Ensuring safety in Australia’s oil and gas industry is an absolute necessity.
Why do we do what we do, why do people buy what we sell? If you strip it all away it’s about safety, because ultimately, we all want to get home each night and spend time with the people that matter.
The Australian mining industry is particularly vulnerable to numerous health hazards, including fatigue, dangerous machinery, and chemicals. Among these, gases are a major focus for us at Control Equipment.
The dangers of gas in construction and mining in Australia
The danger with gases is that they are often invisible and odourless, and their potential harm may go unnoticed until it’s too late. Asbestos and silica dust (although not gases) are examples of substances that were deemed safe until their harmful effects were discovered. Detecting and monitoring gases proactively can save lives and prevent costly accidents that can devastate families and employers.
In the mining industry, health and safety should always come first. Gas-related accidents are unfortunate and can be prevented with proper monitoring and detection measures. It’s crucial to prioritize safety and get it right from the start to avoid the heavy costs that come with accidents.
Recently the death of a worker in a cool room in Victoria due to low levels of oxygen was a tragedy that could’ve been avoided.
Another example is the Pike River Mine disaster that occurred in New Zealand in 2010. In this case, a build-up of methane gas and coal dust caused an explosion that killed 29 miners.
But when the automatic gas detection system safely shut down an LHD (load, haul, dump) truck in an underground roadway at a Narrabri coal mine due to dangerous levels of methane, the outcome was what it was designed to do. Save lives.
The gas industry places great emphasis on safety due to the hazardous materials and processes involved. Preventing accidents such as explosions and fires, particularly with combustible gases, is crucial. Gas leaks can cause severe health issues like asphyxiation, poisoning, and respiratory problems, which can have long-term effects on humans, animals, and the environment. This can lead to pollution of the air, water, and soil.
The 3 components to a safe and reliable gas detection system in Australia
To achieve the best and safest results, it’s important to find a solution that meets your specific requirements. This can be done by actively listening and working out a system.
Additionally, make sure all equipment and instruments are in excellent working order by calibrating them regularly and scheduling regular servicing and bump tests.
Lastly, ensure that your staff are trained on how to properly use and interpret fixed or portable gas detectors.
What is Calibration?
Calibration is the process of linking a measurement system’s indication to the measurement result that would be obtained using a measurement standard under specific conditions. Adjustment, which is done alongside calibration, involves setting the instrument to the accurate reading while it is exposed to the measurement standard.
What is Bump Testing?
To ensure the proper functioning of gas alarms, a qualitative function check is conducted by passing a challenge gas over the sensors at a concentration and exposure time that activates all alarm indicators. The aim of this check is to verify that the gas can reach the sensors and that all alarms are operational. The response time of the sensors or a minimum response level of 80% of the gas concentration applied determines the effectiveness of this check. It should be noted that this check is not meant to provide a calibration accuracy measurement. (ISEA)
At Control Equipment, we take care of all three steps to provide a comprehensive gas detection solution that caters to your specific needs. Our expert sales team will visit you to suggest the best solution, and we have dedicated labs in Brisbane and Perth that offer industry-leading turnaround times for instrument calibration and servicing. We also have a team of onsite service professionals who can fix your equipment promptly. Additionally, we offer training to our customers.
Ultimately, gas detection is not just about safety, it’s about getting the job done.
Have a look at some of our industry leading portable gas detectors here.