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Confined space 4-gas monitors need to be calibrated. We all know it, and the time is probably coming up soon. Just how often you are required to calibrate depends on you and the recommendations of the manufacturer. (See calibration intervals for more information.) There are several possible methods for tuning up your gas monitor, and whether you do manual calibrations, use an automated calibration and bump test device, or send it in for a professional calibration service is up to you. …

Ventilation is one of the central pillars of confined space safety. Fumes, vapors, and volatile organic compounds accumulate and create an atmosphere that is not conducive to breathing. And I think we can all agree that breathing is a central pillar of living. OSHA calls ventilation one of the most important engineering controls available to maintain a safe work environment. We agree. And we've got a number of smart ways to accomplish replacing the atmosphere of your toxic environme …

Ideal for real-time monitoring of hazardous gases in confined space work, BW Honeywell's GasAlert Quattro is a four-gas monitor that's easy to love. It's not apparent at first, but our five reasons will have you falling head over heels. Full-sized Sensors Generally speaking, full-size sensors last longer than their smaller counterparts. While the Quattro won't win prizes for its physical dimensions, it is packed with four sensors for full spectrum gas monitoring. Now think abou …

The second in a two-part series on confined space gas monitoring: They say that knowledge is power. This is certainly the case when it comes to safety in confined spaces. It is only after we are aware of the potential dangers of confined spaces that we can recognize a seemingly empty space as containing life-threatening possibilities. BW Honeywell GasAlert Micro Clip XL 4-Gas Monitor In the first part of our Gas Monitoring discussion, we talked about Oxygen (O2) levels and Lower Explosi …

The first of a two-part series on confined space gas monitoring: Unlike a raging river or pounding surf, the dangers of confined spaces are often silent and unseen. Unless a dangerous atmosphere creates a visible cloud of vapor, there isn’t any way for you to see what hazards lurk within a confined space. This is precisely the reason monitoring equipment is so vital to confined space entry. While it isn’t possible within this format to provide a comprehensive guide for the use of …

When isolating or ventilating a permit-required confined space, it is critical that a competent person on your team take meter readings with a 4-gas monitor for oxygen (O2), toxic gases and if applicable, combustible gases (VOCs) with a PID to determine if the processes have been effective. Of course you already know this if you or your company are performing this type of work. But are you measuring for the correct PEL levels? PEL limits change with some regularity, and what may be r …

A good customer (all our customers are good, of course) recently asked us to figure out exactly how many bump tests they would get from a 58L of NIST Traceable Gas for their new Gas Clip Technologies Multi Gas Clip (MGC) Monitors (with 2 month battery charge life). The quick answer - a little over 300, and maybe as many as 600. But there's a catch. Calibration gas has a shelf like. It's longer than a gallon of milk, but still shorter than you might expect. The 4-gas mixture for …

Nearly every type of industrial site has confined spaces - manholes with plumbing, or sheds that house pumps or generators.  These are areas where the atmosphere may become toxic or oxygen-depleted and unsafe for entry.  If you or your crew don't do much work in these areas you may not be aware of the dangers or the regulations surrounding them. Here are a few things that you will need if you are preparing to enter a confined space.  They are all important, most of th …

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 …