Hazmat Industry Technician

Types of Equipment Monitoring equipment Detection devices Air sampling systems

Purpose of Equipment Detect presence of substance Identify the substance Measure the concentration

Monitoring Equipment Continuously measure concentration Continuously measure concentration Detect fluctuations Detect fluctuations

Examples Flame ionization detectors Combustible gas indicators Photoionization detectors Specialized devices

Detection Devices One-time measuring devices Provide only positive or negative indication

Examples Test strips/indicator paper Carbon monoxide detector

Equipment in Both Categories pH paper Colorimetric tubes

Air Sampling Systems May be required for your worksite May be required for your worksite Measure long-term exposures Measure long-term exposures

Types of Air Sampling Systems Direct reading Collection systems

Caveat One size doesn’t fit all Each type has limitations

Types of Monitoring Instruments Photo Ionization Detectors (PID) Photo Ionization Detectors (PID) Flame Ionization Detectors (FID) Flame Ionization Detectors (FID)

Types of Monitoring Instruments Combustible Gas Indicators (CGI) Combustible Gas Indicators (CGI)

Types of Monitoring Instruments Substance specific Oxygen Carbon monoxide Hydrogen sulfide

Types of Monitoring Instruments Color change pH paper KI paper Lead acetate paper Colorimetric tubes

Capabilities and Limitations

Photo Ionization DetectorsPhoto Ionization Detectors Capabilities Detect wide variety of vapors Detects vapors at low concentrations Easy to use

Photo Ionization DetectorsPhoto Ionization Detectors Limitations Detection ability depends on lamp May need to be calibrated Corrosives kill it

Flame Ionization Detectors Capabilities Can detect more substances than a PID Can detect substances a PID can’t

Flame Ionization Detectors Limitations Heavier & bulkier than PID Can run out of hydrogen gas Won’t work well at low temperatures

Combustible Gas Indicators Capabilities Warns of flammable gases/vapors Accurate for most common gases Small, light & easy to use

Combustible Gas Indicators Limitations May not be accurate for a gas it’s not calibrated to Common substances can damage sensor Not accurate in oxygen-deficient atmosphere

Oxygen Sensors Capabilities Quickly & accurately measure O 2 level

Oxygen Sensors Limitations Lacks sensitivity of other sensors May be inaccurate in presence of oxidizing gases

Color Change Capabilities Provide quick indication of substance Limitation Detection range may be limited May not be specific to one substance

Monitoring & Detection Procedures #1 – identify IDLH conditions #1 – identify IDLH conditions

IDLH Conditions Lack of sufficient oxygen Lack of sufficient oxygen Oxygen-enriched atmosphere Oxygen-enriched atmosphere Flammable gases/vapors Flammable gases/vapors Highly toxic contaminants Highly toxic contaminants

Indications of IDLH Conditions Activated alarm system Visible vapor cloud Large amount of product leaking Dead stuff Insects, plants, etc.

Monitoring & Detection Procedures #2 – ID locations of IDLH conditions Examples in your worksite?

Monitoring & Detection Procedures #3 – measure level of contaminants #3 – measure level of contaminants

General Procedures Read the manual! Monitor for radioactivity Determine level of oxygen

Why Oxygen Level is Important Low O 2 – something displaced it High O 2 – not naturally occurring High O 2 – increased risk of fire/explosion Low O 2 – CGI may not work

More General Procedures Use pH paper Approach from upwind (if possible) Monitor high and low Zero reading? Doesn’t mean nothing is there1

Maintenance and Testing #1 – store and use properly #1 – store and use properly Read the manual! Read the manual!

Calibration Ensures instrument is accurate Follow manufacturer’s recommendations Written record? Does your workplace require it?

Bump Test Verifies calibration Expose instrument to known gas Bad bump test? Time for calibration

Detailed Procedures Read the manual Follow workplace procedures