Trapped Gas: Trusting Your Gas Detector in Confined Spaces

Trapped Gas: Trusting Your Gas Detector in Confined Spaces

It's your worst nightmare. You've always wanted to be in a movie, but you never thought it would be a horror film. How were you supposed to know some of the most poisonous gases are colorless and odorless? Besides that, it's your first day on the job. You don't want to call your boss and tell him you left behind your Draeger X-am 2500 4-Gas Detector. But then being fired might be a better option than dying. So you make the call. You're saved.

Though the above scenario is mostly dramatized, it really could have turned out bad for you. Having a gas detector you can trust can in reality be a matter of life and death. Gas detectors are used by firefighters and on oil rigs, as well as any other environment where there is a possibility of being combustible, flammable and/or toxic gases. Another use is the detection of oxygen depletion. Its purpose is then given by its very function: to help prevent potentially dangerous and even fatal situations.

This is especially the case in closed environments where there is little to no ventilation and thus a higher probability that if a harmful gas is present, it is present in high concentrations. A portable gas detector, usually worn directly on clothing or a belt, continuous monitors the environment and warns the personnel of the presence of any harmful gases. It warns the wearer through both audible and visual signals, such as alarms or flashing lights. An inaccurate reading while someone is working can mean an alarm never rings and the person or a group of people don't realize they are in danger until it is too late.

Before entering an enclosed space, it is important to check for the presence of any harmful gases. Even after this is done, continual monitoring will ensure continued safety. Learn to recognize signs of exposure. In low concentrations of exposure this includes, shortness of breath and coughing. Keeping a line of communication open in case of emergencies can further safeguard personnel, such as always having a visual on someone on the team or verbal commands through an electronic device. An "attendant" should always be assigned to anyone entering in a close space to be a lifeline. Respirators should be provided to personnel if there is a known risk.

Avoid common mistakes such as zeroing the equipment inside of the confined space where there could already be a hazardous gas present. Perform a pre-entry test, including checking for oxygen concentrations. Know in advance which gases could potentially be present so you are sure that you have the right kind of detector for the space. Make sure you are properly trained to handle the detector and how to work in an enclosed environment. The equipment is useless if you don't know how to properly use it or abandon best practices within the closed environment. Training can significantly reduce the risk of harm due to exposure.

The last step is to always have a plan Z. If something goes wrong, it is vital to have an emergency plan in place.

With the right training, lifelines, emergency plan and gas detector, such as the Draeger X-am 2500 4-Gas Detector, the risk of working in a potentially harmful environment is diminished and important work can be carried out safely. 

Aug 19th 2016 Safety Company

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