Confined Space Gas Testing: Tools Needed, Tips & Tricks

April 11, 2023 |

Employees who go into confined spaces for work on a daily basis face the risk of exposure to airborne toxins that can cause injury or even death. These confined spaces, which are commonly present in chemical factories, processing plants, paper mills, utility corridors, and underground coal mines, may contain air that is oxygen-deficient or polluted with toxic and flammable gases. That is why regulations mandate confined space gas testing in these dangerous enclosed areas. In this guide, we’ll provide insights into the necessary tools needed for confined space gas testing as well as the best safety protocols to adhere to.

Why Is Confined Space Gas Testing Required?

A confined space is defined as any enclosed area where a worker would be completely shut in and isolated from the external environment, thereby posing expected risks to the safety of those entering. One of the primary hazards associated with confined spaces is the potential for loss of consciousness due to oxygen deficiency or exposure to toxic gases, fumes, and vapors. This can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities, making it crucial to take appropriate safety measures when working in confined spaces.

Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees, which includes taking necessary measures to protect them from the gaseous dangers in confined spaces. To safeguard employees from toxic gas exposure or oxygen deficiency, employers are required to have a system in place to monitor the air quality prior to entering and throughout the entire duration of work in the confined space. This ensures that workers are not subjected to hazardous conditions and can carry out their duties in a safe and healthy environment.

Identifying and Assessing Gases in the Surroundings

Before anyone enters a confined space, it is imperative that the area is thoroughly tested for the presence of noxious gases and vapors. It’s important to conduct regular evaluations of the conditions both inside and outside of the confined space to detect which toxic gases are present or could potentially be present, including those that may be lacking such as oxygen.

There are several methods to accomplish this, such as inserting a tube into the area to extract a sample, introducing a probe to extract a sample, or simply examining the readings on any fixed gas detectors already in place. Another method is by situating a gas detector within the space itself and letting it record the variations and fluctuations of gases in the enclosed environment.

Choosing the Right Gas Detector Device

Gas detectors can differ in their sensor configurations, ranging from those with singular sensors for just one specific gas, to multi-sensor detectors that can identify four different gases. It’s important to carefully contemplate your work demands and processes when choosing the appropriate gas detector. Consider:

Which gases are expected to come your way in a particular confined space?
Is there any combustible gas present in the confined space? If yes, gas detectors may require ATEX certification.
What substances will be introduced or inside the confined space? Some substances, such as silica, can impair the sensors, making the gas detector unusable.
What is the duration of the work in the confined space, and therefore how long is the gas detector’s battery life?
What level of accuracy is required for the reading? Dusty atmospheres can obstruct the gas detector’s sensors, necessitating specific dust Furthermore, chemical detector tubes may not provide highly precise results.

Who Can Perform Confined Space Gas Testing?

A confined space gas detector test should be conducted by a professional confined space rescue team. Alternatively, it can be conducted by a proficient employee who has undergone professional rescue training and possesses a deep understanding of the characteristics of the gases and vapors to be identified, as well as the applicable legal obligations and standards for performing confined space gas testing.

Best Practices for Confined Space Gas Testing

Firstly, remember that if any diesel generators are in use or any vehicles are running in the area being tested for gas, it could result in inaccurately higher readings of carbon monoxide. Therefore, it is important to take this into account during gas monitoring.

Secondly, if an alarm is triggered during a gas test, all employees must evacuate the area immediately. This is a crucial safety measure to ensure the well-being of all individuals involved.

Thirdly, it’s important to note that some gases have different densities than air. This means that the gas detector should be positioned in the appropriate places based on the properties of the gas being tested.

Fourthly, when conducting gas testing in a roof attic or hollow area, the employee should avoid positioning their head above the gas detector where dangerous gas pockets could exist. They can lead to grave injury and unconsciousness, hence it’s important to ensure the employee’s safety.