How long should you wait before entering a compartment filled with CO2?

Waiting 15 minutes before entering a compartment filled with carbon dioxide (CO2) is recommended because this time allows the CO2 to dissipate, reducing the concentration of the gas to safer levels. CO2 can create a hazardous environment, and exposure can lead to serious health risks, including suffocation and respiratory distress.

The process of waiting allows any residual gas to mix with the air and diffuse out of the enclosed space, allowing for a more gradual transition to a breathable atmosphere. It's crucial to ensure adequate ventilation in these situations and to have monitoring equipment, such as gas detectors, to confirm that CO2 levels are within safe limits before entering.

By adhering to this guideline of 15 minutes, safety protocols are observed, protecting personnel from potential exposure to high concentrations of CO2, which may not be immediately noticeable but can be life-threatening.