How to Select Fixed and Portable Gas Detection to Make the Chemical Industry Safer

Gas detection is a vital element of chemical safety—luckily, it is made easier with the help of technology.

• By Mary Furto
• Feb 01, 2021

Taking steps to protect chemical industry workers against toxic and flammable gases is vital, now more than ever. Hazardous gases are a major risk to workers across the chemical industry. Selecting and using gas detection correctly is essential.

In recent months, chemical plants around the world have stepped up their production to join the fight against COVID-19. Keeping on top of gas risks during these busy times is paramount.

This article looks at some of the most common gas-related risks to workers across chemical manufacturing applications. It provides useful guidance on how to select fixed and portable gas detection technology correctly.

The Chemical Industry in the COVID-19 Era: New and Old Challenges

Exposure to toxic gases is a risk that many chemical industry workers face. Managing this risk during the COVID-19 pandemic is especially challenging.

Many chemical manufacturing facilities are under added pressure to meet growing demand for products such as disinfectants, hand sanitizers and surfactants for soaps. At the same time, pharmaceutical companies are racing to produce drugs and vaccines at record speed. Demand for medicines used to treat COVID-19 patients has soared by up to 700 percent since January 2020.

Ensuring safety while maintaining the highest levels of productivity presents unique challenges to health and safety professionals. The growing use of hazardous chemicals such as isopropyl alcohol (IPA) in the production process adds a new level of complexity.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, a recent survey found that worker health and safety was top of mind for many executives in the chemical industry.

But the industry faces other major challenges, with a likely downturn on the horizon. Keeping costs down and increasing efficiency without compromising safety are top priorities.

Hazardous Gases Continue to Risk Workers

Toxic and flammable gases continue to pose a serious threat to the chemical industry workforce. In 2019, 7.5 in 10,000 chemical manufacturing workers in the United States suffered illnesses due to exposure to harmful substances. Across all industries, 3,360 incidents involving inhalation of harmful substances were reported, adding to 1,700 caused by fires and explosions.

The types of hazardous gases vary from one application to another. Here are some typical examples:

Chemical Plants. A variety of flammable and toxic gases are used during the chemical manufacturing process or generated as byproducts. Typical environments where gases may be present include raw material storage, compressor stations, process areas, loading/unloading areas, laboratories and pump rows. Hydrocarbons are the most obvious example of flammable gases in chemical plants, while toxic gases include hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen fluoride and ammonia.

Ethylene, Butadiene and Vinyl Chloride Production. This is a common chemical manufacturing application that may produce hazardous gases, particularly during the refinement process. Typical situations in which workers may be at risk range from hydrocarbon and non-catalytic cracking processes to bulk storage and confined space entry. The most common flammable gases are hydrocarbons. Typical toxic gases include hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen fluoride and carbon monoxide.

IPA Production. As mentioned, companies in the chemical industry have had to step up their production of IPA in recent months. If inhaled, this chemical compound can cause drowsiness, dizziness and headaches. Studies have also shown that IPA contains carcinogenic properties, meaning that prolonged exposure may lead to an increased chance of cancer.

Typical applications in which workers may be exposed to IPA include:

• Inorganic synthesis of various isopropyl derivates
• Feedstock for the manufacture of cleaning and degreasing agents
• Extraction and purification of alkaloids, perfumes, resins and waxes
• Manufacture of adhesives
• Manufacture of acetone and surface coatings, thinners, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are the typical gases released during these processes. They can be flammable and toxic at the same time.

Pharmaceutical Process. Pharmaceutical manufacturing is another sector that has witnessed sustained growth in recent months. There are many situations in which toxic and flammable gases may pose a threat to workers, including:

• Substances released during coating processes and drying ovens
• Bulk storage and preparation of areas for production
• Exhaust monitoring
• Monitoring chemical compounding and synthesis processes
• Monitoring cleaning agents used in the sterilization process

Key Regulations to Designed to Protect

Several standards and regulations exist to prevent exposure to hazardous gases. Keeping up to date with this legislation is key to providing workers with the most adequate protection.

In the United States, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) mandates that information about chemical and toxic substances and associated protective measures must be disseminated to workers. OSHA also sets enforceable permissible exposure limits (PELs) on the airborne concentrations of hazardous chemicals in the air.

As our knowledge of hazardous gases and their effects on human health continue to grow, we may expect new, more stringent regulations in the future. The European Commission recently proposed introducing new legislation to limit worker exposure to cancerogenic chemicals.

How to Select Gas Detectors Effectively

Gas detection plays a major role in alerting users to the presence of toxic and flammable gases, and there are different technologies to choose from. Any selection process should always start with a thorough risk assessment. This is key to mapping out all the hazardous gases that may be present in different areas of a facility.

Gas detectors can either be fixed or portable and, under most circumstances, a combination of the two technologies may be the best choice. Fixed gas detection is often the first line of defence for workers and plant safety. It provides workers with invaluable insight into the status of the plant and alerts them of any gas leaks. Portable detectors offer an extra layer of protection. They are especially valuable in blind spots that may be out of the reach of fixed detection, one example being confined spaces.

Fixed gas detectors. There are many different types of fixed gas detectors, so the selection process can be tricky. Opting for a flexible and scalable solution may be a good choice for chemical plants with multiple gas hazards that may change over time. For example, universal transmitters for the detection of toxic and combustible gases are generally compatible with the widest range of gas sensors. They are also modular, meaning they can be expanded and upgraded over time.

Infrared point hydrocarbon gas detectors are the go-to solution for potentially explosive atmospheres. They offer fast response, low maintenance and long service life.

If VOCs are the main threat, then fast-response fixed photoionization detectors (PID) are the best option. Some of the latest solutions on the market offer enhanced sensitivity, reduced maintenance costs and accurate readings.

Portable gas detectors. There is no one-size-fits-all portable detection solution, so making the right choice often depends on the application and the associated gas hazards. For example, some of the latest five-gas detectors are designed specifically for sampling and monitoring confined spaces before and after entry. They offer advanced sensor technology, great visibility on gas readings, comfort and wireless connectivity.

Multiple gas threats across different locations may require flexible solutions with up to six gas sensors combined with wireless portability. Some of the latest portable devices are highly versatile and customizable, providing real-time access to instrument readings and alarm status from any location. In some hazardous areas, fixed gas detection may not be an option. This is where transportable multi-gas area monitoring comes in to alert multiple workers nearby of gas threats.

The Benefits of Automated Gas Monitoring

Connectivity is another important consideration when selecting gas detectors. Some of the latest fixed and portable detection solutions leverage wireless connectivity, software and cloud-based technology.

Bluetooth-enabled fixed gas detectors can be set up and integrated remotely using a smartphone app. A single worker can carry out critical tasks such as commissioning and calibration quickly and easily without having to access hard-to-reach locations.

All the associated reporting is generated automatically and becomes accessible to anyone, anywhere via the cloud. It is possible to check the status of each detector at a glance and receive automatic alerts when maintenance is due.

Perhaps more importantly, connectivity enables real-time monitoring of worker exposure to hazardous gases. This way, both workers and safety managers are immediately alerted when gas concentrations are approaching PELs, preventing possible incidents. It is also possible to keep track of exposure over time and intervene accordingly to prevent illnesses.

As the chemical industry navigates through these unprecedented times, worker health and safety remain a top priority. With resources stretched to the limit, optimizing worker protection is critical. The latest gas detection technology helps companies in the chemical industry take steps to make their workforce safer while making the operational health and safety management process more efficient and accurate. It minimizes downtime and errors that can cost lives.

This article originally appeared in the January/February 2021 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.