The police advise all who make must and cider in this period to be extra cautious when preparing products which require spending much time in unventilated rooms, such as wine cellars. Increased concentrations of hazardous gases are possible in such places. Road traffic safety must also not be forgotten, so police advise all citizens not to drive under the influence of alcohol.

Fermentation of must produces large quantities of carbon dioxide, which reduces the concentration of oxygen in the air, so spending much time in unventilated wine cellars can have fatal consequences!

The increased concentration of carbon dioxide can be established with a simple test. Put a burning candle in the room. If the candle goes out quickly, immediately leave the room and ventilate it well (at least 10 minutes, depending on the size of the room) by creating a draught.

In normal conditions carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colourless and odourless gas. It produces a slightly sour taste in the mouth resulting from the gas dissolving in the mucous membranes. The gas cannot be felt when inhaled, so we can fall unconscious before we realise the danger. It can be found in basements, as it is heavier than air. It is produced by complete combustion in oxygen, cell respiration and fermentation.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced from the partial combustion of carbon-containing compounds. These are fossil fuels, such as gasoline, natural gas, heating oil, propane, coal, wood etc. It is produced by partial combustion in stoves burning solid, liquid and gaseous fuel used for cooking and heating. It is a highly toxic gas, and is particularly dangerous because humans cannot detect it even in very high concentrations. It is odourless, colourless and tasteless. Even a very low concentration of carbon monoxide in the air (0.4 %) can be fatal. The symptoms of mild poisoning include nausea, headache, fatigue and weakness. More serious cases of poisoning cause vomiting, visual disturbances, decreased concentration, memory problems, consciousness disturbances (even coma), irregular heartbeat and breathing difficulties. Police advise ventilating the rooms you use for making must and cider several times a day, and never do this alone.


IMPORTANT:

In cases of carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide poisoning, the intoxicated person(s) must be removed from the contaminated room as soon as possible. When doing so, also take care of your own safety and immediately open all doors and windows, creating a draught and providing a supply of oxygen, making sure that you inhale as little contaminated air as possible.


ADVICE ON TRAFFIC SAFETY:

Don't forget about road traffic safety when you consume alcoholic beverages. Respect all traffic regulations and do not drive under the influence of alcohol or other psychoactive substances (drugs, medicines), and provide for your own safety and that of other road traffic participants.

Pedestrians walking along a road should respect traffic regulations, wear reflective items in reduced visibility and at night, or carry electric torches.

Be careful and VISIBLE!


Tractor drivers have to be particularly careful during this period:

  • Tractor drivers must not participate in road traffic if they are under the influence of alcohol or other psychoactive substances.
  • The number of persons in the tractor must not exceed the number of seats.
  • A maximum of five persons can be driven in the trailer, if such transportation is necessary for loading and unloading cargo. These persons must not be under the influence, must not stand, must not sit on unfastened cargo, or cargo that reaches out of the sides of the trailer.
  • It is forbidden to transport persons on machinery hauled by tractor.
  • A tractor must be equipped with a roll bar or cage in order to protect the driver from injuries if the tractor rolls over. The structure must comply with regulatory standards.