Personal protectionindustry
Flammable and toxic gas detectors are generally available in two variants: portable and fixed (stationary). Which of these variants will be most suitable for the appropriate application will depend on several factors, including how often staff are present in the observed area, whether the hazard is permanent or temporary, how often testing is required, and the budget for their purchase.
Portable detectors are categorized as personal protective equipment designed to protect personnel from hazardous gases while allowing the site to be tested before entering it. These small devices are unavoidable in areas where hazardous gases may occur, as they continuously monitor the presence of gases in the user’s area whether standing or moving.
Although fixed detectors themselves provide protection for personnel, they cannot be brought together with the user, so there is a possibility for the user to enter a part of the room that is outside the measuring range of the fixed detector.
Many users combine portable and fixed detection systems, and sometimes use only portable detectors. There are several reasons for this:
- Staff do not enter the observed room too often, which is why a fixed detection system is not required
- The room is small or difficult to reach, which makes the installation of a fixed detector impractical
- An application that requires a detection system may not be stationary
Changes in regulations and laws, along with the development of security prerequisites, result in the increasing use of portable detectors in many industries. In addition to the legally defined requirements, many users define specific rules in operation, such as testing the functionality of a portable detector with an appropriate gas mixture before the user starts using it.