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Lone Worker Protection Devices – PASS

Protection of lone workers has become a major concern for companies and administrations. It now concerns all sectors of activity. Lone Worker Protection System , at the same time PASS (Also called Personal Alert Safety System), is an electronic device designed to be worn by personnel working alone, without sight or hearing, allowing its user to alert emergency services in dangerous situations.

Lone worker protection

In France – as in many European countries – there is a well-defined legal framework requiring employers to equip their employees working alone with alarm and protection devices for lone workers, thus subjecting them to a consequence obligation in terms of personnel safety. This is the labor law. It is the decree numbered 92-158 dated February 20, 1992.

Many professions are covered by lone worker protection. For example, Workers in tight spaces , drinking water treatment and sanitation professionals, certain freelancers or professionals working the night shift. Lone workers can be found in a wide range of activity sectors, where employers are required to provide a PASS (Personal Alert Security System) and the choice of device is made according to the activity and its characteristics.

Personal Alert Security Systems (PASS)

PASS (personal alert security system) is a system where one (or more) employees cannot be “seen or heard” by others. One It is a device used on the ground that has the ability to give or transmit an alert in emergency situations to alert rescue services. These warning devices usually have 2 types of alarms: 

  • User discomfort, minor injury, attempted attack, etc. manual or optional alarm triggered to call for help in situations; 
  • Loss of verticality (fall), sudden increase in temperature (in case of fire or explosion), immobility, removal of the device, etc. Automatic alarm activated in certain situations. 

Various versions of PASS are available. From the simple sound and light alarm device to more advanced versions with alarm reporting on the control receiver and GPS geolocation for more accurate identification of situations at risk. 

Today, manufacturers are developing real-time geolocated PASS that can communicate wirelessly over a 2G or 3G connection and transmit alerts to an online platform within a company or organization and to dedicated centers for alert management to provide 24/7 assistance anywhere in the world.

Regulations regarding the protection of lone workers

In France, Article L4121-1 of the Labor Code regulates the employer's obligations regarding the protection of lone workers. In many countries, clear regulations have been established to ensure a certain level of safety for people working alone or in harsh environments, especially by equipping lone workers with PASS devices.

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CATEC Training: Certificate of Ability to Work in Tight Spaces

The CATEC® system is a response to the desire of those operating in the field of drinking water treatment and sanitation to create a common skills base by integrating good practice in risk prevention during operations in confined spaces. It concerns both responders, who must know and master the risks and know how to apply warning, rescue and evacuation procedures, and supervisors, who monitor and assist operations from start to finish

Confined spaces, risks and dangers 

closed spaces It exists in many activity sectors and many employees are concerned. Most of the accidents, often serious or even fatal, that occur during interventions in these environments are due to an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, the presence of toxic gases or vapors, or even an explosion or fire. Therefore, the first risks to be evaluated when developing a working procedure are: 

  • Anoxia or asphyxia: temporary or permanent lack of oxygen, which can lead to death 
  • Poisoning : Poisoning is characterized by inhalation or ingestion of a poisonous gas or product that can cause death. 
  • explosion and fire : The presence of gas or dust may create fire and explosion risks. 

Moreover in drinking water treatment and sanitation There are also serious risks such as falling and drowning.

CATEC training 

Recommendation R.447, adopted at the meeting of the National Technical Committee on Transport, Water, Gas and Electricity on 25 June 2009, addresses the prevention of accidents occurring during work in confined spaces. , “the need to train personnel in preventing damage and health risks, according to similar prevention and response organizational schemes” is emphasized. 

CATEC® education system: The Certificate of Ability to Work in Confined Spaces in the drinking water and sanitation sector consists of, on the one hand, the qualification reference system in which the training will be created and given, and on the other hand, a system that responds to the need to qualify the qualifications acquired during the training. 

This system provides the company manager with: 

  • Markers that will enable people to obtain the necessary authorizations to perform interventions in closed areas (especially in the field of drinking water and sanitation); 
  • Assisting in the implementation of mandatory personnel training; 
  • CATEC® training List of educational institutions authorized to provide . 

To best meet the expectations of operators, it is divided into two types of training, with a common base and, for each category, specificity for employees and managers:

CATEC® training for employees

CATEC® interventionist certification verifies the skills, knowledge and know-how of users in limited areas. The main objectives of this training are:

  • Mastering procedures before any intervention
  • Identify specific risks depending on the characteristics of confined spaces
  • Knowing how to use safety equipment such as portable multi-gas detectors (in this case 4 gas detectors), self-rescue masks, fall arrest harnesses associated with ancillary equipment (safety tripods, fall arresters, safety slings, etc.), air purge fans and ensure they are working properly. Knowing how to check if it's not working
  • Master confined space evacuation procedures

CATEC® Supervisor Training

CATEC® supervisor certification covers all the essential foundations of CATEC® training. Validates the skills, knowledge and know-how required to fulfill the supervisor role:

  • Ensure response conditions are consistently present and maintained until team members are back on their feet.
  • Mastering warning and rescue procedures.

CATEC – Prevention PPE  

To ensure the health and safety of workers who have to work in a confined space, the employer must establish a procedure for such work. This procedure will describe, at a minimum, the work organization specifically adapted to these interventions, the instructions to be followed and the safety measures and equipment to be applied. This procedure can be adapted and completed according to the characteristics of the work areas. 

The minimum equipment level required for working in confined spaces is (excluding the most common):

4 gas detectors

This is the highest level It is a multi gas detector and is the most frequently used model in drinking water treatment, sanitation, public services and indoor interventions. 4-gas detector simultaneously detects explosive gases ( natural gas , LPG, hydrocarbons, alcohols and solvents), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon monoxide (CO) and oxygen (or rather, oxygen deficiency) detects .

self-saving masks

Self-saving masks, They are self-contained breathing apparatus for emergency evacuation in unbreathable, oxygen-deficient or extremely toxic environments. They are closed circuit emergency escape devices (ICES). This means that the exhaled air is filtered and supplemented with oxygen through a small cylinder of pure oxygen (compressed oxygen self-recovery mask) or a potassium superoxide KO2 cartridge (chemical oxygen self-recovery mask).
It is especially necessary in cases of oxygen deficiency or where the concentration of contaminants is too high to be filtered efficiently, for example at very high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide. It is the preferred device for emergency evacuations in limited areas.

Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)  

In extreme situations and emergencies, SCBAs It is also part of the toolkit for confined space workers. Unlike self-rescue masks, they can be used for on-site intervention or relief and rescue operations. 

They consist of three basic and indivisible elements that form a whole: a harness, a complete mask and a compressed air cylinder. 9 liters at 300 bar compressed air cylinder For those equipped with, they have an autonomy of up to 70 minutes (based on consumption of 40 l/min).

fall protection equipment 

Confined spaces are not immune from the risks of falls from heights and fall protection equipment is a necessary addition to the CATEC PPE list. To ensure that water treatment and sanitation interventions are carried out smoothly, workers must be careful when entering wells or manholes.  safety belt a key anchor point for It is often useful to have a tripod.

Other fall protection equipment completes the range for workers; fall arrest systems, automatic return reels, connection and energy absorption systems, lifelines, etc.

Fans and air extractors 

In the presence of significant sources of pollution (oxygen-poor air, significant presence of toxic, asphyxiating or explosive gases), the choice of sanitation technique of the closed area, fans/air extractors dilution using . This technique can be achieved in two ways:

  • Ventilation : Persons responsible for the intervention must dilute toxic gases and vapors and provide clean and healthy air throughout the intervention;
  • Extraction : To evacuate dust, smoke and toxic gases from closed areas. However, when there is a risk of explosion (very high concentrations of dust or flammable gases) ATEX Choosing an extractor is important.

It should be noted that a fresh air ventilation solution can contribute to the transport of contaminants to a clean area if it allows to disinfect a larger area than the stale air extraction solution.

Other CATEC PPE 

Other personal protective equipment not mentioned above includes clothing adapted to the working conditions, individual lighting and protective helmets with communication devices are essential. In addition to this PPE, marking equipment for work on public roads and protective devices around open manholes are essential for safe work.

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Firefighter Equipment: F1 Helmet, SCBA, Thermal Camera

In this area, self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), portable gas detectors (explosive meter, 4 gas detectors, leak detectors), to search for smoldering fires thermal cameras, F1 helmets ( firefighter helmets also known as mobile smoke evacuators and ATEX battery-powered floodlights and lighting You can find our wide range of personal protective equipment for fire and rescue, such as:

Firefighters' PPE , is the individual protective equipment of firefighters and is used against hostile and in explosive environments Provides initial protection during interventions.

Firefighter SCBA

Firefighter SCBA It is the equipment preferred by firefighters. Used by professional or volunteer firefighters, SCBAs are designed to provide maximum autonomy during firefighting or in contaminated environments requiring an independent source of breathable air.

An essential element of the firefighter's equipment firefighter SCBA , consisting of a harness, full face mask for respiratory protection with connection F1 (in the helmet) and a compressed air cylinder. It offers a number of features that allow the user to work completely safely during the intervention: heat and fire resistance, low resistance demand valve when breathing, lightweight equipment, comfortable and ergonomic harness, high-quality medium and high pressure hoses and even the display of important information directly on the visor of the mask .

firefighter helmet

An essential part of a firefighter's equipment, the helmet is designed to meet the highest safety requirements. Type A or B firefighter helmets, Designed for maximum comfort and safety during firefighting operations. It is made of materials that are highly resistant to flammable materials and can be adapted to suit any site or situation with a multitude of accessories (special viewfinder, light, F1 attachments, etc.).

Thermal Camera

Thermal camera is a device designed for interventions in difficult conditions where visibility is reduced. firefighter equipment . The device works on a simple principle: the camera captures infrared radiation (thermal radiation) of all elements in its field of view and reproduces the intensity of this radiation on its screen. Thus, it displays the thermal image, the temperature wave of an intervention scene, through the device screen.

A thermal camera provides a clear image of the environment during a firefighting operation, helping to identify the presence of potentially hazardous elements (detection of hot or cold areas) and individuals. Designed for maximum performance in harsh environments, thermal cameras for firefighters are resistant to very high temperatures, shockproof and easy to use.

Gas detectors for firefighters

The firefighter's equipment can be completed with different measuring devices to ensure maximum safety during interventions. Portable explosimeter (portable gas detection of flammable or explosive products), usually for explosive gas detection, such as a 4-gas detector multiple gas, There is carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and oxygen deficiency (presence of smoke or asphyxiant).  

Firefighters also use devices such as Gastec reagent cylinders that measure the concentration of gases in the air in ppm or %/vol. colorimetric reagent tubes and more specifically, they can provide simultaneous testing kits . Simultaneous testing for firefighters consists of a variety of colorimetric reagent tubes that allow semi-quantitative measurement (ppm or %/vol) of fire and decomposition gases. These tests are often used by firefighters to clarify doubts before or after an intervention or for timely measurement of organic or inorganic vapors and chemicals (carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, nitrogen vapors, etc.). Reagent tubes are excellent additional elements to the explosive meter to obtain an accurate measurement of the hazardous gas concentration rate.

Extractors for smoke extraction

RAMFAN from the EURAMCO group, the world leading brand of portable ventilation equipment for the most demanding workplaces offers a variety of fans/air extractors for firefighting and rescue operations. Rapid smoke evacuation makes it easier for firefighters to mobilize and house people quickly. It also prevents new fires from starting in the explosive zone and stabilizes the building to prevent further damage.

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Breathing Air Quality Analysis – Standard NF EN 12021

Analysis of breathing air quality in industrial air networks is essential. NF EN 12021 standard, Specifies requirements for compressed air quality for breathing purposes. In industry, the limit values ​​set by this standard must be observed when personnel are equipped with breathing apparatus (air supply systems, self-contained breathing apparatus, breathing air carts).

The NF EN 12021 standard regulates the analysis and control of some special parameters such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen content (O2), hygrometry (water content in breathable air), oil vapors (volatile organic compounds) and impurities (dust). .

PollutingPrescription
Oxygen%21 (+/- %1)
Kirlilikler< ulusal maruz kalma sınırı
Yağlayıcılar0,5 mg/m³
Koku ve tatYokluk
Karbondioksit CO2500 ppm
Karbon monoksit CO5 ppm
Su içeriği (*)Beklenen en düşük ortam sıcaklığında çiğ noktası < 5°C

 

* There should be no liquid water or risk of freezing. If operating conditions are unknown, the system dew point should not exceed -11°C.

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Heads and Masks for Sandblasting, Spraying, Airbrushing

Sandblasting, It is an industrial process that enables the stripping or cleaning of different types of surfaces by throwing sand grains, mostly from different natural minerals, at high speed. This process produces dust that is harmful to humans and the environment, so dust removal system installation and headgear as personal protective equipment or sandblasting mask Certain precautions must be taken, such as the use of

Sandblasting, spraying and airbrushing

Sandblasting process – also known as shot peening or airbrushing – is much easier and more efficient than using traditional stripping tools such as spatulas or wire brushes. It offers the opportunity to process large areas in record time. 

Sandblasting, It is mainly used to strip various materials (wood, stainless steel, steel, cast iron, aluminum, etc.) and coatings such as paint or other protective varnishes. It is also used to deoxidize metal parts (remove rust) and eliminate mold or lime deposits that may be present on various materials. It is also frequently used for decorative and aesthetic purposes, such as engraving on marble or glass, refinishing stones, or even treating jeans to give them a worn and shiny appearance.

Hoods and masks for sandblasting

However, even if this method is used in many areas, it should not be forgotten that sandblasting can cause serious health risks, therefore it is used as PPE (personal protective equipment). title or sandblasting mask It is necessary to take some precautions such as using: 

  • full face masks : Provides minimal protection, covers the entire face (nose, mouth and eyes). Half masks should be avoided as they do not protect the mucous membranes of the eyes; 
  • Powered air purifying respirators : These are more elaborate filtering devices that reduce respiratory effort by using a motorized ventilator that delivers filtered air directly to a facepiece (mask, visor, or hood); 
  • Air supply systems: These are respiratory protection equipment that offer the highest level of safety. with SCBAs They belong to the same family and are particularly suitable for long-term work.

High density sand thrust may cause skin irritation or eye injury from protrusions. These same dusts and particles are potentially explosive and must therefore be handled with care. nickel, silica or they may consist of toxic particles such as coal slag.

The biggest danger associated with sandblasting is that it can lead to silicosis, a potentially serious and sometimes fatal lung disease. This disease occurs when very fine particles (mostly silica found in sandblasting mixture) accumulate in the lungs and harden. Other potential risks should not be ignored (respiratory disorders, lead poisoning, lung cancer, cognitive damage, etc.). 

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Paint And Varnish Mask, Respiratory Protection For Painters

Although their toxicity has decreased in recent years, paints, varnishes and other coating products are not without danger to their users. Fumes from most products used in paints and varnishes a significant health risk creates . The work of the painter by the International Agency for Research on Cancer is classified as a high-risk business and paint mask The use of respiratory protection is strongly recommended.

Why should we use a paint mask? 

Whether you are a professional or amateur painter, you should take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from paint or varnish fumes. To protect against the undesirable effects of these products on health The use of respiratory protection equipment is strongly recommended.

Most paints or varnishes contain one or more of the following organic compounds that are very toxic and even carcinogenic or mutagenic: alcohols, benzene , butanol, butyl glycol, cresols, aromatic gasoline, ethanol , dichloroethylene, ethyl glycol, isopropanol, kerosene, methyls, perchlorethylene , phenols, styrene, turpentine, trichloroethylene, trichloroethane, toluene , white spirit, xylene, etc. Because, Using a paint mask is a matter of common sense , but which one should you choose?

  • Half mask Provides minimal protection. It covers the lower face but does not protect the eyes from irritating products.
  • Full face mask Provides moderate protection. It covers the entire face (respiratory tract and eyes), ideal for paints and varnishes containing alcohol, aromatic essences or trichlorethylene (very irritating to mucous membranes).
  • Motorized air-purifying respirator with mask or hood, It is for difficult, tiring and long-term work. However, as with half and full face masks, these filtering devices can only be used in the presence of an oxygen level greater than 19%.
  • Supplied air breathing The mask is the safest respiratory protective equipment in its class. It is the favorite device of painters in paint booths.

Filtering dust, particles, aerosols and organic compounds (see above for a non-exhaustive list of these compounds), depending on the type of paint or varnish used, for effective protection of the respiratory tract A2-P3 type filter cartridge is preferred.

paint protection suit  

In addition to a paint mask (half mask, respirator, assisted ventilation device or air supply mask) and to protect against allergies or skin irritations when spraying paint or varnish hazmat suit Highly recommended.

Whether disposable or reusable, aerosol and splash resistant category 3 type 4 or 5 protective clothing preferable. We recommend a type 3 liquid-tight suit for working in paint booths.

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Masks And Protection For Phytosanitary Treatment

In this section all plant health protection You can find our equipment. From simple half masks (at least) or full masks equipped with A2-P3 filters to PAPR (powered air purifying respirators) and hazmat suits. We condemn the large number of poisonings each year with serious consequences resulting from the use of pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers and other products harmful to health. All these products are monitored very closely and subject to various regulations.

Dangers of phytosanitary products

Phytosanitary treatment (the full term is phytopharmaceutical) is the act of treating plants to reduce the development of diseases and pests. It involves using pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers, and other biological or synthetic products to treat plants. The use of these products is not trivial and providing phytosanitary protection is a matter of common sense.

Every year, many cases of poisoning occur, sometimes with serious consequences, ranging from temporary skin allergies to respiratory system irritation (asthma, difficulty breathing, etc.). Repeated exposure to phytosanitary products can lead to chronic poisoning with possible health consequences (cancer, child health, disruption of the reproductive system, etc.).

Which phytosanitary protection?

Caution must be exercised in all uses of chemical products and the use of EPI (individual protection equipment) must be remembered: Respiratory protection masks, gloves, chemical protection combinations, etc. These are very clearly marked on the product safety sheets.

Mask for phytosanitary treatment

Whether you are a farmer or a resident living near a treatment area (e.g. spraying), you should take the necessary precautions to protect yourself. Wearing respiratory protection equipment is strongly recommended to protect against adverse effects associated with the use of chemical products:

  • Half masks It covers (at least) only the lower part of the face (nose and mouth) and does not protect the eyes from irritants.
  • Full face masks cover the entire face (nose, mouth and eyes) and are particularly suitable in toxic environments (such as chlorine or ammonia based products or nitrogenous fertilisers) that pose a potential danger to eye mucous membranes.
  • Powered air-purifying respirators are more elaborate filtration devices. Their main advantage is the reduction in respiratory effort thanks to a motorized fan that delivers filtered air directly to the facepiece (full face mask or hood) via a looped hose. Therefore, this equipment is better for demanding, tiring and long-term work.

For effective respiratory protection and to filter out dust, particles, aerosols and organic compounds (alcohol, aromatic gasoline, benzene, butyl glycol, phenols, turpentine, trichloroethylene, etc.), provided that the phytosanitary products used are respected. A2-P3 We may choose to use a filter cartridge.

Hazmat suits for phytosanitary treatment

In addition to respiratory protection (mandatory) and to protect yourself against allergies or skin irritations when spraying phytosanitary products such as pesticides, fungicides or chemical fertilizers, hazmat suiting is highly recommended.

Category 3, type 4 or type 5 clothing, whether disposable or reusable, resistant to aerosols and splashes of chemical or biological products, should be preferred; preferably made of polypropylene coated with a microporous film for its breathability and long-term operation.

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Indoor Air Quality and Protective Atmosphere Measurement

Atmospheric control and measurement covers a wide range of products for a wide range of industries. These are available in homes or public businesses (ERP). They range from measuring indoor air quality to controlling the protective atmosphere (MAP) of food packaging.

Indoor air quality analysis

According to the World Health Organization, air pollution causes approximately 50,000 deaths in France every year. Contrary to popular belief, the air inside a home or industrial building can be up to 10 times more polluted than the air outside! Indoor air quality is a real problem and presents significant challenges.

In addition to pollutants brought from outside, many substances can be released into the building. These include building materials (floor and wall coverings, insulation), furniture (adhesives, varnishes), incinerators, animals, and various human activities (smoking, household products, do-it-yourself projects, etc.).

For benzene, formaldehyde to measure indoor air quality colorimetric reagent tubes or devices such as CO2 sensors are available that measure the carbon dioxide released by human exhalation and the risk of transmitting viral infections such as COVID-19. In this field, we can say that Dräger reagent tubes perform best for measuring more than 500 gases and vapors.

Carbon dioxide Measuring its concentration is the simplest way to determine the air quality in a room and evaluate the quality of ventilation. When the CO2 concentration is very high indoors (above 1000 ppm), the air is not considered healthy. In this case, it is necessary to ventilate the room (open windows, fan, etc.).

Monitoring indoor air quality has now become mandatory in some public businesses such as daycares, kindergartens, high schools and recreation centers.

Protective Atmosphere Analysis (PAA)

Protective atmosphere packaging, It involves protecting foodstuffs from contact with air by replacing them with other gases of industrial origin. In practice, this technique is regularly combined with low-temperature preservation. Various gases authorized for modified atmosphere packaging are listed in European Directive 2008/84/EC, the main ones being nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2) and less commonly argon (Ar).

Nitrogen helps preserve dry produce, while oxygen preserves fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and fish. Argon is used to package delicate products such as wine. For example, the recommended modified atmosphere for apples is 5% oxygen, 5% carbon dioxide and 90% nitrogen. The ideal modified atmosphere for red meat retail sales is 70% oxygen and 30% carbon dioxide.

Gas analysis in modified atmosphere packaging includes the detection and measurement of oxygen and carbon dioxide, with nitrogen (derived by difference) as the balanced gas. Most instruments used to perform these measurements (e.g. the OXYBABY protective atmosphere analyzer) use a pump sampling system to draw a gas sample through a probe inserted into the package.

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Combustion Controllers And Analyzers

Combustion analyzers, It precisely monitors the gas emissions produced by any device running on fossil fuel (gas, oil, gasoline, coal, wood, pellets, etc.). Accurate and easy to use, these devices measure oxygen (O2) or excess air, CO (carbon monoxide), Nox (nitrogen monoxide and dioxide) and SO2 (sulfur dioxide). 

Combustion analysis for optimum efficiency

Fixed or portable combustion analyzers allow optimizing combustion efficiency and limiting emissions. boiler rooms They are popular for commissioning, adjustment, maintenance and certification of thermal installations or . They are becoming increasingly important to face environmental and economic constraints through proper control of energy prices.

A simple system used to control exhaust gases from handling equipment in confined spaces (e.g. gas-powered forklifts). from the carbon monoxide analyzer, NOx ( nitric oxide And nitrogen dioxide ), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and oxygen You will find high-performance professional equipment in this category, right up to more advanced models that also analyze the content (O2).

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Explosive Measurement Devices, Flammable Gas Detectors, LEL Measurement

Explosive gas detectors , natural gas, LPG (butane, propane), pentane, hydrogen, hydrocarbons, alcohols, solvents, ammonia, etc. They are flammable gas detectors for leak detection of explosive gases such as They detect flammable gases and measure their amounts in the atmosphere according to the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL). Explosive There are two sensor technologies for gas detection: catalytic sensors (most commonly used) and infrared sensors for harsh environmental conditions.

Explosive gas detectors with catalytic cells

Catalytic diffusion cells are the most commonly used for 4-gas detectors and flammable vapor detection. Through the measuring principle, there is a relationship between the presence of flammable gases and temperature. This temperature increase was then converted into a measurable quantity: LEL (lower explosive limit). Although this measuring technology has an excellent price/performance ratio, it has some disadvantages:

  • It can only operate with a minimum oxygen content of more than 10% (completely ineffective in an inert environment).
  • It does not distinguish between explosive gases present (same principle as a scale: it gives the weight but does not tell who is on the scale).
  • Premature wear if explosive gases are detected frequently or continuously (even with low LEL values).
  • Those with high sensitivity to poisons such as silicon, lead or sulfur compounds.

Combustible gas detectors with infrared cells

Infrared absorption cells are mainly used for the detection of some explosive gases (when the IR curve is available). It is a more expensive technology than catalytic diffusion technology, but it has many real technical advantages:

  • Very long life.
  • They are not constantly exposed to flammable gas or cell saturation (measurement above 100% of LEL).
  • Immunity to poisons such as silicates or H2S.
  • Possibility to work in inert atmospheres (without oxygen).
  • The measurement is virtually error-free because the detector systematically alarms if there is a malfunction

IR sensors, on the other hand, do not work with monochromatic cells such as hydrogen.

ATEX Explosion Meter

ATEX approval (for ATmosphère EXplosive ) indicates the capability of the equipment to integrate the high explosive risk zone by not supporting explosion triggering (flame, spark, etc.). Approved for use in an explosive atmosphere ATEX explocimeter (or ATEX detector for explosives) guarantees maximum safety for all teams working in a hazardous area.

It is a portable version of personal protective equipment used in many activity sectors such as oil and gas industries, heavy chemicals, metallurgy, water treatment and sanitation. This PPE is also used to ensure safety when entering confined spaces (as part of the CATEC system) and in public works. It is also an integral part of firefighter equipment.

In parallel, it is implemented in a fixed version connected to a gas detection controller or a safety automation . The flammable gas transmitter allows to ensure the safety of all facilities exposed to such risks.

LEL of the most common flammable gases

The lower explosion limit is expressed as a percentage of the total volume (%/volume).

Acetone: 2.5% – Acetylene: 2.5% – Ammonia: 15.0% – Benzene: 1.2% – Butane: 1.9% – Ethanol: 3.3% – Hydrogen: 4.0% – Carbon monoxide: 12.5% ​​– Methane CH4: 5.0% – Methanol: 6.0% – Pentane: 1.4% – Propane: 2.1% – Styrene: 0.9% – Toluene: 1.1% – Xylene: 1.1%.

For benzene, styrene, toluene and xylene, see also the detection of volatile organic compounds page .