Whether you’re monitoring your fence-line or creating a perimeter around high-risk equipment at your facility, you need clear, written procedures for detecting gas hazards to ensure that your people stay safe and that your equipment is detecting hazards as expected so you can get the job done.
Because perimeter monitoring, or “buffer zones”, are often used in noisy or busy work areas, it’s crucial to look for an area monitor with loud alarms and bright warning lights. Some area monitors, like the Radius® BZ1 and Vector™ AM7, can also share alarm readings with nearby personal monitors, such as the Ventis® Pro5, and display customizable warnings such as “Evacuate” and “Ventilate” so everyone knows exactly what to do.
Picture this: a crew is about to begin a new infrastructure project to install new underground lines. These workers need to dig a trench near several pressurized lines that they know contain toxic gases. Because of human error and the dangerous nature of working with hazardous gases, it’s impossible to guarantee safety – even with controls and protective equipment.
You can still reduce the risk of an emergency. Create a plan that includes clear details on what equipment should be used, where area monitors should be deployed, and a response plan of what should occur when an emergency strikes. Depending on your environment, other key items to feature your plan could include:
What job or tasks need to be carried out - What team is conducting the work, and do they have the proper people, skills, and tolls; what are the hazards
- Can you eliminate said hazards
- What PPE is required
- How can you mitigate or reduce the likelihood of an issue occurring
- And much more
With a concrete plan in place, you can ensure everyone on your team is making the smartest decisions, as quickly as possible, in any emergency.
Area Monitoring in Action
Implementing an effective area monitoring plan ensures your team can make informed decisions before danger arises.
Let’s go back to our crew setting up an infrastructure project: they’re using Radius® BZ1 Area Monitors and RGX communication gateways around the perimeter. These monitors can be deployed quickly and left in the field for up to two months, allowing workers to focus on their tasks without worrying about battery life or connectivity. They’re also using Vector AM7™ Area Monitors, which feature three swappable batteries to ensure continuous operation without the need for frequent recharging.
With the area monitoring network in place, workers are assured that any gas hazards will be detected and communicated in real-time. Safety personnel can monitor gas readings remotely, providing a comprehensive view of the work area.
Now, consider a scenario where a pressurized line of toxic gas is accidentally damaged, causing a leak. Both the Radius BZ1 and Vector AM7 detect the gas immediately and sends alerts, enabling the night crew to evacuate and activate the emergency response plan. By using SAFER One® Dynamic Plume Modeling Software, safety personnel can predict the gas plume's direction and pinpoint the leak's source, minimizing impact.
Additionally, all area monitoring data is stored digitally, simplifying compliance and reporting. This ensures real-time tracking and predictive data to assess gas leak risks.
Keeping Workers Safe with Area Monitoring
Area monitoring is an indispensable part of modern industrial safety protocols. By understanding its importance, addressing the hidden challenges, and implementing a comprehensive monitoring plan, you can significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of your operations. Whether you choose to rent, purchase, or lease your equipment, the key is to ensure that your monitoring systems are reliable, and your team is well-trained to handle any gas hazards that may arise.
By leveraging the power of area monitoring, you can create a safer, more efficient work environment that protects both your workforce and the surrounding community. Talk to an expert for more information on area monitoring solutions and best practices.
