Protecting Dentists from the Mercury in the Filings that they Remove

The past couple of decades have slowly made us aware of the dangers of mercury poisoning. Mercury thermometers are no longer available and what little mercury is still being used out there is being carefully monitored and safely handled. Mercury spill kits are available for the safe handling of mercury in the events of a [...]

CSB posts a new video on Emergency Preparedness

A new video, posted on the Chemical Safety Board (CSB) website on June 10th highlight a number of recent accidents that resulted in a number of deaths and injuries that, according to CSB officials could easily have been avoided. At that core of the CSB proposal is a three step approach:

Better Training

Better Communication

Better Community Planning

In [...]

Special Challenges with Gas Detection

Today’s post is an article by Donald P. Galman. Thank you Donald, for giving me permission to use it (See the bottom of the article for more information about Donald Galman as well as how to contact him)
Special Challenges with Gas Detection

By Donald P. Galman

What Mark Twain wrote about words can apply to a gas [...]

The Basics of Gas Monitors (Appendix A)

Appendix A
Some examples of various types of gas monitors
Multi-Gas Monitors

GasAlertMicro 5 by BW Technologies

Providing protection from up to five potential atmospheric hazards including oxygen, combustible and toxic gases, GasAlertMicro 5 is unparalleled in its versatility, capability and overall value. BW’s newest addition to its water-resistant line of portable gas detectors has transformed the market with [...]

The Basics of Gas Monitors (Part 7)

Other pertinent information regarding gas monitors

Be aware that certain compounds can “poison” sensors and cause them to read inaccurately or alarm when they shouldn’t. Silicone or silicone based products are one of the main culprits in this regard. We have had many instances where companies have complained that the sensors were failing only to find [...]

The Basics of Gas Monitors (Part 6)

When should I be using a gas monitor?
A gas monitor should be used in any situation where there might be an impure atmosphere. Confined spaces, where gases may accumulate are an obvious example of such a situation (See “The Basics of Confined Space” for further information).
Calibration
It is important to make sure that the instrument you [...]

CBS doesn’t have the resources to investigate a weekend ammonia leak

Read the story on the wral.com website here.

The Basics of Gas Monitors (Part 5)

Portable vs. Fixed Systems
When would a fixed system make sense?
There are many instances where it does not make sense to have every employee walking around with a gas monitor clipped to his or her belt all day long. When normal atmospheric conditions prevail but there is the potential for exposure to a certain chemical(s) or [...]

The Basics of Gas Monitors (Part 4)

Types of Gas Detectors

Catalytic Sensors (also known as “Hot Bead” sensor)

This sensor ionizes the combustible gas and measures the change in resistance that results from the change in temperature.

CMS (Chip Measurement System)

This method is similar to the detector tubes below, except that it utilizes an electronic optical reader.

Detector Tubes

This consists of Individual glass tubes through [...]

The Basics of Gas Monitors (Part 3)

What factors should I take into consideration when purchasing or renting a gas monitor?

Do you need datalogging? Do you only need to have the alarm go off if there is a problem or do you want a complete record of all levels present at all times? Datalogging comes in several different formats with some only [...]