Once a facility exceeds a certain number of parking spaces, it falls under classified installation regulations. This brings specific requirements related to safety, ventilation, and pollutant management.

Operators must be able to ensure that the air remains breathable at all times, despite the presence of combustion-engine vehicles and fluctuating traffic conditions.

Key pollutants to monitor closely

In car parks, the most critical gases are carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). Both are directly linked to engine emissions, particularly during start-up and low-speed driving.

These gases pose different but complementary risks. CO acts quickly on the human body and can lead to acute poisoning. NO₂, on the other hand, is an irritant and becomes problematic even at low concentrations when exposure is repeated.

Ventilation, mandatory… but not enough on its own

Regulations go beyond simply requiring a ventilation system—they require it to be fully effective when it matters most, namely when exhaust gases are being emitted.

This is where complexity arises, as car park activity is inherently variable.

A Monday morning peak can saturate the air within minutes, while an empty facility requires little to no ventilation. Systems based solely on continuous operation or fixed schedules are not suited to these fluctuations.

In practice, two key risks emerge:

• Insufficient ventilation during pollution peaks
• Excessive energy consumption when ventilation runs unnecessarily

In both cases, the regulatory objective is not achieved.

What compliance really requires

Even if regulations do not always prescribe specific technical solutions, they impose clear operational expectations:

• Air quality must be maintained at all times, including during peak usage
• Systems must respond when thresholds are exceeded
• Operators must be able to demonstrate that systems are functioning properly
• Equipment must be regularly maintained

In other words, installing ventilation is not enough—it must be proven to perform effectively when needed.

Detection at the core of system control

Gas detection becomes a key component. It allows the system to operate based on real conditions rather than assumptions.

In a well-designed setup, the process is straightforward:

1. Gas concentrations are continuously monitored
2. Predefined thresholds automatically trigger actions
3. Ventilation adjusts to the actual situation
4. Users are alerted in case of risk

The Dalemans system designed for real-world constraints

As a specialist in gas detection, Dalemans develops solutions tailored to constrained environments such as underground car parks. The S.Vx gas detection control panel reflects this approach.

One often overlooked aspect is sensor placement. In many installations, measurements are taken at height or in locations that are not representative of actual exposure. Dalemans prioritizes detection at 1.5 meters above ground level—aligned with breathing height. With the D.CAN Gen2 detector, data becomes immediately actionable, as it directly reflects actual user exposure.

The system also features configurable thresholds for CO and NO₂, with automated response logic. When a threshold is reached, ventilation units are activated without human intervention. At the same time, visual and audible alerts—such as illuminated panels, sirens, or flashing signals—can be triggered to make risks immediately visible.

This approach helps avoid two common issues in the field: ventilation systems running unnecessarily for extended periods, and delayed responses due to lack of detection.

Ongoing monitoring as an operational necessity

Beyond real-time response, compliance also requires traceability. In the event of an inspection, operators must be able to demonstrate that systems are functioning correctly.

Dalemans’ V.Touch platform centralizes data and enables remote system monitoring. Gas concentrations, ventilation activations, and alarms can be tracked and analyzed in real time. This ensures continuous oversight, with the ability to take remote action and reduce the need for on-site interventions.

EN 50545-1 compliance

The S.Vx gas detection control panel, manufactured by Dalemans, complies with the EN 50545-1 standard, which defines detection thresholds and requirements specifically adapted to car parks.

Protecting people and infrastructure is the starting point. Dalemans solutions are designed to detect anomalies and respond immediately when a risk arises.

Key takeaway

Ventilating a car park is not enough. The real challenge lies in controlling the air within it. As long as air quality is not measured, operations remain partly based on assumptions. Regulations, however, are outcome-driven: they require consistently breathable air, regardless of conditions.

This is where the difference becomes clear. Between systems that run continuously and those that adapt in real time, the issue is not just technical—it is operational.

In practice, only an approach that combines detection, control and supervision can effectively address these challenges. This is exactly what Dalemans’ S Line range offers (with the S.Vx controller, D.CAN Gen2 detectors and V.Touch supervision).