When to Use What Type of Portable Gas Detector

Posted by georgehenr on February 7th, 2020

One question that frequently gets asked is why in some environments is a multiple gas portable gas detector recommended and why in some can you make do with a single gas portable gas detector? There are multiple facets to the answer. If you are debating what you need, here is some food for thought.

Employer/Contract Mandate

As a precaution, some employers mandate the use of four=gas detectors, whether you need them or not. This is to cover themselves from a liability standpoint, but also to cover their employees if the environment they thought there was only a single gas hazard turns out to have more than a single gas threat. This can also be included as a contractual stipulation and compliance can be one part of a review process or audit.

Gas Hazard Classifications

Gases that pose a risk of bodily injury or death to humans are classified into three categories:

• Toxic (Noxious) – This type of gas will harm anyone it comes in contact with. The harm caused can come in a wide variety, including burns and the breakdown of biological material.
• Asphyxiating – These gases replace oxygen in the bloodstream and initially can lead to disorientation all the way up to death. Carbon monoxide is probably the most infamous asphyxiating gas.
• Combustible – A combustible gas ignites or explodes when it comes in contact with a spark, fire, chemical interaction or intense heat.

The reason these classifications are important in determining what type of gas detector to use, is because they build on each other. For example, some gases displace oxygen so it is not necessary to have a sensor for each type of gas, but rather an oxygen monitor to indicate when it drops significantly. When that happens, workers know they are in the presence of at least one type of hazardous gas.

Unknown Work Environment

Some work environments will have known and documented gases and sources of gases. Many, however, will have a lot of unknowns in terms of what type of gasses can be present. With the former, a four gas detection monitor might be appropriate, except when there is only the risk of one type of gas exposure in which a single gas detection monitor would work. In the latter, a four gas detection combo is a necessity as it will allow for the detection of the presence of multiple gases.

When selecting a single or four gas portable gas detector, the type of environment you will be facing plays a major role. By always erring to the side of caution, you can ensure the safety of all those around you.