Whether your workers are in a confined space or working on the surface, an h2s gas monitor can keep them safe. Known as the rotten egg gas, hydrogen sulfide is dangerous to anyone who inhales it and can cause a wide range of symptoms from headaches to possibly death depending on the level of exposure.
To ensure everyone’s safety, a h2s monitor will be set up in any areas where it may occur. This includes oil refineries and any other industries that process sulfur or use combustible gases.
When a h2s gas leak is detected, a system will notify the proper individuals immediately so that they can evacuate the area if necessary and take any other appropriate measures to ensure everyone’s safety. This can include using a portable alarm that will signal workers with visual, audible and/or vibrating alerts to let them know that the air is unsafe to breathe. This also lets people know that it is time to take a break, seek fresh air or get out of the work zone.
H2S can be deadly at high levels and can disorient a person in a matter of minutes, so an h2s gas monitor is critical for any industry that uses it or may have the potential to expose workers to it. These systems are also useful in other industries where hydrogen sulfide may be present such as wastewater treatment plants and power generation facilities.
While the effects of H2S can vary, the American College of Industrial Hygiene has established that prolonged exposure to the gas may lead to headaches, loss of smell, drowsiness and difficulty breathing. When exposed to higher concentrations for a longer period of time, these symptoms may progress to more serious problems such as memory issues, cardiovascular problems and unconsciousness or even a coma.
The best h2s gas monitor will feature an electrochemical sensor that will go off when the levels of H2S exceed the predetermined set points and/or a danger level. A visual, audible and/or vibration alarm will be sent to the individual wearing it so that they can take a break, exit the area or wear additional protective gear. Some h2s gas detectors also offer datalogger capabilities that can record up to a month of continuous data for analysis. These data files can usually be retrieved via a docking station or infrared adapter.
If the device is equipped with a relay control and Modbus capability, it can be networked to central monitoring stations for real-time visibility of all the h2s levels around a workspace. This allows managers to oversee the entire operation and ensure that all H2S levels are kept below acceptable limits.
Personal h2s monitors are typically used in conjunction with other confined space safety equipment including breathing masks, self-contained breathing apparatuses and portable oxygen bottles. A h2s monitor will require a battery and/or oxygen source to operate and must be “bumped tested” and calibrated regularly to ensure it is functioning properly. This involves exposing the sensor to a known concentration of H2S gas, either through tubing or a special clip, and recording an alarm if the sensors are triggered in less than a minute.