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What Kind of Confined Space Gas Detector Do I Need? Before entering a confined space, workers need to check the environment to make sure it is safe. Confined spaces often harbor toxic or explosive gasses. They may also be lacking in oxygen.  Gas detectors serve as a first line of defense in determining the safety of an environment. The most important feature to look for in a confined space gas detector is 4 gas detection. This means it can detect and measure CO2, O2, H2S and combusti …

Gas detection is serious business no matter what type of work you do. Your company may not need the level of protection a petroleum production facility requires, but every company using gas detection technology wants to make a good investment in their monitors. Some work sites need to know if hydrogen sulfide levels change even a small percentage. Others are fine waiting for the alarm to sound. The differences in your gas monitoring needs will affect the type of gas monitor that's right for y …

I’m fascinated about the basics of atmospheric monitoring, how to change the air in a confined space by supplying ventilation, and effective uses of ducting. Aren’t you? Relying solely on your nose (no matter how magnificent it may be) is not the right method to detect airborne hazards. Many gases dull the senses over time, and only a proper gas detection unit with a test probe can properly asses the atmosphere of a confined space. The shape and location of many confined spaces make them …

RAE Systems is the manufacturer of the QRAE 3, the newest multi-gas monitor for confined space entry. Up to four sensors can be configured in this device for combustible gases (LEL), Oxygen (O2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), or Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) depending on the specific needs of your facility. The interesting thing about this monitor is the wireless configuration option. RAE Systems says this device will work in confined spaces as well. Fo …

As oil and gas production continues to expand in the United States and other countries, many companies are seeing the benefit of personal gas monitors that check for more than just hydrogen sulfide. Refineries, processing plants, pipelines, storage farms, and offshore platforms all use or create a wide range of toxic gases and dangerous atmospheres. While single gas monitors like the BW Clip 3-Year Detector H2S are ubiquitous, they aren't capable of warning workers of all the changing cond …

With oil production continuing to expand in areas like Midland, Texas and The Bakken, OSHA regulators haven't been far behind. It's not just drillers and chainhands that fall under the protection guidlines, but toolhands and other contractors who need to be fully equipped to deal with the health hazards associated with oil and gas extraction. We're going to take this space to discuss the personal protective equipment (PPE) that takes care of the OSHA requirements. In addition to those w …

Gas monitors are made to be used on some of the toughest job sites in the world. Industrial chemical and gas facilities are made for production, not comfort, and the safety of the workers depends on gas monitors doing their job day in and day out. Because so much is riding on the accuracy of these gas detection devices, regular calibration and testing is necessary. When sensors wear out or are overloaded, or when regular maintenance and re-certification is required, it takes trained tec …

Crews tackling installation or replacement of natural gas mains need to purge the lines with an inert gas to eliminate the combustion hazard. Purge testing before work begins requires a gas detection device that won't be overwhelmed or damaged by the high gas levels found in this type of work. It's also important to realize that many gas detection sensors require oxygen for accurate measurements. Nitrogen is the gas most often employed to displace the natural gas when servicing main lin …

Harvest in the wine country is the peak of activity in the winemaking cycle. It's Go Time - The playoffs of the wine growing season. Preparing for the avalanche of grapes means everything in the winery must be tested, sanitized, and ready. Lab equipment for checking sugar, pH, and total acidity must be made ready, barrels need to be prepped, presses cleaned, and sorting tables sorted. It's also the right time to make sure gas monitors are calibrated. There can be many areas that require …

Cellular phones can do lots of things these days. But they don't currently double as portable gas detectors. Until that time the gas detection experts at Draeger have provided the next best thing: a new Gas Detection App which turns your phone into a powerful gas detection resource and replaces bulky printed handbooks and catalogs. Available for both Apple and Android devices, the new Draeger app lets you quickly search a database of over 100 chemicals and provides an introduction to th …