AQMS GROUP installs and services fixed carbon monoxide (CO) gas detection systems in enclosed car parks to maintain safe air quality and comply with AS 1668.2‑2012, Safe Work Australia Codes of Practice | Safe Work Australia

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Sensor Testing & Calibration

Ensure Safety & Compliance in Enclosed Car Parks

Carbon Monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and highly toxic gas produced by petrol, diesel, and gas-powered engines. It can accumulate rapidly in underground or poorly ventilated spaces, such as car parks, and poses serious health risks if not properly managed.

Why CO Monitoring is Critical

Most enclosed or underground car parks without natural ventilation are required to have mechanical exhaust systems that activate automatically based on CO levels. These systems depend on CO sensors to:

• Continuously monitor air quality
• Trigger mechanical ventilation when CO concentrations rise
• Prevent exposure beyond safe limits

As per the Occupational Safety and Health Act, all CO-controlled ventilation systems must be:

• Routinely tested and calibrated
• Documented with maintenance records
• Maintained to ensure CO exposure does not exceed legal thresholds

Biannual CO Sensor Maintenance by AQMS Group

At AQMS Group, we offer comprehensive six-monthly (biannual) programmed maintenance for CO monitoring systems in line with:

• AS 1851 – Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment
• AS 1668.2 – Mechanical ventilation for acceptable indoor air quality

Our CO Sensor Maintenance Includes:

✅ Test and calibration of all CO sensors
✅ Visual inspection of control panel wiring
✅ Operational check of the system controller
✅ Field device and sensor condition check
✅ Verification of VSDs (if installed)
✅ Testing of mechanical fan operation
✅ Time clock check (if fitted)
✅ FIP start/stop test
✅ On/Off/Auto switch functionality check
✅ Reporting of any visible damage or faults
✅ Test date labeling on all sensors
✅ Detailed service reporting
✅ On-site logbook updates for compliance tracking

Sensor Lifespan & Testing Frequency

• Expected sensor lifespan: 5–8 years
• Lifespan can be shortened with frequent or high-level CO exposure
• Testing frequency requirements vary by manufacturer (6 to 12 months)

At AQMS Group, we recommend routine 6-month servicing as our standard practice. This ensures consistency across different system manufacturers and ongoing compliance with safety legislation.

Mechanical Ventilation System Requirements

To comply with AS 1668.2, CO monitoring systems in car parks and enclosed motor vehicle areas must:

• Be equipped with a digital CO level display
• Operate continuously when vehicles are present
• Automatically trigger alarms and ventilation under fault conditions
• Be clearly marked with servicing/calibration instructions
• Ensure at least one complete air change every 24 hours
• Be designed so that no location in the car park is more than 25m from a sensor

All monitoring systems must be operated and maintained to ensure ongoing reliability and effectiveness.

Protect Your People, Property & Compliance

AQMS Group is committed to helping you maintain safe, compliant, and efficient CO monitoring systems in enclosed environments.

Whether you manage a commercial car park, residential building, or mixed-use facility, our expert team is ready to support your essential service needs.

Service and Calibration