Hundreds of thousands of people may be exposed to dangerous levels of gases at work. Those who are most at risk are employed in a range of industries from mining and sewer maintenance to manufacturing and pharmaceutical development. Of course, those are only a few of the scenarios in which workers may be in danger of being exposed to harmful emissions. It's also important to point out that employees in those industries aren't necessarily the only ones who are at risk. In any of those fields, a Single Gas Monitor can be immeasurably helpful for many reasons.
Protecting Workers from Possible Danger
One of the most obvious reasons for using a portable single gas detector is to protect workers from the hazards of exposure. Any number of toxic gases can flood the air in confined spaces, causing disorientation, lack of coordination, and other mental and physical problems. At the same time, those harmful emissions may deplete essential oxygen in the air, leading to yet another range of issues. Oxygen deficiency and an overabundance of toxic cases can cause asphyxiation as well. Gas detectors monitor the levels of gases in the air and alert workers if an issue is present.
Safeguarding Others in the Area
As mentioned, employees in high-risk industries aren't the only ones who are vulnerable to the effects of gases in the air. Anyone in the vicinity of a gas build-up or oxygen depletion could suffer the effects of those situations. While many of the potential dangers come from the effects of exposure, those aren't the only factors to consider. Some gases in the air may react negatively to one another, causing a fire or explosion. Use of an MSA single gas detector can help keep the dangers at bay.
Remaining in Compliance
Remaining in compliance with safety regulations is yet another reason to use a single gas detector. OSHA and other organizations have strict regulations in place to protect workers, passersby, and the environment from dangerous gases and related issues. Industry-specific safety agencies have set aside rules and guidelines as well. Gas monitors play a key role in complying with those regulations. These devices are even required in many scenarios.
Maintaining Safety and Clean Air
Gas monitors are used in numerous industries at present. They're vital for detecting the buildup of harmful gases in the air, including those that can be toxic when inhaled as well as those that cause fires and explosions. These devices can also detect low oxygen levels and give people time to evacuate to a safe area. In turn, they help keep workers, bystanders, and the environment safe from the potential hazards.