Oxygen Monitors Guide

This one is a bit different from the portable GasAlertClip and the MSA Altair Single Gas Detector which are labeled as disposable oxygen monitors and are rated to last 2 years of uninterrupted operation. Like them the Sperian Biosystems ToxiPro O2 gas alarm or detector is a portable system but is not disposable and is fully serviceable and reusable. It has no expiration so it might turn out to a more cost-effective option when you compare it with the disposables.

It offers real-time peak, peak, STEL, TWA readings and is equipped the capability to log events and store data using what the manufacturer refers to as the black box recorder.

One downside about this model is that it does not come with a vibrating alarm capability because it is just an optional add-on. It comes with a very loud 92 decibel audio alarm and bright LED lights for the visual alert.

Batteries are replaceable and will last up to 9,000 hours of long use. Like the other portable oxygen monitors, the ToxiPro’s build is robust enough to stand the test of portable usage. It is made of elastic molding and a tough polycarbonate casing. It weighs about 8 ounces.

It is also a smart device that can be used with the Biosystems Express Dock that will enable you to do calibration and maintenance testing as well as save the data stored in the device.

Sperian is multinational company that specializes in producing “Personal Protective Equipment”. They produce safety and protective devices and products for the agriculture, manufacturing, chemical, nuclear, oil and gas, pharmaceutical field and many others. Aside from the ToxiPro single-gas detector line, they also carry a line of multi-gas detectors like the Biosystems MultiPro, PHD6 and CannonBall3 models.

Having fixed gas monitoring or detecting systems may not be sufficient in some instances. This is why it is important to establish failsafe and redundant safety protocols to ensure the safety of personnel at all times.

Fixed oxygen monitors are gas monitoring devices that are permanently installed in areas where the risk of oxygen deficiency is higher than normal. Installation of these devices is mandated by law and is the subject of a number of regulations put forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Read more info about this on my page on Safety Regulation for Oxygen Deficiency Hazards).

To supplement the protection of fixed and installed monitoring systems, it is recommended that portable oxygen monitors are also issued to workers. These kind of redundant safety protocols are preferred because of they provide an extra layer of protection to add to the protection that fixed oxygen monitors provide.

The MSA Altair O2 single-gas oxygen detector

Buy the MSA ALTAIR O2

Mine Safety Appliances or more commonly known as MSA is one of the top producers of devices aimed at protecting workers who are exposed to a number of hazardous situations in the conduct of their duties. They are one of the top makers of portable and disposable oxygen detectors like their Altair series of single-gas detectors.

The MSA Altair O2 oxygen detector is one of three Altair models which are equipped with cutting-edge, patented electrochemical sensors that deliver topnotch performance in compact packages. They are built to last and are water, dust and RFI resistant and are rated to work perfectly for two years. They are made shock-proof with rubber housing and an ultra-minimalist, easy-to-use one-button operation.

The O2 is also equipped with redundant alarm methods— visual LED lights, a loud and piercing audible alarm and a vibrating alarm will ensure that all alerts will not go unnoticed especially if the device is used according to instructions.

Other neat features of this device are the ability to store the last 25 alarms and events and its connectivity provision. You can read the stored data and customize the alarm set points using its infrared port.

Here’s a summary of the Altair O2’s main features:

• Two years maintenance-free operation and comes in three single-gas detector models: carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and oxygen (O2)
• Dust, water and RFI resistant
• Robust build with rubberized housing and 1-button operation for ease of use
• Triple alarm system with two bright LEDs, loud and piercing audible alarm and vibrating alarm
• Automatically records the last 25 alarm events and data can be accessed via IR connection

Related Article: What is an Oxygen Monitor?
Source: http://www.msanorthamerica.com, http://www.wikipedia.org

People who are constantly exposed to a work environment where there is danger of asphyxiation should take the necessary precautions to protect themselves. It is reported that the normal concentration of oxygen in the air is approximately 21%. A slight drop to 19.5% is already considered a danger to well-being and health of humans.

The usual oxygen deficiency hazard (ODH) scenario is one in which other types of gas is concerned. The common example given is nitrogen which can displace oxygen in the air very quickly without being detected. It usually happens when a spill or leak of cryogenic liquids like liquid nitrogen happen, which can cause an immediate displacement of oxygen because liquid nitrogen evaporates very rapidly and expands to displace oxygen in the immediate vicinity. This is a very serious danger especially in confined and enclosed spaces that should be addressed by both workers and management alike.

ODH is not limited to liquid nitrogen spills but is also associated with other scenarios like leakages of compressed gas from pipes and cylinders, like in the case of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) leaks. It happens during abnormal release of process gases and other biological processes that may involve methane, carbon dioxide (CO2).

The best way to protect individuals and workers from such danger is to employ strict safety protocols in the working environment. Part of the safety protocols that must be utilized is the installation of oxygen monitoring devices in areas where ODH risks is high and as an added precautionary measure, workers must be issued personal oxygen monitors like the GasAlertClip Extreme Personal Oxygen monitor.

The Gas Alert Clip Extreme is a nifty disposable portable oxygen monitor that features an electrochemical sensor controlled by an advanced microcomputer which needs no maintenance whatsoever during the two-years it is rated to last from the time of initial activation. Its sensor requires no calibration as it is capable of self-maintenance and is able to test its accuracy (rated at +/- 0.1% ppm) along with battery and circuit integrity.

It is made with a robust build that is concussion and shock and water-resistant so you would expect it to withstand the rigors of industrial or commercial safety use.

It is also equipped with redundant alarm modes that give off audible (95 dB at 1 ft), visible (via LEDs) and vibrating alarm to ensure immediate response from the user.

One the most important characteristics of this oxygen monitor, aside from its ability to detect danger due to oxygen deficiency, is that it is ultra-light (at 0.1 kg or 4 oz.) and portable. You just clip it onto your pocket, belt or hard hat and you are good to go.

The GasAlertClip Extreme Personal Oxygen Monitor costs around $450 on the Cole Parmer catalog but is only about $215 if you buy it through Amazon.

Aside from oxygen monitoring, it also comes in models that detect other types of gases like carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide monoxide and sulfur dioxide. More info here.