Here’s what PPE you need when working with toxic gases
At Gas Alarm Systems, we’ve been delivering toxic gas detection systems to a number of different sectors for over 25 years. We’re well aware of the types of risks that toxic gas exposure can pose, which is why we’ve created the most reliable, cost-effective solutions on the market, specifically tailored to meet the toxic gas hazards associated with your industry.
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Our unrivalled range of fixed gas detectors provide one of the best ways to alert your workforce to the presence of toxic gases. They provide quick and reliable readings, as well as a loud alarm to warn anyone in the area of a potential leak, giving them plenty of time evacuate.
Like all alarms though, they work best when coupled with a range of additional precautionary measures to protect you and your employees from exposure. You’re likely to have a variety of specific measures already in place for your own premises, but by far one of the most universal (and fundamental) is personal protective equipment, or PPE.
So, here’s our list of the PPE that your employees will require if they’re working within an environment where they could be exposed to toxic gas.
Eye protection
Even non-toxic gases can cause significant damage to eyes, as an uncontrolled release of compressed gas (in other words, an explosion) can dislodge metal shavings and create other dangerous projectiles which can pose a significant threat to the wellbeing of your employees. For this reason, ordinary safety goggles won’t be suitable. Instead, we’d recommend looking into impact-resistant eyewear first. Alternatively – if your employees are working around toxic and corrosive gases like chlorine or ammonia, it’s worth considering chemical goggles to ensure your employees eyes aren’t at risk of exposure to toxic fumes.
Protective gloves
Standard working gloves should be enough to protect the hands of your employees from abrasions, cuts, tears and punctures while they transfer or move objects in an industrial environment. However, if your industry involves working heavily with gases that create a thermal hazard like LPG, cold insulating gloves will be required in order to reduce the risk of injury caused by skin exposure to sub-zero temperatures.
Breathing apparatus
These are especially necessary when working in small, cramped areas with low ventilation. Respirators can help to supply your workforce with a steady stream of oxygen where they might not be able to get immediate access to it. If the work they’re undertaking has any chance of exposing them to an oxygen deficient atmosphere, then some sort of breathing equipment will be required. So, depending on your worksite, you might need self-contained chemical oxygen breathing apparatus or a continuous airline system.
What’s more, air filtration systems can also serve as a valid alternative to respirators, as they can help to maintain a clean level of oxygen within your working environment. Carbon monoxide is a particularly potent threat as it’s a colourless and odourless gas, which can be lethal even in small concentrations – another reason why an effective gas detection system is a vital addition to make to your workplace.
We take workplace safety extremely seriously here at Gas Alarm Systems, which is why we can provide you with a wide range of sophisticated custom built gas detection systems, both fixed and portable, that you can always rely on to keep you and your employees safe. You can explore them right here on our website, or if you have any questions or need any advice, by all means call us on 01423 862240, and we’ll be happy to see how we can help.
