A critical component of any safety program, inert gas detection equipment provides the information workers need to respond quickly and effectively to an alarm. This proactive system is essential for preventing the costly consequences of combustible and toxic gas-related incidents: property damage, production interruptions, and financial losses.
Infrared and semiconductor sensors identify a broad range of dangerous gases by observing changes in the wavelengths emitted or absorbed by each substance. In addition, a comprehensive combustible/toxic gas detector contains instrument fault supervision circuitry that identifies sensor cell failure and communication line breaks.
Industrial Gas Detectors: Essential Tools for Safety Compliance
Proper maintenance of gas detectors prevents breakdowns and maintains accuracy. This includes regular calibration, bump testing, and keeping a maintenance log. The calibration process adjusts the sensor reading to match a known concentration of test gas and ensures that the detector is ready to respond to a leak.
Keeping up with firmware updates is important as well. Manufacturers release new firmware to address bugs, add features, and improve functionality. If your devices have reached the end of their firmware life, it’s time to upgrade before out-of-date technology puts workers at risk.
The placement of gas detectors is also crucial. It’s imperative that they are placed in spots where air flows naturally and not blocked by large equipment, structural elements, or storage areas. The device’s manufacturer provides recommendations for best positioning. The ideal location is within a slight overlap between the areas monitored by each sensor to minimize gaps through which gas could pass undetected.