Gas monitor devices are divided into two broad categories: fixed gas monitors or portable gas monitors. Both are forms of sensor technology designed to detect hazardous vapors or low oxygen levels in an indoor environment. When considering the most appropriate detection solution, it is important to evaluate the distinctive characteristics of both air safety devices.

After an environment undergoes a risk assessment, it is best to understand which type of gas monitor will optimize the safety of workers and reduce the risk of accidents or injury on a worksite. Portable gas monitors are hand-held devices that can be worn as personal protective equipment. Portable gas monitors notify the individual when gas levels in the atmosphere exceed safety limits, or oxygen levels are too low, especially inside confined spaces. As a safety device, a portable gas monitor includes digital interfaces to provide a visual readout of the type and levels of hazardous gases in the atmosphere.

Portable gas monitors are ideal for use in circumstances where a fixed gas monitor is impractical. It is essential to understand the nature of the gas and vapor hazards in an environment to determine the best detecting solution. A gas hazard overview determines the best monitoring technology for an environment, but there are defining characteristics of a work environment that requires the unique features of a portable gas monitor. Explore the following tips on how to decide if you need a portable gas monitor before choosing an air sensing solution for your site project.

Size of Space

The size of the space a worker is entering is a key factor in choosing a portable gas monitor. The design of a portable gas detector is specific in needing to keep personnel safe from toxic gas hazards. Workers can wear portable gas monitors on their belts or other areas of clothing, making this option ideal for confined spaces such as process tanks, aircraft fuel tanks, and sewage systems. The main threat of confined spaces includes flooding that rapidly fills the enclosed space, rapid increase in body temperature, and flammable vapors. A portable gas monitor permits workers from outside a confined space to be notified of hazards via the gas monitoring system. Understanding the risks of a confined space enables an organization to choose the right equipment measures to ensure the safety of workers.

Budget Limits

If there is a limited budget for PPE, portable gas devices may be the way to go, as they cost significantly less than fixed gas detectors. Capital installation of fixed detectors and the demand for constant power supply can cost a business more than the job site requires. Since fixed gas monitors are on-location, they also require routine service evaluations that contribute to the cost. Fixed gas monitors are best for monitoring large work sites, but if air monitoring is required on a smaller site, a portable gas monitoring system is the best solution. Reducing the risk of significant accidents saves an organization money on work-related injuries and absences.

Control Levels

Choosing a portable gas monitor depends on the level of controls required on a job site. Unlike a fixed gas monitor, a portable detector can be worn on a worker’s clothing. Most portable gas detectors are battery-operated, which means they are not limited to a power source like a fixed gas monitor. Portable gas monitors are rechargeable and operate from a single charge. If an operation requires central tracking, a portable gas detector has the option of linking the GSM from a remote location for monitoring and tracking the sensor readings centrally. The option to recharge a gas sensory device also permits workers to have independent control over their personal protective equipment.

Types of Hazards

Assess the type of hazards in an environment to determine whether a portable gas monitor is appropriate. These hazards include the types of gases present in the atmosphere and the concentration levels. If a worker is under the threat of continuous exposure to toxic air levels, a portable gas monitor is the safest method for ongoing monitoring. The design of portable gas detectors suits the breathing zone inside a hazardous space. The breathing zone is where a gas monitor can most accurately read the quality of air a worker is breathing. As the name suggests, the breathing zone is where a worker inhales oxygen through the nose and mouth. There are differences in gas concentrations between the waist and face of a worker, especially when they are working inside a condensed space. The mobility of portable gas detectors makes them easy to clip on the shirt lapel, collar, or shirt pocket and target the breathing zone.

Ongoing or Temporary Hazards

Whether the exposure to hazardous gases is long-term or temporary is another defining factor in choosing a portable gas monitor. Fixed gas monitors are suitable for areas where required monitoring of the air quality is permanent or ongoing for extended periods of time. For example, a work environment that requires 24/7 monitoring of oxygen levels with an oxygen safety alarm requires permanent installation and consistent power of a sensory device. If a job site requires temporary occupancy, as in the case of sampling water for sewage, a portable gas monitor is a better option, as it is easy for a worker to wear for few hours on a single battery charge.

The most vital factor to consider when choosing a gas monitor is the type of environment a worker is measuring. Portable gas detectors are the best choice for confined spaces, leak testing, and any site project that requires mobile use. Sensory technology has developed variations of portable gas detectors, and it’s important to assess the comprehensive range of designs to suit the needs of your application. The safest method to use when deciding between a portable or fixed gas monitor is to consult a professional gas detection expert to assess the environment. From depleted oxygen levels to hazardous vapors, dependable gas monitors are crucial to protecting industrial employees and reducing workplace hazards.

At TGI Technical Services, we supply a broad range of high-quality gas monitoring devices to provide accurate and optimal protection for your workplace. Explore our selection of products online or contact our TG Technical Services team with questions or requests for additional information.