Guidelines Ventilation for Underground Parking

The Swiss Association of Building Technology Engineers SWKI has issued guidelines for parking ventilation systems.

SWKI VA103-01: Guideline ventilation systems for car parks (CO/NO₂ monitoring)

The number of cars is steadily increasing worldwide. This also results in more and more requirements in the field of gas monitoring in underground car parks. When planning a CO/NO₂ exhaust gas monitoring in an underground car park, the following points should be considered.

Exhaust gases

In an underground car park, CO (emissions from gasoline vehicles) and NO₂ (emissions from diesel vehicles) must be detected by a gas warning system.
When charging electric vehicles with batteries that contain an aqueous electrolyte, the use of a gas warning system for hydrogen H₂ and oxygen O₂ should be provided.

Number of gas sensors

In a car park, at least two CO/NO₂ gas sensors should always be used per floor or room.
At least one CO/NO₂ gas sensor must be planned for every 400m² and 20 parking spaces.

Installation of gas sensors

The CO/NO₂ gas sensors should be mounted at a height of 1.5 m.

Exhaust gas alarm

In an underground car park, one flashing warning light is to be installed for every 500 m² with an acoustic and visual alarm and the clear instruction to leave the garage.

Servicing the gas warning system

CO/NO₂ gas warning systems must be put into operation by the installation company.
The gas measuring cells in the CO/NO₂ sensors are wearing parts and must be replaced periodically.
A CO/NO₂ gas warning system must be checked and calibrated by the installer at least once a year.