Dealing with confined spaces


Before an operator enters the confined space, they will need to make a pre-entry check to determine the hazards in the area.


The use of a multi-gas portable, capable of providing simultaneous monitoring of H2


S,


CO, Oxygen and combustibles (%LEL) is essential for safe confined space entry (please note: The sensors used with any portable device must reflect the known hazards likely to be in the environment).


First the operator must perform a full test of the environment prior to entering. Once the area has been cleared for entry, continuous monitoring must take place to ensure the area remains safe from gas hazards.


Pre-entry check


Due to the differing nature of gases and the fact that some are heavier than air, whilst others are lighter, testing at various levels of the confined space is essential.


Until the hazards are known and evaluated, it is not safe for the operator to directly enter the area. The use of a confined space gas detector kit makes stratified testing easy and generally includes a multi-gas monitor with pump and 10 foot sampling hose for pre-testing (longer lengths available).


Continuous atmospheric monitoring


After initial testing is complete, testing of the atmosphere within the space must continue to ensure the area remains safe. If a hazardous atmosphere is detected during entry, employees should exit immediately, re-evaluate the space and take corrective measures.


What portable device?


The ideal portable device needs to offer simultaneous monitoring of 4 gases, and be rugged and suited to tough environments. A device that can provide clear readings of gas concentrations and simple one button operation is also preferable. Audible and visual alarms are also necessary to ensure that the operator is alerted to an issue, even in noisy environments, whilst an IP67 rating and concussion-proof design ensures the device can work in a wide variety of confined space environments.


Portable device safety


Workplace environments can be harsh and gas detectors can be subjected to all kinds of conditions that can affect their operation. The only way to guarantee an instrument will detect gas accurately and reliably is to test it with a known concentration of gas. Exposing the instrument to a known concentration of test


gas will show whether the sensors respond accurately and the instrument alarms properly.


A bump test verifies calibration by exposing the instrument to a known concentration of test gas. The instrument reading is compared to the actual quantity of gas present, as indicated on the cylinder. If the


instrument’s response is within an acceptable tolerance range of the actual concentration, then its calibration is verified. Devices like Enforcer and MicroDock II can provide automatic bump testing and calibration of devices, helping to reduce the time and costs associated with this activity.


GasDetector | Winter 2011 | Page 19


Enforcer automatic portable calibration device


To ensure operator safety, bump testing prior to using a


portable device is recommended. Enforcer, Impact’s automatic calibration device allows simple, quick and cost-effective bump testing and device calibration in minutes.


• Simple to use: Simple one button automatic calibration


• Reduces costs and time: Provides full device calibration for the cost of a bump test. Calibration is carried out in two minutes


• Ready when you are: Fully portable, lightweight design optimised for easy use


• Simplifies bump testing and calibration: Provides bump testing/ calibration/datalogging within two minutes at the touch of a button


• Universal use: Works with all portable gas detectors from BW Technologies by Honeywell


Impact Pro


Easy to use with minimal training required: 4-gas monitor with easily changeable sensors (Plug and Play / Disposable) allowing for various sensor configurations. Simple one button operation and intuitive interface


• Reduces the ongoing cost of portable gas detection: Cartridges can be changed in under a minute


• Simplified pre-entry monitoring: Automatic pump for easy remote sampling


GasAlertQuattro


• Easy to use with minimal training required: Simple operation device that can simultaneously monitor up to 4-gas hazards. Optimised for confined space entry use


• Provides visual compliance: IntelliFlash verifies operation and compliance to both the user and supervisors from up to 20ft / 6.1m


MicroDock II Automatic Test and Calibration Station


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