‘Simple CO2 monitor in the shop helps our customers to feel safe’

Morton’s is using the affordable tech to measure carbon dioxide levels in the building.

The higher the CO2, ventilation experts believe, the more risk of virus spreading in the air.

Mary Farrell, executive head chef at Morton’s, came up with the idea to introduce the monitor after reading architect Orla Hegarty’s tweets on ventilation safety.

“For me, it made sense,” Ms Farrell said. “This is a respiratory virus.

“If someone has Covid-19, you can potentially breathe it in. So, we felt we had to do something. The CO2 monitor is a reassuring piece of equipment.

“I measure each section to ensure the carbon dioxide is under a certain level.

“A reading under 800ppm is ideal indoors. If it goes to levels that are [deemed to be] a danger zone, a red traffic light warns me.

“I have my monitor and I move it around each section of the shop, to make sure levels are good throughout the day.”

The shop had already introduced measures to separate staff who worked in close quarters. They also have a window with a screen, allowing for a flow of cool air, as well as other safety protocols.

“It’s just €200 for a small CO2 monitor and it’s battery-operated,” Ms Farrell said. “I told the shop owner, Gary Morton, and he wanted to utilise it immediately.

“Now, he’s drawing up a plan to inform customers. I think it’s really important that customers in all shops and businesses feel safe during this time.

“And this is just another way to do that. We monitor CO2 on the floor, to ensure a low level for our customers, and we think that’s really important.

“We want to reassure customers when they’re in here that the CO2 levels are good.”

Online Editors