No room for error

AIRBORNE GAS hazards present health and safety considerations which are relevant in a wide variety of workplaces and industrial settings, whether a highly complex chemical production facility, or in smaller settings such as boiler rooms and small laboratories. It is the latter, lower complexity settings which we’re considering here. This might relate to the use of oxygen and carbon dioxide in hospitals, carbon dioxide in drinks production, chlorine in leisure centres, or carbon monoxide or methane in boiler rooms, as well as risks presented by methane in and around buildings constructed on landfill sites.

The wide variety of gases and their different applications, combined with the potential high-risk nature of the hazards involved, can make gas safety seem a challenging area, further complicated by regularly evolving legislation and advice.

As a result, it can be difficult to know the best approach to take in order to ensure the safety of workers, and more broadly, of the business facility as a whole.

The topic of gas safety can be particularly pertinent in smaller settings, not least because in such environments, health and safety knowledge (and resources) may be more limited, in stark contrast to, for example, a multinational petrochemical company which may well have a large global health and safety team with specialists in many different areas.

As a result, the ability to find the right, straightforward gas detection system and work in partnership with an experienced and reputable provider to find the best solution can be particularly valuable within smaller or less complex sites.

Example: The use of ammonia in food refrigeration

Ammonia is commonly used in food refrigeration systems and is therefore often employed in small independent food facilities.

Whilst its pungent odour is distinctive and unmistakable, its dangers are significant: In lower concentrations, inhalation can lead to irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and prolonged exposure can result in severe respiratory complications, and can even be fatal. Another, often overlooked, danger is its explosive nature when present in higher volumes.

As a result, an accidental release of ammonia can not only pose immediate health risks, even in low concentrations, but can also lead to explosive incidents if not promptly monitored and managed.

In such settings, correctly positioning gas detectors and audio-visual alarms, particularly in critical areas, is essential for reliably monitoring ammonia and ensuring the protection of both employees and assets.

Although each facility is different, and likely to have unique requirements, with the right knowledge and advice, the solution itself need not be overly complicated. A well-designed gas safety detection system, tailored to the site’s specific needs following a survey, will be effective in monitoring for any leaks, providing a complete solution.

Once installed, the system can be fully tested by the equipment provider and set up to trigger alarms for both gas concentrations above defined exposure limits, and also explosive potential, ensuring that timely action can be taken, whether an emergency evacuation, automated ventilation, or a shutdown.

As long as regular service and maintenance schedules are up to date (again, something that any good gas safety partner will be able to advise on), such a solution can be left to operate in the background.

Five key points for health and safety managers to consider when it comes to gas safety in smaller / lower complexity settings:

1. Keep it simple – particularly for smaller industrial settings. A well-chosen gas detection system supported by expert advice from a knowledgeable provider is often more than enough for lower-complexity environments.
2. To this end, work with the company supplying the gas detection system to minimise touchpoints so that the diagnostic information and configuration of the transmitter can be read directly from a controller. This allows for a single touchpoint which is easy to access and can be linked to an alarm which sounds if there is a leak to activate swift evacuation of the building.  
3. Ask the company with which you are considering working what experience they have in your industry, and make sure that they are capable of handling the full range of gas safety issues in your business. Additionally, ensure the company has strong engineering, installation and service and maintenance capabilities to support you through the process and look after your system longer-term.
4. Consider the total cost of ownership of gas detection and monitoring devices – quality can vary, and it’s important to ask, for example, how long consumable parts such as sensors or batteries should last – there can be significant differences in the lifespan of such parts, and the frequency with which they may need to be replaced can make the difference between good and poor value in the long term.
5. Be alert to ‘work-arounds’ in your organisation. Sometimes, particularly in smaller settings, people can be complacent about gas safety and take matters into their own hands. For example, in a food processing factory using carbon dioxide and nitrogen in the packaging process (both gases pose serious risks at certain concentrations), a team had decided that they would simply open a door to ventilate the area and prevent gases building up when the only truly adequate safety solution is to install a fixed gas detection system that alerts staff to the potential build-up of harmful gasses.

Gas detection of airborne hazards is an issue that is attracting growing focus, not least with the increased use of new and more environmentally sustainable practices and materials. Obtaining good advice from trusted partners is an effective way for health and safety professionals to efficiently address gas safety concerns, from the small and simple to the sophisticated and bespoke, ensuring peace of mind for all concerned.

Adam Pope is gas safety expert at Draeger Safety UK. For more information, visit www.draeger.com