8- 



CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE STORAGE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 



G. D, Blanpied, Pomology Department 



and 

 L. D. Baker, Agricultural Engineering Department 



Cornell University 



[Editors' Note: Earlier this year, a life was lost in the Hudson 

 Valley Region of New York due to lack of precautions when enter- 

 ing a CA room. We urge that this article be prominently displayed 

 so that a repeat of this tragedy may be avoided.] 



Occasionally, someone must enter a CA storage to obtain fruit 

 samples, to replace a broken fan belt, burned out motor, to check 

 for plugged nozzles, or to make other equipment repairs. The 

 atmosphere in the CA room probably contains less than 5% oxygen. 

 Outside air is about 21% oxygen. Do you know what happens to you 

 in a CA storage? 



Symptoms of Asphyxia '^ 



17% oxygen 

 12-16% oxygen - 



10-14% oxygen 



candle is extinguished. 



breathing increased and pulse rate accelerated. 



ability to maintain attention and to think 

 clearly is diminished, but can be restored 

 with effort. 



muscular coordination for finer skilled 

 movements is somewhat disturbed. 



consciousness continues, but judgement becomes 

 faulty. 



severe injuries (burns, bruises, broken bones) 

 may cause no pain. 



muscular efforts lead to rapid fatigue, may 

 permanently injure the heart, and may induce 

 fainting . 



6-10% oxygen - nausea and vomiting may appear. 



legs give way, person cannot walk, stand, or 

 even crawl. This is often the first and only 

 warning, and it comes too late. The person 

 may realize he is dying, but he does not 

 greatly care. It is all quite painless. 



