Teledyne Discusses Portable Gas Detectors And Staff Protection In COVID-19 Pandemic Period

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 (Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection), has answered some pertinent queries regarding the same.

COVID-19 and gas detection link

The packaging, transportation and storage of COVID-19 vaccines at low temperatures necessitate 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.

Portable gas detectors

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

Another application concerns the storage and use of oxygen at temporary hospitals, a number of which are now in operation across Europe, in order 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.

Risks of exposure to excessive levels of CO2 and oxygen

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 storage equipment, can present a higher flammability risk.

Exposure level guidelines for workplaces

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 can 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% by volume to warn against any impending danger.

Personal gas monitors

A detector such as the Protégé ZM measures just 94 x 56 mm and weighs only 76 grams

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 56 mm and weighs only 76 grams.

Personal gas monitors are extremely easy to use and typically feature a single button switch on and off. 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.

Access to recorded data

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.

With frequent shift changes at factories, logistics hubs, vaccination centers, and temporary hospitals, there is a high likelihood that staff will share personal gas detectors. To avoid any potential for virus transmission, it is good practise 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 for cleaning.

Service and calibration

It is highly advisable that users follow service and calibration guidance for their monitors

It is highly advisable that users follow service and calibration guidance for their monitors, in order to ensure quality and reliability. Working with a gas detector that is out of calibration or needs a sensor replacement, for example, will defeat the objective and also 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.

High integrity solutions

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 COVID-19 pandemic.

Safety is at the heart of all Teledyne gas monitoring and detection solutions.