If you work in an industry that routinely involves the potential for exposure to noxious gases, you already know the important role that gas leak detection equipment plays in keeping your employees safe from harm. The best gas leakage detection system can result in lives saved in the unfortunate event that a dangerous gas escapes containment, as many dangerous gases are colorless, odorless, and undetectable to the human senses without the help of sensitive instruments. When it comes to protecting those who share your workplace, a gas leakage detection system is a literal lifesaver.
Gas leak detection systems may come in a variety of types, styles, shapes, and sizes, but they all share a common purpose. That purpose is that they save lives by providing early warning when noxious gases are present or when they reach thresholds that put worker safety in jeopardy. They can be used to detect combustible gases, flammable gases, gases that pose inhalation hazards, and gases that can asphyxiate by preventing the uptake of oxygen. In any event, the bottom line is that gas detectors are a critical component in your workplace safety strategy, and you should know the importance of having them in place to provide early warning for your employees that can result in lives spared during an emergency. Keep reading to learn more about gas detectors and their importance in your workplace safety plan.
Inhalation Hazards
One of the most common reasons to employ gas detectors in the workplace is to protect employees from inhalation hazards. There are many common industrial gases that are used in manufacturing that are quite dangerous to the human body if inhaled. For example, chlorine gas is a common component in many chemical manufacturing processes, and it is a common byproduct of chemical reactions in industrial settings. However, it can be extremely dangerous if inhaled, causing permanent damage and even death with just minimal exposure. Another common by-product gas that can be dangerous to the human body is carbon monoxide. It is colorless and odorless, and therefore can’t be detected by human senses alone. However, a gas detector can alert employees to its presence and save multiple lives.
Flammable or Combustible Gas Hazards
Many gases used in manufacturing and commercial settings are highly combustible or flammable, meaning that they can be represent a fire or explosion threat if they come into contact with heat, fire, static electricity, or other catalyst chemicals. While some of them may be detectable by human senses, some can quickly be rendered undetectable by olfactory fatigue, in which a constantly present scent becomes unnoticeable by the nose. When combustible or flammable gases become concentrated, they represent an incredibly dangerous situation that can result in an explosion that can endanger not only employees, but others in the nearby area. Gas detectors can help quickly detect the presence of such hazards and provide employees with early warning so they can mitigate the situation or evacuate to safety.
Asphyxiant Hazards
Another hazard in the workplace that can be related to gases is asphyxiation, otherwise known as suffocation. It can happen when adequate oxygen is unavailable to breathe, and it can happen for several reasons. For example, if combustion has used the available oxygen in a confined space, that could result in low oxygen levels. An employee who enters that space could be rendered unconscious, and, if the victim isn’t moved to an area of adequate oxygenation, it can be lethal. Another asphyxiant hazard could be the presence of another gas like nitrogen that reduces the amount of available oxygen in a confined area. Though people exposed to low oxygen concentrations may be breathing regularly, they may not be getting the proper amount of oxygen to remain conscious.
If you work in an industry in which inhalation, combustion, and asphyxiation hazards occur regularly, you should consider employing a gas detection system in your workspace to keep employees safe. To learn more about the importance of gas detection in industrial and manufacturing settings, visit DOD Technologies, Inc.