The Frontline Safety A-Z of Gas Detection
There are many things to consider when it comes to Gas Detection. We challenged ourselves to give you an A-Z of some of the most important things to consider. We thought it'd be as easy as A, B, C...until we got to X, Y and Z. Read on to find out how we got on.
A is for... Application
Before you shop for a gas detector you need to be aware of the application and environment you’re operating in. This may determine the type of gas, or gases, you’re looking to detect and what model of detector (i.e. pumped or diffusion) you need.
B is for... Brands
Frontline Safety has access to numerous reputable brands of gas detection. We are official channel partners of Draeger Safety and are key UK distributors for RAE Systems, BW Technologies by Honeywell, Casella and MSA Safety. Check out our brands on the homepage.
C is for... Confined Space
Working in a confined space may be daily requirement of your job. You need to know the regulations around this, how you should go about monitoring the type of gases you find in a confined space and the best products to use.
Our confined space guides on our blog will talk you through this.
See Part 1 of the guide here and part two here.
D is for... Detection Tubes
Not only do we supply gas detection monitors, we also supply short-term gas detection tubes. These can be a cost-effective alternative and when used in conjunction with the Drager Gas Detection Accuro Pump a huge range of gases can be measured. Read our blog for 5 Things You Need to Know about the Accuro Pump.
E is for... Ease of Use
Gas detection may sound complicated but you can be assured that each manufacturer has made their units as simple to use as possible. Every monitor will come with a quick start guide or manual and Frontline Safety will always be on hand to support you, should you need it. Visit our YouTube Channel to see just how easy some of the detectors are to use.
F is for... Fixed Gas Detection
If you’re looking for a stationary system to continuously monitor gases then a fixed gas detection system may be more suitable for you than a portable. Our Service Team can talk you through the specifics of your system and make it bespoke to your application. Contact them now for a quotation on 0141 771 7749.
G is for... Graphical Display
One of the great things about the gas detectors at Frontline Safety is the easy-to-see LCD graphical display they have. These will show readings and some will even show a countdown to the end of service life. The BW Quattro, for example, has a beating heart in the middle of the display to indicate correct operation.
H is for... Hazardous Area Approvals
MSA, Drager, BW and RAE Systems gas detectors are covered by a range of approvals. Some are ATEX approved or ISO 9001 approved. To find out more on approvals visit the individual product pages on our website and see the specification tables for more information.
I is for... IP Ratings
IP rating stands for ‘Ingress Protection’ rating which is defined in international standard EN 60529. This will define the level of sealing effectiveness of the enclosure against things like moisture and dirt. Most detectors are IP66/67 rated, but check the individual products and the specification tables to ensure you have the correct protection.
J is for... Judgement
Err on the side of caution and don’t take risks when it comes to gas detection. Use your own judgement and take the time to ensure you have everything you need, from detection equipment to PPE. If there’s anything you’re not sure of then do not hesitate to contact our Service Team – 0141 771 7749.
K is for... Known Target Gas
Know what the gas hazards are before entering any confined space and make sure you consult your risk assessment and method statement. You’ll need to know your target gas in order to choose an appropriate detector. We have both single gas detectors and multi gas detectors available on the Frontline Safety website.
L is for... Logging
The majority of gas detectors have some sort of logging function, whether it be event logging or data logging. The event logger will record recent events so there is evidence of the detector’s actions. Some of the more comprehensive monitors will have a data logging function, which means intervals can be configured and the data collected can be downloaded using software for later use. The X-am 7000 and BW GasAlertExtreme are two of our data logging instruments.
M is for... Multi Gas Detectors
Some applications may require you to detect more than one gas. Our range of multi gas detectors will allow you to simultaneously measure a selection of gases. There are 4, 5 and even 6-sensor gas detectors available. Check out our multi gas detector range here.
N is for... Nitrogen Purging
The process of nitrogen purging can be done in applications where there is a need to overcome potential absorption or adsorption problems. Gas lines can be purged before taking an instrument reading.
O is for... Oxygen Depletion
Being aware of your oxygen levels during gas monitoring is crucial. Too little oxygen will mean your coordination and respiratory system will be impaired. An oxygen monitor will be able to establish whether oxygen levels are what they should be. We have a range of oxygen single gas detectors, including the BW Clip and MSA Altair O2.
P is for... Pumped Monitors
If you plan to enter a confined space you’ll know that taking atmospheric samples is paramount before entry. Using a pumped model of gas detector will help carry this out as the detector will be able to draw the sample out using a confined space kit. The QRAE II is one of our pumped monitors – read our full review on it here.
Q is for... Quick Response
The manufacturers we supply have gas sensors that boast fast response times. The MSA XCell Sensors, for example, are designed to enable shorter span calibrations and provide a response in less than 15 seconds (some are less than 10). Replacement MSA and Drager sensors are available on the Frontline Safety website.
R is for... Repair and Service
These are two things that can be carried out by our friendly Service Team at Frontline Safety. We offer calibration and service for various portable and fixed gas detectors and are always on hand should you need any additional support.
If you need your gas detector calibrated you can fill out the RMA form on our website and instruments can be serviced at our Service Centre in Glasgow.
S is for... Single Gas Detectors
Our single gas detectors are ideal for when there’s only one gas present. The detectors come in all shapes and sizes with various different features. Some of our most popular single gas detectors include the BW Clip, Drager Pac 3500, ToxiRAE Pro and the MSA Altair.
T is for... Test Equipment
It’s crucial your gas detectors are bump tested daily and calibrated at least every 6 months. Our range of test equipment will help you carry this out. We have bump test stations, calibration docks and a range of calibration gas for testing your monitor. Check out our blog and read why it’s so important to calibrate your gas detectors.
U is for… Unyielding
One of the main benefits of our gas detectors is the unyielding casings and housings. Most of them are robust and tough which will protect your gas detector from any accidental drops or damage. The MSA Altair multi gas monitors have even been tested to pass a 20ft drop test.
V is for... VOCs
VOCs are volatile organic compounds, which are emitted as gases from various solids and liquids. These can be found in a range of applications and are detected using a Photoionisation Detector (PID detector). These are available to purchase and hire at Frontline Safety. View the MiniRAE 3000 on our website.
W is for... Warranty
Take peace of mind from knowing that your gas detectors from Frontline Safety will carry some sort of warranty. Some if the monitors have a two-year warranty, others have three. Some also carry a warranty on the sensors. Check individual products for their guarantees.
X is for... X-Zone
The X-Zone from Drager Safety is a innovative monitor which combines with personal gas detectors to create an area monitoring device. These detectors are also portable so are easy to position where you expect hazards to be. Using multiple X-Zones can also create a wireless fence line, which is great for monitoring larger areas.
Y is for... Your Safety
Your safety is absolutely paramount to us. Our purpose at Frontline Safety is to provide customers with the best products, people and information when choosing your gas detection equipment. Our Sales Support and Service Team are always on hand to help and our blog and YouTube Channel have some useful videos and guides.
Z is for... Zoning
We’ve covered Hazardous Area Classification and Zones 0, 1 and 2 are examples of this. According to the HSE ‘they are based on an assessment of the frequency of the occurrence and duration of an explosive gas atmosphere.’ See the HSE website for more information on what each of the zones represent.
Our Altair 4X is ATEX-approved for Zone 1 with the combustible sensor installed.
That's the Frontline Safety A-Z of Gas Detection. Do you have your own A-Z? Let us know in the comments or visit us on our social media platforms.