Portable Gas Detectors and staff protection during COVID-19

There are many ways that portable gas detectors for personal use can deliver individual protection for key staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kevin O´Donnell, EMEA Business Development Manager at Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection, uses his expertise to answer a number of pertinent questions.

Q. What are the links between COVID-19 and gas detection?

A. The packaging, transportation and storage of COVID-19 vaccines at low temperatures necessitates the use of dry ice, which is a form of carbon dioxide (CO₂). If CO₂ escapes in its gaseous form, there is a danger to factory, logistics and healthcare workers, most of whom will be unfamiliar with dry ice and its potentially harmful effects. Although there is a clear global need for vaccine urgency, employers also have a responsibility to avoid compromising worker health and safety.

Another application concerns the storage and use of oxygen at temporary hospitals, a number of which are now in operation across Europe to provide COVID-19 patients with emergency ventilation. These facilities do not have permanently engineered solutions to monitor for oxygen leaks, which presents the need for additional safety precautions.

In both applications, portable gas detectors worn by personnel can monitor for gas leaks and alarm against dangerous exposure.

Q. What are risks of exposure to excessive levels of CO₂ and oxygen?

A. Dry ice is solid-state CO₂. However, sublimation of CO₂ occurs at temperatures above -78°C, when it becomes gaseous. CO₂ in this form is heavier than air and tends to take the place of oxygen, presenting a risk of anoxia. As little as 3% CO₂ by volume can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, while 5% will likely prompt dizziness, confusion, headaches and shortness of breath.

All of these conditions can prove dangerous in a workplace situation. Moreover, staff absenteeism due to feeling poorly is a major risk to the effectiveness of vaccine supply chains. As for oxygen, excessive amounts of this gas in the atmosphere due to leakage from tanks or equipment presents a higher flammability risk.

Q. What are the exposure level guidelines for workplaces?

A. Alarm levels for CO₂ in the PS500 personal gas monitor from Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection, for example, are set well below 3-5%. In fact, 0.5% CO₂ by volume is the EH40 prescribed time-weighted average safe exposure limit for workplaces across an 8-hour working day. There is also a guideline for STEL (short-term exposure limit), which is 1.5% CO₂ by volume over a 15-minute period.

With oxygen, leaks into the workplace atmosphere above 25% by volume, change the flammability of the environment. Again, a personal gas monitor, in this case the high-performance yet cost-effective Protégé ZM from Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection, features appropriately set levels of 23% Vol to warn against any impending danger.

Q. How are personal gas monitors used?

A. The device simply clips to a lapel or belt loop, for example, from where it can sense danger from every direction and make that vital connection between excessive gas exposure and personal safety. A detector such as the Protégé ZM measures just 94 x 56mm and weighs only 76g.

Personal gas monitors are extremely easy to use and typically feature a single button switch-on. If an alarm triggers, the monitor will beep, shake and flash [audible, tactile and visual] to ensure the user acknowledges the warning in all kinds of environments, including noisy ones.

Q. Is there access to recorded data?

A. Data-logging capability sees a memory store taken every minute. Users can upload the data to a PC, where they will see a time and date stamp against exposure events. This evidence is useful if there is a requirement for an investigation or report.

Q. What is the best way to clean/sanitize gas detectors during COVID-19?

A. With frequent shift changes at factories, logistics hubs, vaccination centers and temporary hospitals, there is a likelihood that staff will share personal gas detectors. To avoid any potential for virus transmission, it is good practice to clean the monitors between shifts. The best way to ensure surface cleanliness is to use mild soap and water applied to a damp cloth.

Do not use alcohol wipes or other alcohol-based cleaning products, as the sensor will detect the alcohol and provide a false reading. Users should also avoid silicone, chlorine or bleach-based cleaning products.

Q. What about service and calibration?

A. It is highly advisable that users follow service and calibration guidance for their monitors to ensure quality and reliability. Working with a gas detector that is out of calibration or needs a sensor replacement, for example, defeats the objective and places staff at risk. Optimum intervals are dependent upon the working environment, but annual service and calibration is typical. A two-year warranty is applicable assuming adherence to the service schedule.

Q. Why is Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection qualified to help in the COVID-19 emergency?

A. Due to the knowledge, expertise and experience of Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection across many sectors that deal with potentially dangerous gases in confined spaces, the company has proven, high integrity solutions that can help keep workers safe during the pandemic. Safety is at the heart of all Teledyne gas monitoring and detection solutions.

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