Three Common Gas Monitor Mistakes To Avoid
Gas monitors are a critical piece of safety gear for workplaces in which hazardous gases are present. Although many dangerous gases are colorless and odorless, these devices help companies identify and monitor these hazards accurately. Unfortunately, some common slip-ups with these devices can make the workplace less safe. Read the guide below to discover details on three common gas monitor mistakes to avoid in your workplace.
Assuming Which Gases Are Present
You shouldn’t grab a gas monitor and walk into a potentially dangerous space before knowing what to expect. Per OSHA’s guidelines, workplaces must properly conduct atmospheric tests before allowing employees to enter permit-required confined spaces.
To ensure you’re following these standards properly, you should read through OSHA standard 1910.146, which is publicly available on their website for companies to read. By testing the internal atmosphere of a permit-required space, you can determine what dangerous gases are present. This procedure is straightforward, safe, and essential for workplace operations.
Not Reading OSHA Standards
Speaking of reading OSHA standards, neglecting to do so is a much more common practice than it should be. One of the many culprits behind avoidable workplace accidents is a lack of knowledge regarding OSHA standards. Some workplaces simply ignore them altogether as well.
As mentioned above, 29 CFR 1910.146 covers the correct practices for permit-required confined spaces, which are the types of environments where gas detectors are incredibly pertinent. Atmospheric testing is crucial, but certain details determine whether or not a workplace must follow such practices—each workplace is different, after all. So, take time to do a deep dive into relevant OSHA standards and learn where you fall within their definitions and guidelines, making any necessary adjustments to your workplace accordingly.
Neglecting Employee Training
There are various types of gas monitors on the market to accommodate specific workplace needs. For instance, when you’re perusing the market, you’ll find a bevy of portable gas monitor options. So, take your time and wait until you find one that fits your specific needs nicely. However, once you find a suitable device, don’t forget to provide thorough training to employees.
Gas monitors might look simple enough, but neglecting training can lead to novice mistakes and dire consequences. This is one of the top three common gas monitor mistakes to avoid because you can easily cause unnecessary accidents during routine operations. Beyond training current employees, ensure all new hires that will be working with gas monitors receive proper training as well.
