Toxic or explosive gas detection in confined spaces

In order to provide access to the latest technology for gas detection, Ashtead Technology continually invests in a broad fleet of instruments designed specifically to detect the many toxic and hazardous gases that can arise in drains and underground cavities. It is believed that over 80,000 new chemicals have been created in the last 50 years and many of them, unfortunately, end up in the drainage systems. A high proportion of these chemicals are toxic and anyone working in confined spaces needs to be aware of the dangers that they present. However, this situation is complicated by the fact that hazardous conditions can be created when different chemicals mix and react, forming other noxious gases or lowering oxygen levels. Ashtead Technology’s Stewart Curtis says, “There is a major requirement for rental instruments within the drainage sector because employers must carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks for all work activities to decide what measures are necessary for safety under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, regulation 3. “For work in confined spaces this means identifying the hazards present, assessing the risks and determining what precautions to take.” In its guide to working safely in confined spaces the HSE advises: ‘Testing the air may be necessary to check that it is free from both toxic and flammable vapours and that it is fit to breathe. Testing should be carried out by a competent person using a suitable gas detector which is correctly calibrated. Where the risk assessment indicates that conditions may change, or as a further precaution, continuous monitoring of the air may be needed.’ Clearly, a wide variety of potential hazards exist so it is important for anyone working on confined spaces to be aware of the potential hazards and to have access to suitable equipment in order to be able to assess the level of risk. For this reason, Ashtead Technology invests in the latest technologies for health and safety assessments, so that clients can choose from a wide selection of instruments including toxic gas detectors, explosimeters, dust monitors, HVAC monitors, and instruments for the measurement of noise and vibration. These instruments come from world-leading manufacturers such as RAE, Crowcon, BW Technologies, TSI Instruments, Thermo, Quest and Casella. Whilst access to the latest technology is important, Stewart Curtis says: “It is just as important to choose the right equipment for every job and that the instruments are correctly maintained and calibrated. For this reason, we have also invested in our own service and calibration facility, and our engineers are able to provide help and advice for those customers seeking guidance.” Technical support is available by calling 0845 270 2707 or customers are able to find the instruments they need by typing the instrument name or the measurement parameter into the search box in the red header at the top of this page.

For more information on Toxic or explosive gas detection in confined spaces talk to Ashtead Technology Ltd