Facts about portable gas detectors
There are two general types of combustible and toxic gas detection instruments: portable, i.e. "field readable" detectors, and "fixed", i.e. *fixed* monitors. Which of the two types is more suitable for a particular application will depend on a number of factors, including how often staff travel through the area, site conditions, whether the hazard is *temporary* or *temporary*, the frequency of testing required and, last but not least, finances.
Portable gas detectors are categorised as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and are designed to protect personnel from gas hazards and make it possible to conduct mobile testing of premises before personnel enter. These small devices are vital for many areas where gas hazards may occur, as they are a way to continuously monitor an operator's breathing zone in both a static and mobile manner*.
Whilst a fixed gas detector product does protect personnel in its own right, it cannot move with the operator, so there is a risk that the operator may enter areas outside the detection range of the fixed detector.
Many plants use a mixture of fixed and portable gas detection products, but sometimes portable gas detection products are used alone. The reasons for this choice are as follows:
The area is infrequently accessed and adding a fixed gas detection product would be too costly.
The area is small or difficult to reach, making the placement of a fixed gas detection product impractical.
The application to be detected may not be fixed itself.
Changing legislative and regulatory compliance and insurance prerequisites have led to the use of portable gas detectors across a wide range of industries. The preference for a combination of portable gas detection products on site in many locations has led to the popularity of gas detectors. In addition to regulatory requirements (mandatory fulfilment), many sites have chosen to fulfil site-specific rules; for example, shock testing of portable gas detectors before use by operators.
