In a world of ever-changing technology, it is imperative oil and gas companies remain vigilant about the latest advances in technologies seeking to optimize worker safety, especially in the area of hazardous gas detection. Proper education and continuous training in gas detection technologies keep organizations ahead of the curve on best practices and knowledgeable about each device's abilities, eliminating misconceptions that might otherwise spread throughout the oil and gas community, leading to potentially harmful situations.
Simply because a device functioned without an issue the day prior does not mean the same will hold true for its next use. In order to maximize the full protection afforded by a gas detection system, the system must be manually bump tested and calibrated with a known concentration of the target gas before every use, regardless of any existing self-bump testing capability. Advances in sensor technology have progressed dramatically over the past decade. These improvements add another layer of defense against harmful gas situations.
A self-bump test will only show whether a device is operational; it does not verify the device's ability to correctly perform the required functions that recognize bump testing before existing gas levels. Should any sort of residue affect the instrument's membrane, the self-bump test will provide a false green light and will not detect toxic levels. Manual bump testing before entering the field negates this possibility.
Bump tests also check the calibration of the sensor to confirm alarms work, are correctly set, and are in accordance with regulations, standards and recommendations. Calibration is a vital step in guaranteeing the gas detector's accuracy and confirming the readings will provide results meeting or exceeding defined criteria. During this process, the instrument readjusts so sensors can retain their abilities to correctly measure and accurately register gas levels. Calibration also assists in determining the condition of the gas detector's sensor, which has a limited lifespan. Without regular calibrations, sensors may not be reading true gas concentrations. These two tests provide security for companies and their workers, thus allowing each entity to operate with confidence in hardware and software performance.
The practice of evaluating data post-incident does nothing to prevent the same situation from occurring in the future. The data logging capability of gas detection devices has evolved to the point that the information collected is invaluable for preventative use, providing insight on daily operations and alerting the user to early warning signs. Total memory on these instruments can be set to record every second up to months' worth of information. With telemetric gas reading devices transmitting readings to a central monitoring station, regular review of this information may prevent harmful events from taking place. Gas monitors are fully equipped to tell users when, where and under what conditions they were used. Upon inspection, an analyst marries a worker's routine with the results. This regular analysis of gathered data is paramount to providing a safer, more productive work environment.
Aside from a company collecting the data to create internal efficiencies and protect against site hazards, the information presents the potential to be gathered and reviewed by industry associations to establish more universally effective safety standards.
Gas detection systems are only effective for those who practice proper techniques. Implementing ongoing trainings for shortand long-term workers benefits companies because increased education heightens a worker's awareness of probable harmful events, therefore safeguarding the company's productivity and profit margins.
In order to best protect against hazardous gas-related events, it is imperative to provide workers with ongoing training and education and encourage better usage practices. Looking toward the future and embracing new technologies will save lives. Promoting a strong culture of safety will generate more prosperous outcomes for a company's productivity and its workforce.
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