Certified Air Safety

In our last blog (part 2 of 4) we consulted the OSHA Construction eTOOL to determine the factors that require a Gas Monitor. In this Blog (part 3 of 4) we explore Certified AIR SAFETY’s tried and true method for determining which features of a gas detector are right for you. From our many years of selling and servicing this type of equipment, we have come up with what we believe is the definitive list of 3 types of portable gas detectors.

We list these as levels A, B and C

Level “A”
Chosen for the most robust of features and durability at the highest levels of detection. To be used for the detection of Combustible gases throughout the ppm, LEL, and Percent by volume ranges. Using Catalytic and Thermal Conductivity sensors to reliably detect the presence of High Levels of CH4 (% VOL) within an Inerted atmosphere of CO2, N2, etc.

Features an Oxygen sensor to determine the presence of oxygen in confined spaces, or to determine the Minimum level of oxygen for the reliable detection of combustible gases at lower levels (ppm, LEL).

Features a Carbon Monoxide, or other Toxic sensor to detect the presence of Toxic gases within a confined space “as required by OSHA 29 CFR, 1910.146, (d)(5)(iii)” or within any work area.

Features Data Logging for the retrieval of exposure data, post incident, or for Industrial Hygiene monitoring of employee exposures, and the option of both Alkaline and rechargeable batteries in a field changeable configuration.

Features the use of a robust and reliable sample draw pump.

Level “B”
Chosen for Use within a Confined Space, or general area monitoring. To be used only for the detection and continuous monitoring of Combustible and Toxic gases within the ranges of Life Safety.
• Combustibles, 0 to 100% LEL.
• Oxygen, at the 19.5 or lower, and 23.5 or higher alarm levels.
• Toxic gases at the STEL, CEILING, and TWA alarm levels.
• The detector should be selected for durability, ease of use and reliability.

Features the use of A Catalytic (wheat stone bridge) Sensor for reliable detection of combustible gases (% LEL) within Confined spaces, or for general area monitoring.

Features an Oxygen sensor for the presence of oxygen in confined spaces, or to determine the minimum presence of oxygen for the reliable detection of combustible gases at lower levels (ppm, LEL).

Features a Carbon Monoxide, or other Toxic sensor to detect the presence of Toxic gases within a confined space “as required by OSHA 29 CFR, 1910.146, (d)(5)(iii)” or within any work area.

Features Data Logging for the retrieval of exposure data, post incident, or for Industrial Hygiene monitoring of employee exposures, and the option of Both Alkaline and rechargeable batteries in a field changeable configuration.

Features the optional or built in use of a robust and reliable sample draw pump.

Level “C”
Approved for general leak detection (leak check) only.

Typically features the use of a Metal Oxide Semi Conductor Sensor for the detection of Combustible gases only at the lower levels of detection, PPM and LEL. These units do not generally feature interchangeable batteries between rechargeable and alkaline battery packs, Oxygen, Carbon Monoxide, or other Toxic sensors and are the least expensive to purchase.

“Leak check” monitors should not be used for the detection of gases within the life safety ranges, for confined space entry, pipeline inerting or hot work permitting.

Congratulations! You’ve determined the correct type of Personal Gas Monitor and perhaps made your Purchase. Or perhaps you already own one, and need some pointers on calibration and maintenance? In our next and final Blog for this series we’ll provide a handy preparedness checklist, and many helpful hints!

This is part 2 of our 4 part series on Gas detection in the Construction Industry.

With so many OSHA regulations, where do we begin to search for help with gas detection or respiratory protection within confined spaces? To start, OSHA has a web tool called the OSHA Construction “eTool”.
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You can find it using this link: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/construction/shprogram.html.
This handy tool outlines the relevant standards required to establish and maintain a “Construction Safety & Health Program”. Since this article is about gas detection, your best place to start is Section C. Hazard Identification and Determination: (2), Monitor exposure levels.

Section C lists four separate “Code of Federal Regulations” (CFR’s) that apply to monitoring for exposures and gas detection. I have included a synopsis of the four CFR’s in this article. The complete documents are available on the OSHA website.

The first regulation - 29 CFR 1926.55 - states four primary points of compliance, paragraphs (A) through (D).

1. Paragraph (A) simply explains that “We must not expose our employees to any material or substance at a concentration above those specified in the “Threshold Limit Values of Airborne Contaminants for 1970″. These “Threshold Limit Values” (TLV’s) can be found in the MSDS sheets of the products you purchase. The next best source for these TLV’s is the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards; available from the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg every safety manager should own a copy of this guide.

2. Paragraph (B) states that “we must first use administrative and engineering controls to achieve compliance”; and “if these are not sufficient to keep exposures below TLV’s, that we must use the proper equipment, respirators and technical measures to achieve compliance”. It is also stated that “these determinations should be made by a competent Industrial Hygienist or other technically qualified person”. In most situations, except where exposure to substances that may require sample collection and laboratory analysis, these decisions can be made by a qualified and competent safety professional.

3. Paragraph: (C) and

4. Paragraph (D) state the 5 separate compounds that are exempt from this section; airborne Asbestos, tremolite, anthophyllite, actinolite and Formaldehyde, then direct you to the appropriate CFR’s for compliance.

The second regulation, 29 CFR 1926.62, outlines lead exposure. The third regulation, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart Z, is the top level directory for standards from Asbestos exposure, sampling and analysis, to respirator fit testing, medical questionnaires and exposure to carcinogens. The fourth regulation, 29 CFR 1926.1101, again deals with Asbestos. It all sounds quite complicated, but understanding the Codes of Federal Regulations is the key in knowing how to comply with the OSHA standards.

Consulting a professional in the gas detection and safety industry can be your best bet in maintaining OSHA compliance and peace of mind when dealing with the threats to your employee’s health and safety.

Now that we have consulted the OSHA Construction “eTOOL” and determined that we need a Gas Monitor; how should we choose one? From our many years of selling and servicing this type of equipment at Certified AIR SAFETY, we have come up with what we believe is the definitive list of 3 types of portable gas detectors. We list these as levels A, B and C and we’ll discuss these in our next part (3) of this 4 part series of articles.

Product Highlight Series
This is the third product highlight in our exclusive series of gas detection we proudly carry on our site to give you our opinion on the equipment itself. The way we present it to you is from the perspective of its application, ease of use, and longevity of the equipment.

Application:
The Eagle 2 gas monitor is a powerful instrument that monitors up to 6 different gasses, can draw samples from up to 125 feet away, includes data logging and user-friendly software. The Eagle 2 is smaller and lighter than its predecessor the Eagle.

The Eagle 2 is also available with IR sensors for measuring Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in 3 separate ranges - Methane in both % LEL and % Volume ranges and other Hydrocarbons in % LEL ranges.

The Eagle Series instruments are widely used in military, industrial facilities and for confined space entry.

One element that helps the Eagle 2 stand out is the fact that it now includes a photo ionization detector or PID. The Eagle 2 photo ionization detector measures volatile organic compounds and other gases in concentrations in 2 ranges, 0-50 ppm or 0-4000 ppm. The Eagle 2 is capable of giving instantaneous readings and monitoring continuously for up to 6 gases in unique combinations.

PIDs are used as monitoring solutions for:

Ease of Use:
The Eagle 2 has been designed with user ergonomics in mind, featuring large glove friendly buttons, offering easy access to controls including auto-calibration, alarm silence, demand zero, peak hold and methane elimination to name only a few. Alarm levels include low, high and TWA/STEL alarms for toxic channels. Alarm levels are user adjustable for latching or non-latching.

Longevity:
The EAGLE 2 will continuously operate for over 16 hours on alkaline batteries or 18 hours on Ni-MH batteries.

Conclusion:
After touring the RKI facility I could tell the company takes pride in a well made gas monitor - the EAGLE 2 is a well made gas monitor with high quality, long life and field proven sensors.

Biosystems (now Sperian)

Product Highlight Series
This is the second in our exclusive series of gas detection we proudly carry on our site to give you our opinion on the equipment itself. The way we present it to you is from the perspective of its application, ease of use, and longevity of the equipment.

Application:
This portable hand held gas monitor is best suited for confined space entry where oxygen, combustible gas, toxic gases and volatile organic compounds such as petroleum distillates or solvents could exceed permissible exposure limits. Compact and rugged, this gas monitor is designed for tough working environments while being small, lightweight and unobtrusive, making it ideal for use where entry and exit may be difficult.

The PhD6 gas monitor delivers exceptional hazardous gas detection and offers simple user functions and operation with durable styling. PhD6 features 5 sensor ports, up to 6 channels of detection and over 19 sensor configurations including electrochemical, LEL, PID and infrared IR for the detection of either CO2 or Methane. Biosystems (now Sperian) sells most of the PhD6 gas monitors to the petroleum industry or chemical sales. Although, on their website they also mention breweries, wineries and anywhere accumulations of CO2 can be an issue.

Ease of Use:
Like any good gas sensor the PhD6 utilizes ease of use, large LCD screen, mode button that can be used with gloves on and a rugged case, all make this monitor user friendly.

Longevity:
The PhD6 gas monitor is very durable with its enclosed solid polycarbonate case and rubber cover, so it’s both tough and easy to handle. And the rechargeable battery packs with run times as long as 24 hours are an added bonus.

Conclusion:
You’d be hard-pressed to find a hazardous gas detection monitor at this price point that works better–and offer more flexibility–than the Biosystems PHD6. This gas monitor is a great example of well-made hardware with up to 6 channels of combined gas detection, three visible LED alarms, a robust 24-hour battery life and built-in black box data recorder. We thoroughly recommend the PhD6 gas monitor for industrial hygiene, confined space entry and users on a budget.

Important Product Updates from Certified Air Safety

The management team at Certified Air Safety would like to inform new and existing customers that the following products have been discontinued;

BW Technologies:

DISCONTINUED:
GasProbe CO
GasAlertMax
GasAlertMax XT
9600 Fixed System Controller
Auto Test Station

NEW PRODUCTS:
BW Technologies has introduced the following new products to their line of detectors:
GasAlertMax XT II
GasAlert Quattro

Biosystems:

DISCONTINUED:
PhD Lite
PhD Plus
PhD Ultra
Mighty-Tox
CO Responder Kit

NEW PRODUCT:
The discontinued line of PhD gas detectors has been replaced by the brand new Biosystems PhD6.

RKI Instruments has no discontinues, however they have released the RKI Instruments Eagle II which is a very notable upgrade from the previous Eagle model.

A-L Compressed Gas of Northwest Portland has sold its operations to Industrial Source, a regional supplier of industrial, medical gases and welding products.

Following the sale, Tom Stupfel, Chief Executive Officer, moved an affiliate company, Certified Air Safety, to Vancouver Washington.

Mr. Stupfel, a 20 year resident of Vancouver, stated that the majority of the current staff at Certified Air Safety now live in the greater Vancouver area.

Certified Air Safety, www.certifiedairsafety.com a company of only 5 years in the making, has grown to
become a premier provider of hazardous gas safety products, focused entirely on the equipment
requirements of Confined Space Entry and all hazardous air environments.

By this move to Vancouver, Certified Air Safety, a national firm selling to and serving government, military, aerospace, industrial, medical, and research customers, now has the ability to concentrate on the air safety needs of Northwest companies through direct contact.

Certified Air Safety’s dedicated and well respected staff offers over 30 years of gas detection experience, along with specialized services for calibration and repair of stationary gas detection systems and portable gas monitors.

With a brand new repair center and warehouse in the Vancouver area, representing brands that specifically cater to our clients’ requirements, Certified Air Safety adds a much needed local service and sales capability in this fast growing field.

Management at Certified Air Safety invites you to visit our newest website dedicated to fixed gas monitoring systems, Certified Gas Monitors. Focusing on our extensive line of gas detection monitors from BW Technologies, Biosystems, GasTech (Thermo Scientific) and RKI Systems, our new site delivers the critical information you seek in an easy-to-find manner.

Within 3 clicks of your mouse you can be viewing the right gas monitor for your needs, downloading product specifications in Adobe PDF format for later viewing or placing a quote request which gets to our inbox within seconds. As always, think of the team at Certified Air Safety for your next gas detection project. Your safety is our specialty!

The management of Certified Air Safety, a leader in gas leak detection equipment has officially released their newest website, Certified Gas Detectors aimed at showcasing portable gas detectors. The focus of this new site is to connect workplace safety professionals with the right equipment for the job at hand in the quickest manner possible.

Showcasing dozens of the industry’s most sophisticated and reliable portable gas detectors from GasTech (Thermo Scientific), RKI Instruments, BW Technologies and Biosystems, Certified Air Safety believes that dedicating a new site to this branch of their extensive line of gas leak detection equipment will be appreciated by their existing client base and new visitors alike. The website itself focuses on a clean and easy to navigate approach for the visitor to help them locate the ideal gas detector in a concise and guided environment.

Dedicated to getting the right equipment to their customers, Certified Air Safety does not sell their portable gas detectors directly from the site. Rather, they require that interested parties contact them via the website to ensure that they are interested in to avoid purchasing the wrong detector. This approach has saved many of their long time customers money and time with the absolute assurance of the right gas detection tools before the job begins.

We welcome all of you to visit the site and give us feedback about your experience. Again, thank you for your patronage and support, we always appreciate your business!

Nearly 100 gas detectors now have full detailed product descriptions, along with fast loading information for calibration gases and replacement gas sensors. Over the course of this year, Certified Air Safety management will be opening up even more of their extensive list of gas detection products to this format, to better assist you.

If you already own one of the gas detectors on this website, you are able to request service directly from the product description page to help minimize unnecessary searching throughout the site. Just simply type in the name of the gas detection product in the site search, and results are instantly available.

When researching gas detectors, it is vital to know it’s technical capabilities and limits. The Certified Air Safety website does offer detailed information both on page as well as in PDF format for later viewing or printing. You will be required to have Adobe Acrobat reader installed on your computer. Please visit www.adobe.com to get the reader for free.

Certified Air Safety is proud to work with the following gas detection manufacturers; Biosystems, BW Technologies, GasTech (Thermo Scientific), Nextteq (GasTec), and RKI Instruments. Also available through the website are other workplace safety equipment products for respiratory protection and various tools for government agencies.