GasAlertClip Extreme Personal Oxygen Monitor WU-86383-05
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.
