Hazmat product guide
Published: 01 January, 2006
Portable gas monitors from ISC
“Industrial Scientific Corporation has recently launched the Gasbadge Plus an economical single gas monitor ideally suited for short-term personal gas monitoring needs and special projects such as plant turnarounds or shutdowns,” Chris Lange, marketing manager for Industrial Scientific tells IFJ.
Plant-wide planned maintenance involves a number of scenarios where work is performed in temporary enclosures and other potentially hazardous atmospheres not intended to be accessed during normal plant operation. The GasBadge Plus provides low-cost, personal protection from dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, oxygen, nitrogen dioxide or sulphur dioxide.
“At 2.5 ounces (72 grams), the two-year, maintenance-free monitor’s compact size and light weight allow it to be worn comfortably with a variety of clip attachments. With the top-mounted sensor, the unit can also provide continuous and unobstructed protection even when placed in a shirt pocket,” explains Chris.
The GasBadge Plus is housed in a rugged enclosure that is extremely durable and resistant to water and radio frequency interference. A concussion-proof overmould protects the unit from extreme abuse that is common during shutdown operations. Each GasBadge Plus monitor carries a two-year warranty and includes a standard event-logger that records the past 15 alarm events.
The LCD display includes a backlight for clear visibility in low-light conditions. With user adjustable alarm and calibration gas set points, the monitor can be customised to any industry or application.
“When gas concentrations exceed the preset limits, the monitor alerts the user with a powerful audible alarm complemented by vibrating and visual alarms. The standard confidence indicator, automatic self test and user-activated test provide an extra measure of assurance that the GasBadge Plus is always ready to protect from atmospheric hazards,” he concludes.
For more information, visit: www.indsci.com or www.GasBadge.com
PPS system for responders
Professional Protection Systems has further refined its decontamination equipment design enabling hazmat responders to speed up the decontamination of casualties. Suppliers of the English NHS standard decontamination shower as well as of mass-decon facilities to HM Government equipment, PPS also supplies similar equipment to emergency services all over the world.
These two new developments are the direct result of consultation with these users of PPS equipment. “Our first development is an automatic dosing system (ADS) for use in the decontamination facility that delivers a controlled amount of detergent to the water system to allow a thorough decontamination of casualties. The second is a casualty movement control system (CMCS). This offers an automated system of dealing with contaminated personnel and can be used in conjunction with the ADS,” Cathy Mackie , spokesperson for the company tells IFJ.
The CMCS is a voice/strobe unit set with a three-minute rotation that includes two minutes to decontaminate and one minute to rinse. Although the time can be adjusted three minutes is considered the optimum time needed for decontamination in most scenarios. The unit also manages the rest of the casualty decon process through undress, decon, rinse to redress. The complete unit, visual strobe system and audible sound system, comes in an impact resistant case with a fold down handle, side handle and wheels for ease of transportation. Furthermore the company announces a range of bladders, to assure the completely safe containment of contaminated water collected during the decontamination process.
The bladders come in 500,1000 and 6000 litre sizes. Cathy comments:”All three units are made from the same heavy-duty inflatable material, giving them an unusually tough resistance to rip, tear or puncture regardless of the terrain.”
Designed to be filled from the PPS waste water pump and hose all the couplings required are supplied with the units, which can be connected together to give a larger capacity if required. They include Stortz couplings and a safety butterfly valve for inlet and outlet, whilst an over pressure valve on the top cap allows air to escape as the bag fills.
For more information, visit: www.ppsgb.com
The GasAlertMicro 5 PID
BW Technologies has recently introduced a new portable gas monitor, the GasAlertMicro 5 PID. Marketing manager, Renee Gardi explains:
“The latest in Multi-gas detection the GasAlertMicro 5 PID provides simultaneous monitoring of up to five gases including oxygen, combustibles, a range of toxic gases and Volatile Organic Compounds. The lightweight, compact, and water resistant design delivers cutting-edge protection and is ideally suited for a wide range of applications, including hazmat response, confined space entry, search and rescue, and post-inspection fire safety.”
The monitor features include high-output audible, visual, vibrator alarms; low, high TWA and STEL alarm settings; a large alphanumeric LCD; two LEL measuring units (0-100% LEL and 0-5% by volume methane); a built-in concussion-proof boot; optional data-logging capabilities and a water resistant design. An optional Integral motorised pump for remote sampling is also available.
Field-selectable user options allow the GasAlertMicro 5 PID to be customised to virtually any environment. Calibration due-dates and alarm settings can be configured to meet specific industry requirements, and the pass code protect function ensures tamper-proof operation by preventing unauthorised users from accessing calibration options.
“The flexible power option, three AA alkaline or a rechargeable battery pack, reduces downtime and provide up to 20 hours of continuous use.
At just 370 grams (13.1 oz), the GasAlertMicro 5 PID is truly more for less,” Renee concludes. For more information, visit www.gasmonitors.com
The new Draeger Pac 3000
“The new Draeger Pac 3000 single gas instrument can be used to detect carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide or oxygen. Easy to use and ensuring reliable monitoring of ambient air, this innovative personal monitor is also completely maintenance free for two years,” Richard Beckwith, marketing manager for Draeger explains.
Featuring the new Draeger XXS sensors, which do not have to be replaced during those two years, the Pac 3000 offers extremely short electrochemical reaction times and responds immediately to any gas hazard.
Small yet robust and featuring simple push-button operation as well as a language-free, back-lit liquid crystal display, the Pac 3000 also incorporates an infra red interface to make configuration and calibration easy.
Equipped with vibrational, visual and two-tone audible alarms, the Pac 3000 displays the actual hazard concentration as well as the alarm type. A warning will also be issued in the event of a malfunction, before the end of the unit’s usable life, or before the battery is fully discharged.
For maximum reliability, the display also features a bump test icon that informs the user as and when a function test is required. This can be easily carried out with a Draeger Bump Test Station whilst the reliable personal monitoring and no maintenance Bump Test mode can be configured, calibrated and adjusted via PC using Pac Vision or CC-Vision software. Several instruments can also be configured and calibrated at the same time with the Draeger E-Cal system.
Protected by a tough, rubber housing and meeting the requirements of IP65, the Pac 3000 is easily fastened to workwear by way of a secure crocodile clip. For more information, visit:www.draeger-safety.co.uk/PAC.
Lumidor MicroMAX PID
Honeywell Zellweger Analytics has released its new Lumidor MicroMAX PID: the latest generation MicroMAX multi-gas detector with flexible sensor options to utilise Photo Ionisation Detector (PID) sensors and Infrared (IT) cells.
“By taking MicroMAX’s field-proven design, and equipping it with PID and IT sensors alongside proven catalytic bead and electrochemical cells sensing technology, MicroMAX PID offers cost effective gas sensing to offer protection against the widest range of gas hazards,” Chris Lawrenson, a spokesman for the company, told IFJ.
This gas detector can be configured to measure numerous gases including flammable gases in inert atmospheres - such as fuel storage tanks under nitrogen blankets - as well as Volatile Organic Compounds (Vows) which includes numerous solvents, acids and other chemicals. The configurable sensor array also detects Oxygen Deficiency, Carbon Dioxide COY, Ammonia NH3, Chlorine Clue, Sulphur Dioxide SO2, Phosphine PH3 and Nitrogen Dioxide NO2.
IR technology allows calibration-free, poison-resistant detection of many Hydrocarbons while catalytic bead sensors provide the only cost effective means of detection of flammable levels of Hydrogen. Protection against Carbon Dioxide in such diverse applications as brewing, fire suppression storage and waste water treatment is also provided with a longer lifetime IR sensor that does not need to be calibrated and compensates automatically for drift and humidity effects.
Chris comments:”Completely field serviceable, MicroMAX PID offers an excellent lifetime performance and warranty, aided by a robust, impact-resistant metal case for maximum protection, a long-lifetime powerful pump and rechargeable NiMH batteries for longer field operations.
It also offers advanced features as standard, including automated confirmation of key events and faults via the Voice Assist speaker system and the ability to upload new and customized VOC methods and download stored data via the MicroMAX PID interface software.
It is said to be ideal for operators in a range of industries including confined spaces, chemical production areas, industrial hygiene monitoring, emergency response to chemical spills, food production and pesticide control, refrigeration, law and customs enforcement, pipeline and chemical storage facilities and waste water treatment.
“The monitor has long enjoyed a enviable reputation as a high-specification, high performance gas detector for a range of applications,” says Chris Cottrell, vice-president sales and marketing for Honeywell Zellweger Analytics.
For more information, visit: www.zelana.com
Radiation detection from RAE Systems
RAE Systems Inc announces the launch of a personal radiation detector (PRD) that is certified as intrinsically safe. Intrinsically safe devices are specifically designed and certified to be safe to use in hazardous environments. This feature is critical for first responders working in unknown environmental conditions.
The detection instrument, the GammaRAE II, detects gamma radiation at extremely low levels and is designed to alert first responders to the presence of radioactive material and aid in the capture of illicit “dirty bomb” materials.
Designed as a front-line security device, this product provides life-critical, real-time detection of hidden radiation sources and delivers instantaneous feedback to law enforcement personnel including municipal police departments, border check-point personnel, hazmat teams, firefighters and cargo port screeners.
“The threat of radiation exposure, whether by weapons, nuclear materials, or medical waste is always present. This instrument has intrinsic safety certification for Class 1, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, and D hazardous area classifications,” said Rudy Mui, vice president of marketing for RAE Systems. “This certification is critical for first responders, HAZMAT teams, firefighters, and law enforcement, and this is the only product of this type on the market that has intrinsic safety certification.”
Being certified intrinsically safe for Class 1, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, and D means that the GammaRAE II will not initiate an explosion in environments where flammable gases, vapors or liquids containing acetylene, hydrogen, ethylene, propane or derivatives of those chemicals are present. This is important for responding to incidents at chemical and industrial facilities, as well as other locations where these chemicals might be used or stored.
The gamma detector is designed for use in rough environments. It is immersible (IP-67) in water for easy decontamination, and a concussion-proof case provides shock protection if the detector is dropped. The two-button operation is designed for use even in Level A protection suits with two layers of gloves.
The GammaRAE II features a fast, two-second response time. This is critical when searching for a radioactive source and is a much faster and more sensitive response than those typically seen in dosimeters. The GammaRAE II also has multiple alarm modes with bright flashing LEDs and loud audible and vibration alerts. Alarm modes can be set to operate in “Search Mode” based on local background radiation levels or “Safety Mode” providing high and low alarm levels based on absolute dose rates.
For more information, visit: www.raesystems.com
Decontaminating with the PDX Basilisk
Two UK companies have been collaborating in a new system designed to eliminate the spread of animal and human disease threats such as foot and mouth disease, anthrax and avian flu.
DuPont Animal Health Solutions is providing a virus-busting chemical called VIRKON which can completely inactivate the deadly H5N1 ‘bird flu’ virus while Pursuit Dynamics has developed a revolutionary ‘super spray’ delivery system in the form of a giant water mist gun.
Pursuit’s CEO, John Heathcote, told IFJ: “Pursuit Dynamics’ new decontamination system, the PDX(r) Basilisk, is a unique technology capable of defeating all manner of airborne chemical, biological and radiological threats.”
In July 2005, Pursuit announced it had signed a one-year contract with DARPA, a US government defence research agency, to evaluate its PDX Basilisk decontamination system.
“The system has a number of applications for disinfection, human and animal healthcare and the defence industry, principally in chemical and biological defence applications. It can cover six square kilometres with just one litre of water-based decontaminant material. Unlike the sprinklers or hoses that are used to decontaminate at the moment, it can disinfect the nooks and crannies too,” John Heathcote comments.
The PDX Basilisk system has the potential to provide government agencies with an effective response to airborne and surface CBRN threats. It does this by continuously projecting a high volume of water-based decontaminants with ultra-small droplets over a greater distance than any existing misting system, says the company. More info? Visit: www.pursuitdynamics.com
Keeping out that
contaminated water
You won’t be surprised to read that Viking manufactures the Viking Hazmat Inlet Valve. This valve is based on Viking’s extensive knowledge about contaminated water diving and a collaboration with the expertise of the Swedish manufacturer SI Tech. The “Viking Hazmat Inlet Valve” is equipped with an extra slide valve which enables the diver to shut off the airflow in an emergency situation.
“For Professional divers entering contaminated water an inlet valve stuck open is a nightmare scenario. With the new slide valve, the diver can easily shut off the airflow in such rare incidents” says Gustaf Ekberg, Product Manager for Viking. The “Viking Hazmat Inlet Valve” is a swivelling valve made of a highly chemical-resistant material. It is intended for commercial, rescue and military divers who have to work in heavily polluted waters.
For more information visit: www.trelleborg/protectiveproducts.com
