GAS MONITORING

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Too many people are killed every year when working or rescuing from confined spaces. In many cases this is because operatives are not aware of the hazards and do not have the correct monitoring equipment to identify when hazards are present

HAZARDS

  • Lack of knowledge of the potential hazards
  • Low or High oxygen levels
  • Presence of toxic or flammable gases
  • The wrong type or uncallibrated monitoring equipment

HEALTH AND SAFETY POINTS

  • Make sure that a risk assessment has been carried out and that the assessment has identified all relevant hazards and the controls needed, including the type of monitor needed
  • For any confined space or restricted area work appropriate training must be carried out
  • Be familiar with how the gas monitoring equipment operates
  • Ensure that the monitor has been calibrated and is fit for use
  • Do not rely on the monitor to respond to every toxic gas, it will only detect what it has been set for. Be alert for unusual odours or conditions
  • Some gases have definite odours a good example is Hydrogen Sulphide that smells its like bad eggs
  • Treat the equipment with respect and do not subject it to abuse of misuse which may effect is efficiency
  • The monitor must always be switched on whilst working in identified areas
  • The monitor should always be placed in a representative area of the working area
  • Methane has no color or odour and can layer in poorly ventilated areas
  • Too little oxygen will not sustain life too much becomes a fire risk
  • The normal oxygen % is 20.6%. The alarm will go off below 19% and above 23%
  • Don’t panic if an alarm goes off but DO evacuate the area
  • You must have full knowledge of the site emergency procedures

 

QUSTIONS

  • What is the effect of too little oxygen?
  • Are you fully aware of the monitor you are to use?
  • What are the site emergency procedures?
  • What smell is associated with Hydrogen Suphide?
  • What smell is associated with Methane?

 

SAFETY REMINDER

You have six senses but a monitor only has one. Be aware of your environment at all times and use your sixth sense common sense

kassy

Recent Posts

Baekjadong Valley, Gapyeong

Our annual camping spot in the valleys of Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province  .   We’ve been camping…

3일 ago

Gwangdeoksan in Cheonan, Home of Gwangdeoksa Temple

It was still a hot September when I visited Gwangdeoksan Mountain in Cheonan.  .   . …

4일 ago

Hot and Challenging Cheonggyesan in Pocheon

When I first set out for Cheonggyesan in Pocheon, I imagined it would be as…

5일 ago

Deokhangsan Hiking Guide, Gangwon Province, Korea

In the bright, green month of May, I visited Deokhangsan Mountain, part of Korea’s Baekdudaegan…

1주 ago

Beware of Winter Influenza and Eye Infections!

Healthy Living Through Handwashing and Vaccination  .  Seasonal influenza and epidemic conjunctivitis (eye infections) are…

2주 ago

The Law of Communication Without mutual recognition and understanding, true communication is impossible. We now…

2주 ago