How Portable Gas Detection Minimises The Risk For Workers

There are a number of industries that require workers to enter confined spaces in order to complete tasks. Essentially, a confined space is anywhere that is large enough to enter but has restricted entry and exit room. If there is a toxic gas or a lack of oxygen in this space, anyone who enters it is likely to be overcome by the vapour or be subjected to other harmful situations (including drowning and explosions). This is why it is important for anyone entering such areas to do so with the help of portable gas detection devices.

Gas hazards are generally divided into three different categories: flammable (also known as combustible), toxic, and asphyxiant. Whilst gas detection is designed to monitor for any of these hazards, the main ones monitored are: flammable, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide and oxygen (mostly depletion).

Flammable
These types of gases pose a huge risk of explosion and are monitored in the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) range, as even a small amount is susceptible to ignition. Whilst portable gas detection can monitor all types of flammable substances, the most common ones include: methane, hydrogen, propane and pentane. LEL alarms are generally set fairly low (at 10% or 20% concentration), which gives workers plenty of time to vacate the area should their portable gas device encounter anything flammable.

Toxic
These types of gases are highly harmful to the health of workers who are exposed to them. Usually, these gases are present in much lower concentrations than flammable ones are, but this does not mean that they are any less damaging to humans. Portable gas detection for toxic fumes is much more complex than the process used for flammable ones, as these gases could have an instantaneous effect on workers or a prolonged one if they are exposed over a long period of time.

Asphyxiant
These types of gases are able to displace the amount of oxygen in a given area, resulting in the suffocation of any workers who enter the space. This can be caused through gas purging (whereby a gas, such as nitrogen, is used to prevent the possibility of and explosion in an area by removing flammable substances, such as hydrocarbons and oxygen) and natural processes (such as sewers and fermentation). Portable gas detection is designed to warn workers when oxygen levels are dropping, as it is impossible to sustain life without it.

As you can see, there are a number of areas that gas detection can help minimise the various risks workers are exposed to during the course of their work. Whether they work in an industry where explosions are a real possibility, or in one where toxic gases could make workers ill, or even in one where lack of oxygen could cause suffocation, portable gas detection is highly important for saving lives