What are Air Monitors?
Also called gas detectors, this equipment is used when trying to determine how safe an environment is for breathing, such as in a Confined Space.
Typically used to detect Oxygen (O2), Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Combustible Gases (LEL) a 4 gas multi gas detector is the most common Air Monitor in use. A 5 gas monitor detects the same 4 gases a 4 gas does but it will also detect an additional gas such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). This 5th detector can be calibrated to other gases. These monitors allow for a confined space attendant to monitor the air inside a space without entering the space his/herself.
A single gas detector is calibrated to a single gas typically Oxygen (O2), Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) or Carbon Monoxide (CO) but there are others as well. These monitors are designed for a single person to wear on his/her body inside the breathing space while that person is working in an area that has the potential for a hazardous environment.
There are specialized monitors that can detect certain gases such as ammonia or Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC).
What can SRCO do to help?
Our Technicians calibrate, bump test, and repair various brands of monitors including MSA, Honeywell, RKI and Gas Clip.
Calibrations
This is the process of verifying or adjusting a gas monitor’s accuracy against a known, traceable standard of gas. There is a specific Calibration Gas that is bought to complete a proper calibration. It is recommended to calibrate air monitors frequently.
Bump Tests
Bump Tests should be completed before each use of the monitor. This verifies that the Monitor will detect gases within the environment accurately. To bump test properly the monitor is exposed briefly to a known concentration of gas to ensure that the sensors and alarms are working.
In the event that the monitor does not pass the bump test a full calibration is required to ensure that no sensors need replaced.
Repairs
Sensors, screens, and clips eventually all need replaced. SRCO keeps in stock a wide range of parts to repair monitors as needed.
