In industries where workers may have to work in hazardous conditions, it's important to minimize the risk of injury and illness as much as possible. Some hazards are easy to see and avoid. Others are more insidious. Many types of gas are flammable, including oxygen, propane, and natural gas, and leaks can create fire hazards. Gas leaks can even lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal if not promptly treated. The right tools will allow you to keep your employees safe. A portable gas monitor can ensure your employees take the necessary safety precautions in all scenarios. Here are four operation tips for anyone equipped with a portable gas monitor.
1. Ensure your portable gas monitors are charged.
Portable gas monitors are electronic devices that rely on batteries for power. A monitor that is running low on battery power may give off inaccurate readings that can put lives in danger. In extreme cases of battery drainage, the monitor may stop functioning entirely. Charge your portable gas monitors whenever they're not in use. It's also a good idea to keep spare batteries available in case of emergencies.
2. Familiarize yourself with the alert system.
When a portable gas monitor detects a dangerous level of toxic gas, it will alert its operator. Some gas monitors will also notify their operators when a low level of oxygen is detected. This alert may come in the form of flashing lights or an audible tone. Some portable gas monitors may begin to vibrate when unsafe conditions are detected. Before you begin to rely on your portable gas monitor, make sure you understand how it works. You don't want to miss an important safety alert because you misunderstood the signs.
3. Check the air quality at regular intervals.
When at a job site, the air quality must be tested upon arrival in order to ensure it's safe for personnel. After you test the air quality once, you should continue to test it at regular intervals. The air quality may change as you walk around a site. If a gas line is leaking, the concentration of gas in the air will steadily rise over time in an enclosed space.
4. Test your portable gas monitors periodically.
Portable gas monitors should be tested periodically to ensure they're still functioning as intended. You can test your gas monitor by exposing it to an amount of gas that is over the threshold for detection. You may use natural gas, propane, or any other type of gas your monitor is programmed to recognize for this process. Setting off intentional alarms will give you the assurance that your portable gas monitor will also alert you during a true emergency.
For more information, contact a company that supplies gas monitors such as the Draeger X-am portable gas monitor.
