5 Questions to Help your Business Select a Gas Detector

Gas Detector- Laughing gas aside, we all know that gas is no laughing matter.  It goes bang, up in flames, exposes workers and others to toxic fumes, endangers plant facilities and assets and products, and just makes life and business harder and less safe for everyone.  The solution?  Portable, easy-to-use, inexpensive gas detectors, which are just perfect for:

* Checking confined spaces

* Tracing gas leaks

* Monitoring works in hazardous areas.

In a nutshell, the function of gas detectors is simple: it monitors the air around it for potential risks and accurate measurements.  But with health, lives, your operations and assets as well as your business’ very reputation all on the line, it’s crucial that you chose the ideal gas detection equipment for your specific applications.

How’s it done?  By answering these questions:

1. What’s the Application?

Firstly, it’s crucial to get a gas detector that can handle what you’re asking it to do.  For instance, if you’re dealing with multiple gases – especially if you need to monitor them simultaneously – you’ll need a multi-gas detector which can handle carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, flammable oxygen and others.

2. Is it Safe?

Depending on what you’re monitoring, your gas detector needs to be up to the job in terms of ability to handle the likely or potential hazard exposure.  For instance, if dangerous ammonia is present, you’ll need the appropriate gas detector to handle NH3 at greater than 300 parts per million – while many detectors will max out at 100ppm.

3. What are your Sensor Specifications?

The key to your gas detector are the sensors, but even with instruments that look alike and perhaps even have the same brand, not all sensors are the same. Take just carbon monoxide, for example: did you know a single manufacturer produces over a dozen distinct sensors for this gas alone? More sophisticated sensors will know the difference between background gases and more immediate threats, so you can avoid false alarms and a loss of confidence in those critical gas detectors.

4. Should you Test it?

Absolutely yes! Bear in mind that sensors are typically rated based on raw laboratory results, so all of that casing, the filters, and the electronic and other components can affect real-world performance.  Tests are also recommended to sample ease of use – critical for busy workers with multiple responsibilities.

5. How long will it Last?

The part of your gas detector that is likely to fail first is the sensor, so remember that the sensor specifications and the overall product will have been designed and manufactured with certain general applications in mind.  Do your research to see if similar businesses are using the product you’re considering, and perhaps even get in touch with them to talk about how the sensor performed, how long it lasted, and whether the product overall is easily damaged and repairable.

Do you feel ready to select the right gas detectors for your business and operations?  Remember, different products will also offer different basic and advanced features, including alerts and reminders, peer-to-peer connectivity, live monitoring support, maintenance options and support and more.  Don’t forget, gas detector performance is only as good as your thoroughness in selecting the appropriate product, so when in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask someone who knows a little more.