GAS DETECTION & MONITORING


FIND A CONFINED SOLUTION


Gary Collins, Regional Director of Portable Gas Detection at 3M | Scott Safety, says it’s imperative employers provide employees with quality gas detection units,


in order to warn workers of atmospheric hazards, low oxygen levels or any change in the atmosphere.


Due to the added danger of working in a confined space, the quicker a worker is aware of a potential hazardous situation, the higher the chance of escape. This is also why escape sets are so vital, as supplying an employee with an exit strategy will, ultimately, save lives.


The threat of confined spaces is high within all industrial sectors and should be taken extremely seriously by employers. Due to the additional challenges created by working in a confined space, it is essential employers supply to correct equipment to workers to ensure their safety at all times.


GAS DETECTION There are many types of portable gas detection units available, however, for those working in hazardous environments a multi-gas monitor is recommended. As confined spaces can be extremely unpredictable, it’s important to ensure that the gas detection units supplied to employees have the capability to detect numerous gases.


Before investing in a quality detection unit, employers are encouraged to determine how often employees are exposed to both hazardous substances and dangerous environments. This will then help determine whether a reusable or single use gas monitor is required. There are numerous units available for varying industries and situations including fire, construction and even confined space environments, much like our PS200 Series Portable Gas Detector, which has audible and visual alarms in the event on exposure to flammable or toxic gases. As there are varying ranges, it’s suggested that employers contact


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an expert supplier to discuss what their employees’ needs are and, therefore, what the most suitable products available are.


“EMPLOYERS ARE


ENCOURAGED TO DETERMINE HOW


OFTEN EMPLOYEES ARE EXPOSED


TO HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES”


ESCAPE UNITS As well as gas detection units, having an effective escape route is essential. As confined spaces are so volatile and can quickly turn into a dangerous environment, ensuring all employees are trained in carrying out rescue missions and the equipment required is paramount.


Depending on the size of the confined space, an escape respirator is most recommended. These types of escape hoods provide the employee with five, 10 or 15 minutes of free-flowing air, allowing them to escape from the toxic environment; this could be the difference between whether an employee escapes unharmed or not. Scott Safety’s ELSA is an integral piece of equipment within a range of industries including industrial, marine and search and rescue.


TRAINING As well as equipping staff with sufficient equipment, it is vital employees are trained to use their products correctly. If workers don’t


know how to use the equipment supplied, it makes them redundant and won’t provide the lifesaving protection required.


Those entering the confined space should be fully trained on gas detection and how to use the devices supplied, including how to repair, calibrate and troubleshoot them. They should also be given a full briefing on reading the units and what the audible and visual alarms mean. Additionally, escape sets are technical pieces of equipment that require sufficient training if employees are going to feel the benefits.


Confined spaces and hazardous environments are deadly and should be entered into with extreme caution. Specialist equipment and specific training is imperative. We urge employers to contact Scott Safety to find out which products and training sessions are available and recommended for their employees to ensure there are kept safe at all times.


www.scottsafety.com/emea www.tomorrowshs.com


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