The role of real-time detection in industrial hygiene

Having spent nearly 30 years in the business of gas detection and working closely with the industrial hygiene community for most of that time, Dave Wagner has recently written an article on the role of today’s industrial hygienists and the importance that real-time detection systems, such as gas and vapour detection systems play in their daily lives. Dave is the global director of product knowledge & iNet product manager for Oakdale, Pa.-based Industrial Scientific Corp.

As Dave explains, “When we think of ‘gas’ detection, we tend to look toward hazards such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, explosive gas or oxygen deficiency – hazards that we know can snuff out life in an instant. Real-time methods and equipment to detect these hazards probably are taken too much for granted. They are relatively easy for industrial hygienists and other safety professionals to understand and use. But the hazards go much deeper than just simple gasses. The ability to detect them quickly – in real time – and interpret the results to ensure worker health and safety is of vital importance.”

Dave goes on to say, “When real-time systems are not available, industrial hygienists must turn to more ‘old-school’ methods of detection. Charcoal collection filters, grab-bag samples and passive exposure badges can be used to evaluate hazards, but they require time and effort to collect samples that must be sent to a qualified laboratory that is capable of analysing them and providing the results. Real-time problems require real-time solutions. If we continue to work together as a community within the industry, we will achieve an end to real-time death on the job.

Industrial hygienists rely on accurate data – often lots of it – when making hazard assessments, looking for answers to problems and developing controls. Real-time systems can provide the amount of data needed in almost every case. . Real-time detection tools (such as portable instruments) probably provide enough accuracy for almost every situation in which day-to-day protection of workers is the primary concern and the action levels defined provide a large margin of safety. But when the industrial hygiene need calls for true analytical accuracy of the results, real-time systems probably are not the answer and the burden on the industrial hygienist to get the job done is greater.

“Organizations within industry clearly are focused on supporting and promoting real-time detection systems. The American Industrial Hygiene Association has a Real Time Detection Systems Committee, which is a conglomeration of representatives from equipment manufacturers and industry stakeholders within the industrial hygiene, occupational health and regulatory community. This committee is dedicated to providing leadership in the field of gas and vapour detection and maintaining knowledge of tools and methods related to industrial hygiene.

“Real-time problems require real-time solutions. If we continue to work together as a community within the industry, we will achieve an end to real-time death on the job.”
For further information go to http://www.gasdetectors.co.nz.