When most people think of gas detection, they probably picture petroleum production facilities. However, oil and gas workers aren’t the only ones that need to keep an eye on the air quality: putting on personal protective equipment like portable gas detectors is a part of the workday for sewage treatment plant workers, maintenance engineers, firefighters, and many other workers across a variety of industries. When you’re making a decision about which gas monitors are right for your workplace, consider the following functionalities.
Accurate Readings
Accuracy is how closely the reading on a gas monitor matches the actual concentration of gas. This reading is related to the calibration gas used when setting up the monitor. Frequent calibrations with the manufacturer specified cal gas will deliver the most accurate readings. When reviewing gas monitors for accuracy, also make sure to look into the resolution and sensitivity.
It should also be noted that having an accurate digital reading of the gas concentration may not be needed, or even desirable. Often a simple alarm can warn workers without having to be concerned with readings. The BW Clip 2 Year Single Gas Detectors for hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide and oxygen are quite popular and useful right out of the box with no need for calibration, sensor or battery replacement, or charging.
Cross-Sensitivities
Gas monitor manufacturers design sensors for specific gases and vapors, but a gas monitor can pick up more than just the target gas, which can result in inaccurate results. Positive results can lead to decreased productivity and increased expense, and negative results can decrease faith in the instruments and create dangerous conditions. When learning how to use a device, review the list of cross-sensitive agents and don’t be afraid to ask the manufacturer how a device might respond to interfering gases at your worksite.
Reliability
There are gas monitor manufacturers that have been in the industry for a long time thanks to their reputation for reliable devices. Other features that contribute to reliability are how consistent the device’s readings are and whether it can stand up to the temperature, pressure, and relative humidity conditions present at your worksite. Multi-gas detectors like the BW Honeywell GasAlert MicroClip XL are popular for a good reason: these are rugged, lightweight monitors.
Fast Response Time
Sensor response times can save lives in situations where seconds make the difference in getting everyone evacuated and avoiding more dangerous symptoms. Look for a monitor with a fast response time: t90 refers to the time that it takes for 90 percent of the actual gas concentration to be displayed on the monitor. The BW Honeywell GasAlert Max XT II Confined Space Multi-Gas Monitor has a bright, backlit LCD screen for easy visibility with alerts and alarms to keep workers safe.
User-Friendly Interface
The easier a device is to properly use, the more likely it will get used on the job. The ideal gas monitor will be one that’s comfortable to wear on the chest pocket, collar, and hardhat: look for one with attachment features and accessories that are lightweight. Also, one that can communicate wirelessly with a command center to record data will also enhance safety and usability. RKI's GX-3R Pro 5 Gas Confined Space Monitor with Bluetooth checks all these boxes. Weighing under 5 ounces and fitting in the palm of your hand, it's the smallest and lightest 5-gas personal monitor you will come across. It utilizes Bluetooth communication to display direct gas readings from the insturment to a phone app, available free on either iOS or Android phones.
Still Need Help?
Selecting a gas monitor that’s right for your work can be overwhelming because of all of the options that exist. No matter what industry you work in, if your workers are at risk of being exposed to dangerous conditions, high-quality gas monitors are a crucial part of workplace safety. If you have any questions about the safety gear that you need to do your job safely, you can contact one of our safety experts online or call 800.829.9580.
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