2 ppm.
2.3.9.5 Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is normally present in flue gas at a level of only a
few parts per million. Abnormal combustion conditions and slow running
can however give rise to levels in excess of 200 ppm. Carbon monoxide is
an odourless gas with a TLV-TWA of 25 ppm. It is insidious in its attack,
which is to restrict oxygen uptake by the blood, causing a chemically
induced form of asphyxiation.
2.3.10 Oxygen Deficiency
The oxygen content of the atmosphere in enclosed spaces may be low for
several reasons. The most obvious one is if the space is in an inert condition,
and the oxygen has been displaced by the inert gas. Oxygen may also be
removed from an atmosphere by chemical reactions, such as rusting or the
hardening of paints or coatings.
As the amount of available oxygen decreases below the normal 21% by
volume, breathing tends to become faster and deeper. Symptoms indicating
that an atmosphere is deficient in oxygen may give inadequate notice of
danger. Most people would fail to recognise the danger until they were too
weak to be able to escape without help. This is especially so when escape
involves the exertion of climbing.
While individuals vary in susceptibility, all will suffer impairment if the oxygen
level falls to 16% by volume.
Exposure to an atmosphere containing less than 10% oxygen content by
volume inevitably causes unconsciousness. The rapidity of onset of
unconsciousness increases as the availability of oxygen diminishes, and death
will result unless the victim is removed to the open air and resuscitated.