Gases - Monitors and Detectors
Gas monitors and detectors are used at UCL to measure levels of gases and to warn of raised levels of gases.
On this page
- What are gas monitors?
- What are gas detectors?
- Where should the gas monitor or detector be installed?
- Repeater unit
- Out-of-hours
- Maintenance of gas monitors
What are gas monitors?
Gas monitors measure levels of gases that are normally present and are installed to warn of unsafe levels of gases.
For example an increased level of carbon dioxide or reduced levels of oxygen.
What are gas detectors?
Gas detectors are installed to warn of the presence of a gas that is not normally present in the air in significant quantities, such as hydrogen.
Where should the gas monitor or detector be installed?
In general, if the gas is lighter than air, then the monitor or detector should be mounted well above the breathing zone, and if it's heavier than air, it should be mounted well below the breathing zone. (The breathing zone is defined as within a 10-inch radius of the worker's nose and mouth.)
Repeater unit
![Gas monitor repeater Gas monitor repeater](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/safety-services/sites/safety_services/files/styles/small_image/public/monitor-repeater.jpg?itok=EbBzU4Gy)
Review the system of work and the location of the monitor or detector. On all occasions when the alarm sounds, the reason for the alarm and the actions that were taken to rectify the situation should be reported.
Out-of-hours
![Do not enter sign Do not enter sign](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/safety-services/sites/safety_services/files/styles/non_responsive/public/do-not-enter-sign.gif?itok=OmZxRWHx)
Other vulnerable groups would be cleaning and maintenance staff.
A sign must be displayed on the door describing the action to take if the monitor or detector alarm is sounding. i.e. 'do not enter if the alarm is sounding'. Include the contact details of who should be told if the alarm is sounding.
Maintenance of gas monitors
Monitors and detectors should be calibrated, maintained and serviced at intervals specified by the manufacturer and resources (funding) should be allocated for this purpose.
Always remember!
Gas monitors and detectors are not an alternative to the provision of a safe system of work but are an additional measure, which gives an early warning that something has gone wrong.
Last updated: Wednesday, July 15, 2020