Direct reading sensors for toxic killers

• Published in: Occupational Health & Safety Vol. 73; no. 5; p. 94
• Main Author: Henderson, Robert E
• Format: Magazine Article Trade Publication Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 1105 Media, Inc 01.05.2004
• Subjects: Air Pollution; Ammonia; Carbon dioxide; Chemical plants; Chemicals; Chlorine; Confined spaces; Diesel fuels; Environmental Monitoring - instrumentation; Equipment and Supplies; Explosions; Fatalities; Gas detectors; Gases; Gases - analysis; Gases - toxicity; Hazardous air pollutants; Hazardous materials; Hydrocarbons; Infrared radiation; Injuries; Occupational safety; Pulp & paper industry; Reading; Refineries; Safety Management; Sensors; Sulfur; United States; VOCs; Volatile organic compounds; United States; United States > US
• ISSN: 0362-4064; 1938-3851

The North American multi-sensor gas detector market is very large. For many instrument users, the "mission" for confined space gas detectors is expanding to include a variety of non-confined space activities. A fire department might use the same instrument both for confined space rescue and for general hazmat response. Compact, four-channel confined space gas detectors are increasingly used as personal monitors for workers at refineries, chemical plants, or oil platforms subject to the potential presence of dangerous atmospheric conditions. The Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) produces a list of High Production Volume (HPV) Chemicals. According to the OECD, more than 5,000 toxic chemicals are produced or imported in volumes in excess of 1,000 tons per year in the United States. On average, there are about 400 major accidents per year involving these chemicals. Fortunately, direct reading miniaturized sensors capable of being installed in portable multi-sensor instruments are available for many of the most common and dangerous of these hazards.