Accuracy When it comes to gas monitoring, accuracy is open to each manufacturer’s interpretation. Officially, accuracy is a statement expressed as a percentage of the closeness of the reading on the gas monitor to the actual concentration; many manufacturers use this as an umbrella term representative of much more, including resolution and sensitivity. To…
Diesel Emissions The exposure of mine workers to diesel particulate matter (DPM) and gases is an issue of great concern to the underground mining environment. Diesel engines work by igniting a mixture of fuel (a hydrocarbon) and intake air in the combustion chamber. At high temperatures, fuel may decompose rather than burn, leaving a complex…
Calibration Gas Shelf Life Why is calibration gas important? When using your instruments for gas detection, monitors should be properly calibrated or your readings may be inaccurate. To properly calibrate your device, the user will need to use a specific concentration of the gas trying to be detected. This is known as a “calibration gas”,…
How to Reduce Gas Leaks in Industrial Environments Whether in petrochemical facilities, chemical plants, or refineries, workplaces that utilise or produce various toxic gases during normal operations and processes must meet industry safety regulations and requirements in the event of gas leaks. In addition to following regulations, personnel can take further preventative measures and precautions…
Protection against overexposure to H2S, a highly toxic and explosive gas, starts with understanding the chemical and the inherent risks it carries. Specifically to the petroleum industry, although, it’s not the only industry susceptible to the danger. The colourless gas H2S (known as a sour gas) is naturally produced by the decomposition of organic materials,…
When air enters any mine or other subsurface structure, it has a volume composition of approximately 78 percent nitrogen, 21 percent oxygen and 1 percent other gases on a moisture free basis. However, as the air progresses through the network of underground openings, that composition changes. There are two primary reasons for mine ventilation.…
Methane is a component of the earth’s atmosphere and is present at low concentrations. We inhale methane along with other atmospheric gases such as nitrogen and oxygen when we breathe. At room temperature and pressure, methane is an odourless and colourless flammable gas and is composed of carbon and hydrogen with the chemical formula of…
“People don’t often stop to think about the quality of the air around them. Just like walking, talking and breathing, it’s a factor of life that’s taken for granted. That is unless you’re a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technician. You’re then aware of what a difference great indoor air quality (IAQ) can make.…
“What is Hydrogen Fluoride? Hydrogen fluoride, also known as hydrofluoric acid or HF, is a colourless, corrosive gas made up of a hydrogen atom and a fluorine atom. It is produced by reacting a naturally occurring mineral, fluorspar, with sulphuric acid. Where Is It Found? Hydrogen fluoride is a raw material that is commonly…
Industrial work environments, and those that include confined spaces, are prime targets for exposure to dangerous gases and vapours. Whether portable or fixed, gas detection equipment is essential to have within these atmospheres. However, the regular maintenance that is often required with them is often overlooked. Proper maintenance on all detectors is the only reliable…
Poultry “Due to greater consumption of poultry products and an increase in exports, more poultry houses will be needed. Therefore, it is important to investigate ways that poultry facilities can coexist in close proximity to residential areas without odours and environmental challenges. Ammonia (NH3) is the greatest concern for environmental pollution from poultry production. …
The Importance of Boundary Monitoring in Construction “Establishing any new construction project is a careful logistical balancing act, with many aspects for project managers to consider; from site safety to environmental responsibility. Establishing site boundaries, drawing up necessary documentation, ordering materials, creating traffic plans, workflows and conducting risk assessments – a lot of thought and…
Air Pollution Operation of heavy machinery like diesel engines and demolition machinery is a high source of air pollution on work sites. Diesel engines and the burning of toxic materials is one of the main sources of overall air pollution. Construction sites create extreme levels of dust from use of concrete, stone, cement, and silica.…
With modern explosives (ANFO and/or emulsion [or various mixtures of the two]), the amount of toxic gases or fumes produced from blasting varies according to the explosive mix, the degree of confinement in the hole, the amount of water in the hole and the sleep time of the explosive, among other factors. It is…
One of the greatest risks in Underground mining is the respirable atmosphere which can be impacted by fires from underground machinery. The primary function of a refuge chamber is to provide a safe haven for people working in the immediate area in the event of the atmosphere becoming irrespirable. Gas monitoring equipment must be…
“As many of Casella’s products are bodily worn, they need to be handled by individuals in factories and require disinfecting to ensure they are free of COVID19 before being packed away or passed on for use to other individuals. This document has been created to give guidance on best practice to clean and disinfect air…
In the past, calibration of your gas monitors was carried out by the local agent or a qualified service provider. In recent times, Manufacturers have developed Calibration / Bump test stations which allow the end user to perform these tasks on site. Whilst many Companies still prefer to send their instruments into a Authorised service…
Air Sampling pumps used for Occupational Hygiene applications are predominantly compact, battery powered, and bodily worn devices designed to maintain a ‘constant’ volumetric flow rate by the use of electronic control circuitry. ‘Constant’ inlet flow is not truly ‘constant’ but in fact represents mean flow value with a superimposed rapidly changing component. These rapid variations…
Dust Monitoring – Why it Matters? According to the World Coal Association, there are around 892 billion tonnes of coal reserves worldwide, and coal production is showing no signs of slowing down. Ensuring the global workforce of coal miners are protected against workplace exposures should be a priority. Monitoring solutions have been enforced for many…
DALLAS, August 19, 2019 – Twenty-one companies, were honoured today for winning Occupational Health & Safety magazine’s 11th annual New Product of the Year contest. This year’s contest attracted entries in 24 award categories, with an independent panel of three highly qualified judges choosing the winners. “OH&S’ New Product of the Year contest saw an…