4way gas monitors

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# Activity page 16: Can this four-gas monitor be used to measure all atmospheric hazards? Why or why not? What can it measure? 209 It cannot measure all atmospheric hazards. There may be toxic chemicals present it cannot measure because a specific sensor is required. It can measure the following: Oxygen (02) level in percent (%) Oxygen deficiency is the lack of oxygen in the air that can lead to dizziness, nausea, impaired thinking, and death. It is has poor warning properties, because we can't smell, taste, touch or hear it. It can be caused by anything that consumes oxygen, or displaces it. Curing of paint or coatings, burning of fuels like propane or gasoline, and rust all consume oxygen. Purging a space with an inert gas, such as argon, displaces oxygen. To work in an oxygen deficient atmosphere oxygen must be provided by forced-air ventilation or a supplied-air respirator. A filtering face-piece respirator is not enough. Oxygen enrichment is a surplus of oxygen in air that can lead to an explosion if ignited, or accelerate a fire. ## Flammable or explosive atmospheres in percent lower explosive limit (% LEL) Examples include gases, liquids, vapors, mists, fibers or dusts that will burn or explode if ignited. Ignition sources can include static electricity, light bulbs, hand tools and power tools, welding, cutting, burning, brazing, and grinding. ## Toxic materials Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) in parts per million (ppm) Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to sleepiness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, impaired thinking and death. It also has poor warning properties. Burning fossil fuels like propane, gasoline, and diesel, in addition to wood products, produces carbon monoxide. To work in a space with carbon monoxide, forced-air ventilation or a supplied air respirator must be used. Carbon monoxide can't be filtered out. Hydrogen sulfide is a product of rotting organic material and is also known as "sewer gas". It has a very distinctive w…

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FACT SHEET NEW YORK Public Employee STATE OF OPPORTUNITY Safety and Health # Calibration and Bump Testing of Portable Gas Monitors ## Why are bump testing and instrument calibration important? Portable gas monitors detect unseen hazards and measure the levels of hazardous gases. These instruments detect the presence of oxygen-deficient, explosive and/or toxic gases. Exposure to these conditions can have serious health effects, and even result in death. Properly maintaining your equipment can save lives. ## What is the difference between full calibration, calibration check and bump testing? Full Calibration - Adjusting the sensor's response to match the desired value compared to a known traceable concentration of test gas Calibration Check - Using a known traceable concentration of test gas to show that the sensors and alarms respond to the gas within manufacturer's acceptable limits Bump Test (Function Check) - Passing a known concentration of gas over the sensors at a level and exposure time strong enough to activate all alarms ## What is the ISEA? The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) is a leading national trade association for manufacturers of safety and health equipment, including portable gas monitors. ## When did the ISEA update their calibration guidelines? In 2010, the ISEA updated and clarified their guidelines on the frequency and types of tests and checks needed to make sure these monitors function properly at all times. These revisions include: • Expanding the scope of the guideline to include all workplace settings (not just confined spaces) • Emphasizing to users, employers and regulatory agencies the importance of making sure that portable gas monitors function properly ## How often does the ISEA recommend performing calibration and bump testing? Conduct a full calibration at regular intervals, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Conduct a bump test or calibration check of portable gas monitors before each da…

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# Activity page 16: Can this four-gas monitor be used to measure all atmospheric hazards? Why or why not? What can it measure? (cont.) ## Toxic materials Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) (cont.) A couple of examples of common atmospheric hazards that require a specific sensor or device to measure include the following: ## Ammonia Ammonia is a colorless gas with a distinct odor. It is commonly found in household and industrial cleaners, in fertilizer and as a refrigerant. It can cause irritation and burning of the skin, mouth, throat, lungs and eyes. Other symptoms include pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. High levels can be deadly. ## Chlorine Chlorine has a distinctive, pungent order that many people recognize as bleach, and is yellow-green in color as a gas. It is one of the most commonly used industrial chemicals and is also found in household cleaners. Symptoms include pain and burning of the skin, eyes, nose and throat, coughing and difficulty breathing, and nausea and vomiting. High levels can be deadly.

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# OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION (cont.) ## Atmospheric testing (cont.) B.C. Reg. 296/97 WORKERS COMPENSATION ACT # OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION # Part 22 - Underground Workings (f) before blasting loaded holes. ## Automatic alarm 22.150 Continuous explosive gas monitors must be equipped with automatic alarm systems that are set and maintained to warn workers to evacuate at 20% of the lower explosive limit (LEL), or if the gas monitor malfunctions. ## Ventilation 22.151 The main ventilation system must be on an independent electrical circuit and fans must be explosion proof and non-sparking. ## Ventilation malfunction - 22.152 If the ventilation system malfunctions (a) every worker must leave the underground working, and (b) workers must not return until safe ventilation is restored, and the atmosphere tested and declared safe. - Air velocity 22.153 The air velocity in the main air duct must be measured at least once a day. - No smoking 22.154 Workers are not permitted to smoke, or to carry or keep ignition material in an underground working if flammable gas is present. ## Welding and burning - 22.155 For welding, burning or other spark producing operations, the employer must ensure that (a) a hot work permit is obtained, (b) the operations only take place in atmospheres containing less than 20% of the LEL of gases or vapours, (c) testing for gases or vapours is done before, and continuously during work, and (d) welding and burning operations are otherwise in compliance with this Regulation. ## Prohibited metals 22.156 Objects made of or containing aluminum, magnesium, titanium or light metal alloy are prohibited in a flammable gassy underground working, except for electrical equipment within a flameproof enclosure, or circumstances where there is no possibility of friction or impact. 498 Last amended March 31, 2025 Consolidation current to March 31, 2025