Fixed gas detection systems and portable gas monitors are both essential to protecting workers and equipment. Both products are equally capable of doing the job they are meant to do, in the type of area they are meant to do it in. When deciding which system to use you must take into consideration the physical area to be monitored, the type of gas(es) to be monitored, whether the hazard is permanent or transitory, the level of risk to workers and the practicality and cost effectiveness of using either or both systems.
The Importance of Gas Monitors is detection or Monitoring of gas, whether it is Combustible/Flammable Gas for explosive hazards, or Toxic/Irritant gas for which is hazardous to Human health: worker exposure must be monitored. To Oxygen Asphyxiation where Oxygen is too little in its surrounding atmosphere causing Oxygen deficient or too much in its surrounding atmosphere causing Oxygen Enriched to possess an increased risk of an explosion.
There are four main reasons why gas monitoring is performed, the first purpose is Worker Safety which is Personal Protection against Toxic gases from leaks or emission process. The second is Worker and Facility Safety which is to protect from explosions, like presence of combustible gas/vapours due to leaks. The third is Environmental Safety which is focused on Environmental degradation due to let us say an oil leak into sewer or lakes or an acid gas emission into the atmosphere causing damage to its surroundings. Fourthly is Process Control which is for the Industrial processing to prevent Malfunction of the process due to possible fault or other process errors which could lead to a huge amount of costs down the line.
There are a few questions that you can ask yourself to help you determine whether fixed or portable gas detection is the right solution for you.
What potential hazards are present?
Do you need constant monitoring in a large working environment, or will checking the atmosphere immediately around personnel be more beneficial?
What is the source of the hazard?
Is there a fixed source point for hazards, or could the gas migrate to cause a localised hazard (such as a heavier-than-air gas)?
Is the hazard one-off or continuous?
Could a gas hazard occur at any time in an area where people are routinely entering and leaving, or is the hazard a one-off safety issue?
Are there restrictions on entering the hazardous area?
Are untrained personnel free to come and go from the hazardous environment, or are only authorised workers cleared to enter who are more likely to be trained in using portable gas detectors?
While portable gas detectors provide a cheap, easy safety solution, they are only as effective as the training that the user receives. While fixed gas detectors can automate a lot of the safety process, there may be instances where gas can migrate from the source and cause an undetected hazard. This is why it is super important to fully understand your environment and workers before coming to a decision about your gas safety needs.
DSA Suppliers can work with you to find the right Honeywell Gas Detector that ensures the highest standards of safety for your working environment.