It’s no exaggeration to suggest that the most dangerous industries are those dealing every day with the actual or possible presence of harmful gases. But, thanks to the marching progress of technology in our fascinating 21st century, work deaths and injuries are actually on the decline in those key industries including construction, agriculture, transport, warehousing and many others. And why’s that? It’s thanks to incredible, life-saving and stress-minimising tools and devices like the latest range of gas detectors.
With the right one in your pocket, you’ll be armed with easy-to-use, real-time hazard alarms and measurements in a cost-effective, reliable device that won’t cost any more than other comparable hand-held electronic devices.
Here’s how to get one:
1. Buy or hire?
We’re a long way from the bad old days when the ‘canary in the coalmine’ method was the gas detection method of choice. The first industrial detectors date back over 200 years now, but what we have now is infinitely more sophisticated … and just as infinitely less expensive. So unless you only need gas detectors as a one-off, they’re affordable enough to buy as a business tool and tuck away in the toolbox for the day you need it.
2. Things to consider
As we’ve suggested, there are many different and distinct devices that all fall into the ‘gas detectors’ category. Getting the one you need depends on:
The application: There are a lot of gases you may want to monitor, but not every gas detector is equipped to deal with the ones you’ll be working with. Luckily, there are ‘multi detectors’ on the market that can handle more than a single type of gas.
Your experience: How familiar are you with gas detection? If your industry or work deals with the issue every day, your knowledge and experience will be higher – so you can leap into more sophisticated technology from the off. For beginners, there are cheaper and easier-to-use gas detectors to get you through your tasks and build up your knowledge.
3. What type do you need?
Ask many people who are familiar with gas detectors, and they’ll talk about ‘fixed’ and ‘portable’ solutions. The fixed detectors are usually mounted, while the latest generation of portable devices can be slipped into the pocket or clipped onto a belt – and yet still provide vigilant and accurate real-time protection.
4. What brands are the best?
This isn’t an advertorial, so we’ll just say that the gas detector market is diverse, thriving, and generally of high quality because of tight regulatory conditions, ratings systems, and intense competition. Better still, the products are uniquely differentiated, depending on the complexity, accuracy, features and functionality you require – not to mention your budget.
Gases that are flammable, toxic, explosive and asphyxiant are no laughing matter, but we could hardly be luckier to be living in our brave new 21st century. Workers, businesses and industries can now rely on affordable, reliable and features-rich devices like modern gas detectors to make productive life easier and safer – just make sure you get the one most suitable for your brand or application.
