Gases - Monitors and Detectors

Gas monitors and detectors are used at UCL to measure levels of gases and to warn of raised levels of gases.

On this page

• What are gas monitors?
• What are gas detectors?
• Where should the gas monitor or detector be installed?
• Repeater unit
• Out-of-hours
• Maintenance of gas monitors

What are gas monitors?

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Gas monitors measure levels of gases that are normally present and are installed to warn of unsafe levels of gases.

For example an increased level of carbon dioxide or reduced levels of oxygen.

What are gas detectors?

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Gas detectors are installed to warn of the presence of a gas that is not normally present in the air in significant quantities, such as hydrogen.

Where should the gas monitor or detector be installed?

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In general, if the gas is lighter than air, then the monitor or detector should be mounted well above the breathing zone, and if it's heavier than air, it should be mounted well below the breathing zone. (The breathing zone is defined as within a 10-inch radius of the worker's nose and mouth.)

Repeater unit

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A repeater unit can be mounted outside the room to mimic the alarm and warn against entry. If the monitor or detector alarm sounds frequently during routine operations DO NOT SWITCH IT OFF.

Review the system of work and the location of the monitor or detector. On all occasions when the alarm sounds, the reason for the alarm and the actions that were taken to rectify the situation should be reported.

> Report a safety incident

Out-of-hours

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The risk assessment and the resultant arrangements for using compressed gases must take account of the possibility of the alarm sounding out-of-hours and the consequences of this. For example, security staff entering areas of low oxygen when investigating the reason for the alarm.

Other vulnerable groups would be cleaning and maintenance staff.

A sign must be displayed on the door describing the action to take if the monitor or detector alarm is sounding. i.e. 'do not enter if the alarm is sounding'. Include the contact details of who should be told if the alarm is sounding.

Maintenance of gas monitors

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Monitors and detectors should be calibrated, maintained and serviced at intervals specified by the manufacturer and resources (funding) should be allocated for this purpose.