Gas Sensing Technologies for a Safe Workplace

In recent years, Gas sensing technology has been applied as an advanced technology so as to improve safety management. Gas monitoring and detection is one of the important aspects in industrial safety management. Gas detection is the process of identifying potentially hazardous gas leaks by gas sensors. Accidents and incidents involving hazardous gas exposure can lead to serious illness and even death. Combustible gas explosions are devastating, causing fires, structural damage, and loss of life.

Abnormal gas concentrations in the workplace can pose danger and lead to a greater destruction. Industries ranging from oil and gas to manufacturing and construction face these hazards every day and unfortunately, most of the gases don’t have smell. Thereby implementation of effective gas detection and monitoring systems can warn workers, prevent accidents, protect property and save lives.

When the sensor inside of a gas monitor detects a certain chemical above a pre-set level, it alerts the user in the form of a loud audible alarm, vibration, and a bright light. These alerts prompt the worker to take whatever action is needed in response to the atmospheric conditions, whether it is to shut off a gas valve, turn on ventilation fans, or evacuate an area in case of an emergency.

Industrial exposure to toxic gases can be reported in operations such as painting, fumigation, fuel filling, construction, land fill activities, working in confined spaces, etc. The most common sensors include combustible gas sensors, photoionization detectors, and infrared and ultrasonic sensors, Metal-oxide semiconductor sensors(MOS) that can be found in refineries, Pharmaceutical, manufacturing, paper mills, aircraft and ship building facilities, hazmat operations, waste water treatment facilities and indoor air quality testing.

It is recommended that industrial facilities have a greater need for continuous gas monitoring during all the work activities that can reduce accidental deaths and training on the proper use of such devices as well is crucial for accident prevention.

Article by Dr.Yashoda Tammineni,

MSc, Ph.D.

HSE,HOD at NIFS