What kind of detector do you need for gas?

Juliet D'cruz

Updated on:

When left undetected, gas leaks in the workplace can be deadly. A leaking gas stream is extremely flammable, and if a spark or flame ignites near the leak, an explosion or fire can occur. That’s why it’s critical to instal a specialised detector in your workplace to keep everyone safe.

To ensure your detector is doing its job well, you’ll need to choose the right type for your application and environment. Below, we’ll discuss the different kinds of gas detectors, why they’re so important, and how to choose the best type for your needs.

Why does my business need a gas detector?

Investing in a high-quality gas detector is critical for creating a safe working environment, especially if your workplace is fitted with gas appliances. Some common objects in the workplace that may use gas include:

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  • Heating and cooling systems
  • Stoves or ovens
  • Water heaters
  • Furnaces
  • Outdoor cooking equipment, i.e. BBQs

Any of these appliances could suffer from a leak at any time—along with gas lines themselves—so it’s essential to be prepared. It’s not enough to rely on your sense of smell to detect a gas leak. You’ll need a tool specifically designed for identifying leaks as soon as they occur.

In many workplaces, investing in gas detectors is also necessary for meeting Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) requirements, where the devices must meet strict PPE requirements. We’ll talk more about this point in the next section of this article.

Gas detectors: what to look out for

When selecting a gas detector for your needs, there are a few key factors you should look out for, including:

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  • Measuring range
  • ‘Smart’ features, i.e. alarm or reminder capabilities
  • Live monitoring support
  • The type of gas monitored
  • Peer-to-peer connectivity
  • Maintenance needs

Choosing the right gas detector for your needs

Let’s dive into some points to consider when investing in gas detectors for your business.

  1. Make sure the detector monitors the right gases for your needs.

Depending on your environment, specific gas hazards may be more likely than others. You’ll need to choose the right kind of detector to meet this need.

Consider:

  • How many gases you need to monitor,
  • Any combinations of gases that could interfere with each other,
  • Any atmospheric hazards at your worksite.

You may be wondering if there is a gas monitor designed to detect all types of gases and leaks. Unfortunately, the answer is no.

For example, most carbon monoxide detectors cannot detect natural gas leaks, and vice versa. Ideally, you should look for a detector designed to monitor the most hazardous gases that could appear in your environment.

  1. Look for ‘smart’ features

A simple gas detector is generally suitable for home use, but ‘smart’ features like maintenance reminders and status alert capabilities are essential in the workplace.

When you’re shopping around, look for features such as:

  • Peer-to-peer connectivity
  • Alarm action messages
  • Full-screen alarms
  • On-screen status messages
  • Preprogrammed maintenance alerts

Conclusion

Installing gas detectors is vital for workplace safety. Make sure to choose the right kind of detector for your needs to keep your employees and environment safe.