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!

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.