With simple cautionary steps in place, you can easily evade workplace accidents and injuries. Whether it’s training employees to handle hazardous situations or installing detection systems for safety preparedness, keeping your facility safe starts with having a plan and putting it in motion. Here are some of the critical things to have in mind when preventing workplace injuries.

Common Causes of Workplace Injury

The first step of any emergency preparedness plan is risk assessment. Learn what situations or conditions your workplace has experienced in the past prepare accordingly.

Construction sites often have some of the most reported cases of workplace injuries. From walking on a scaffold to managing heavy machinery, there are numerous ways accidents can happen. With that being said, indoor environments aren’t exempt. Those who work in an office or lab environment could harm themselves from lifting heavy objects, handling toxic materials, or even, sitting with bad posture.

Any activity that requires repeated or fast movement of a body part, such as your hand or arm is particularly at risk for injury. Whether it’s body vibrations caused by powerful machinery tools or strained muscles from heavy equipment, workplace injuries come in all shapes and forms.

Your environment is another factor worth considering when determining your workplace’s risks. Depending on where you work, whether it’s indoors, outdoors, near water, or in a confined area can present a number of problems. Cold environments, for example, are prime spaces for workers to experience hypothermia or frostbite.

Preventive Measures

While it’s not possible to hedge against all potential workplace incidents, the next step of an emergency plan is setting preventative measures. By fully understanding what hazardous situations are present, you can put particular safety guidelines and rules in place to prevent harm. Whether it’s restricting access from areas where construction is occurring or installing an onsite gas detection system, these preventative measures will keep you one step ahead of any workplace injury.

How to Respond to an Emergency

Unfortunately, accidents do happen. While you can prepare and train your employees to follow certain safety guidelines, there is always a chance that someone does get injured. Make sure your emergency response plan has been clearly laid out so that employees know who to call and how to respond in the case of a problem. Whether it’s knowing how to perform CPR, simple first aid procedures, or using a fire extinguisher, preventing further injury starts with your response.

Handling Gas Leaks

As a leader in gas detection technology, we’re committed to making sure you have the resources to combat dangerous gas leaks. Since gas leaks can quickly lead to fire, explosion, or become extremely hard to control, your team should be aware of how to adequately respond. If your gas detector alerts you to a dangerous gas leak, be sure to keep the following in mind to prevent a further accident:

• Don’t hesitate to call 911 for assistance
• Turn off the main gas valve to prevent further leaks
• If you have doors, windows, or vents, make sure they are open to let the gas evaporate
• Avoid using electric devices such as computers and phones
• Don’t ignite any flame, candles, cigars, etc
• Evacuate from the building until the leak is under control

Keep Your Workplace Safe

Having the right safety procedures in place are crucial for reducing workplace injuries. Make sure your team is one step ahead of any danger by setting safety guidelines that apply to your specific environment. Whether it’s the equipment you use or the space you’re working in, emergency procedures provide peace of mind when dealing with potentially dangerous situations.

Contact our team of experts for more tips and ideas on workplace safety.

As a leader in workplace safety, we are committed to providing resources and information to help you protect your facilities. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the war against infectious diseases has been tighter than ever. Safety measures have included washing hands, keeping the workplace clean, not sharing personal equipment, and keeping a safe distance from fellow employees.

Since large manufacturing facilities and warehouses can be a hotspot for bacteria, there is an urgent need for action in order to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases. Take note of the following ways to ensure you’re doing your part to reduce the spread of sickness in your industrial setting.

Preventive Measures

Preventive measures include all the precautionary steps you can take to reduce the chance of bacterial diseases entering your work premises. According to CDC, you can take the following precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• All workers should have a basic understanding of COVID-19, how the disease is thought to spread, what the symptoms of the disease are, and what measures can be taken to prevent or minimize the transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19.
• Use digital inventory tracking systems to limit personal contact.
• Conduct virtual meetings.
• Consider maintaining small groups of workers in teams (cohorting) to reduce the number of coworkers each person is exposed to.
• Create work zones to separate teams and reduce contact with other workers.
• Reduce the number of staff on-site at one time by increasing the number of shifts, staggering shifts, decreasing the overlap between shifts, and increasing facility hours of operation.
• Implement flexible worksites (telework) for office staff to the extent feasible.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Maintain social distancing in the warehouse.
• Limit the number of people in the warehouse at one time. (Consult state and local guidance if available.)
• Use cloth face coverings or masks as appropriate.
• Consider requiring visitors to the workplace (service personnel, customers) to also wear cloth face coverings or masks.

Keeping the Workplace Clean

A cleaner workplace keeps germs at bay and ensures the minimal spread of any disease that spreads through the filth. Be sure to frequently disinfect surfaces and working tools that workers share frequently in-between shifts and throughout the day. To be the most effective, it’s important to choose a disinfectant that has at least 70% alcohol content.

Some cleaning agents and hand sanitizers may be corrosive or harmful to your workers, so it’s important to keep in mind which products you’re using. If you regularly use toxic or hazardous chemicals, there is also a chance that disinfectants could react dangerously. Make sure your gas detection system is in good working order to prevent unsafe conditions for your employees.

If an Employee Gets Sick

In the unfortunate case that one of your employees tests positive for any infectious disease, isolation is key. Make sure there is a protocol in place for the employee to stay at home and prevent anyone else from getting sick.

If you begin to notice a worker exhibiting symptoms, it’s important for them to seek medical help before returning for work. Don’t forget to call in any local health workers to disinfect the affected persons’ work area to prevent any further spread.

Learning from the Pandemic

The pandemic has given safety managers across the world a reason to put certain protocols in place. While the goal has been to prevent the spread of disease, the overall benefit has been increased workplace safety and protection. At GDS, we’re committed to providing you with the most reliable and accurate safety detection devices. If you regularly deal with hazardous materials, we have a solution designed to fit your requirements.

Contact us for more information about our detection systems or for more ways to prevent the spread of disease in your workplace.

Lower Explosive Limit detectors, commonly referred to as LEL monitors, play an important role in various industrial facilities throughout many industries. With many factors at play during the monitoring process, it becomes important to pay attention to details, as overlooking one important element of the monitoring process could result in tragedy.

LEL Detection Principles

An LEL gas detector is designed to detect the presence of combustible gases such as hydrogen or hydrocarbons like methane, propane, or gasoline fumes. Most common LEL detectors use either Catalytic Bead sensors or Infrared Absorption sensors. CatBead sensors, as they are commonly known, detect gas by burning a small amount of gas (carefully!) on a hot wire; the resulting heat changes the wire’s resistance and indicates the presence of gas. Infrared Absorption sensors detect combustible hydrocarbon gases using a frequency of infrared light that is absorbed by the hydrogen-carbon bonds in hydrocarbon gases.

Detection of Multiple Gases

When using an LEL gas detector, it is common to include a second sensor to detect oxygen depletion or toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide or sulfur dioxide. Dual-channel detectors such as the GASMAX II and GASMAX CX make it easy to add a second local or remote sensor. 

Wireless Technology

Up to a few years ago, battery-powered wireless LEL detection was impractical given the amount of power required to operate an infrared sensor. Recent advances in sensor technology now allow battery-powered detectors to continuously monitor for explosive levels of combustible gas for more than six months. Information from the wireless sensor is transmitted to a central controller every five minutes, and more often if high levels of gas are detected. 

Pro Tip: LEL detectors can be programmed to send real-time reports and alerts to a website or manager’s smartphone. Get in touch with our expert team to find out how.

Calibration Methods

Of course, to ensure that the value shown on the monitor and recorded in the plant management system is accurate, LEL gas monitors must always be properly calibrated. Ignoring the need for calibration can lead to catastrophic results. To make sure this does not happen, many of today’s LEL gas detection devices are designed with electronics and software that simplify the calibration process and/or provide helpful reminders when calibration is due. 

Confined Space Monitoring

One of the most important areas to monitor are confined spaces where equipment malfunctions or leaks in pipes or valves can occur, resulting in a build-up of combustible gas. Sample draw monitors that incorporate integral sample pumps and low-flow warning devices can be mounted outside the confined space and continuously monitor the air inside the space for the presence of combustible or toxic gases, reducing the risk of explosion or injury in the event that a leak should occur. 

Connect with us to speak to an expert about LEL detectors in your business.

Types of Hazardous Locations

Hazardous locations are areas where there is a potential for fire or explosion from electrical equipment due to flammable gases, liquids, vapors, combustible dusts, fibers, or flyings. In North America, various associations including The National Electrical Code (NEC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have created a guide to classify these areas. By defining a hazardous area into specific classes, divisions, and zones, workers can better understand the potential dangers before entry.

• Class I
• Class II
• Class III

Class I

Class I locations are areas where combustible gases, vapors, or flammable liquids may exist, and each subclassification determines the severity of that particular area. Class I locations may include natural gas refineries, gas stations, manufacturing plants, and many others.

• Class I, Division 1 – Area where ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors exist under normal operating conditions, repair, or faulty electrical systems.
• Class I, Division 2 – Area where concentrations of flammable gases exist but are normally confined to sealed containers; ignition risk is substantially lower than Division 1 areas. 
• Class I, Zone 0 – Similar to Division 1, this area is known to have explosive or flammable gases for a long period of time during normal operating conditions.
• Class I, Zone 1 – Area where explosive or flammable gases are present temporarily during normal operating conditions.
• Class I, Zone 2 – Area where there is an absence of explosive or flammable gases, vapors, or liquids during normal operating conditions.

Class II

Class II hazardous locations are areas where combustible dust, not gases or liquids, might be present at different amounts. Class II locations may include coal plants, flour mills, or similar manufacturing plants that handle hazardous dust. These locations are divided into two divisions.

• Class II, Division 1 – Area where explosive or flammable combustible dust exist under normal operating conditions; ignition could result from mechanical failure or nearby conductive dust.
• Class II, Division 2 – Area where amounts of explosive or flammable dust have a low chance of igniting under normal operating conditions.

Class III

Class III hazardous locations are areas where ignitable fibers or flyings may be present, such as sawdust plants or textile mills. Class III area classifications are divided into two different divisions.

• Class III, Division 1 – Area where ignitable fibers or flyings are handled, manufactured or used on a daily basis.
• Class III, Division 2 – Area where ignitable fibers or flyings are stored or handled, not used in the process of manufacturing.

Pro Tip: Make sure your equipment has been engineered to handle your specific area classification. Equipment designed for a particular class can be used in any division of that class, but not in any other class. 

Staying Safe in Hazardous Locations

Working with dangerous chemicals and gases comes with many challenges, especially when used near electrical equipment. Without the right protection, the safety and health of your crew could be put at risk. GDS Corp offers a number of detection solutions that have been designed to function in hazardous areas. 

Connect with a salesman today to customize a gas detection system for your unique operating conditions.

When you work with chemicals containing volatile organics in your manufacturing processes, your indoor air quality is threatened. Harmful levels of VOCs are hard to detect by the human nose. Thus, reliable detection systems are necessary to keep you and your workers safe. With lasting health effects like cancer and memory impairment, monitoring volatile organics can’t be overlooked.

What are VOCs exactly?

Volatile organic compounds (or VOCs) are carbon-based chemicals that turn into gaseous form at room temperature. These toxic gases are invisible to the human eye and can be found in many consumer products and industrial processes. Some of the most common VOC substances include formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, phenol, and methylene chloride. 

Volatile organics can be found in paint varnishes, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials, correction fluids, glues, adhesives, and other chemicals. Be sure to monitor all sources of VOCs to protect your current and future health.

Pro Tip: Installing a photoionization detector to accurately measure the volatile organic molecules in the air near you.

Harmful Levels of VOCs

When dealing with VOCs, there are safe and unsafe levels of concentration to consider. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), organic pollutants can be 2-5 times higher in interior spaces compared to outdoor air. Installing proper detection systems is crucial for guarding against toxic levels in your working environment.

When measuring volatile organics, you may be presented with the term, Total VOC (or TVOC for short). TVOC is the total concentration of all VOCs found simultaneously in the air. Any volatile organic could be found in a number of elements. Instead of focusing on a single compound, detectors measure the sum concentration of VOCs.

Federal officials haven’t fully regulated VOCs, but the following chart shows the appropriate levels of TVOCs in the air.

Health Effects of Volatile Organics

If you regularly interact with VOCs, your future health could be in danger. Although many signs of VOC poisoning are noticed immediately, some people may experience symptoms days after exposure. Health effects could include eye, nose, and throat irritation, central nervous system damage, the development of cancer, and memory impairment.

According to the EPA, health symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include:

• Conjunctival irritation
• Nose and throat discomfort
• Headache
• Allergic skin reaction
• Dyspnea
• Decline in serum cholinesterase levels
• Nausea
• Emesis
• Epistaxis
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

If you work with volatile organics, it’s important to have easy access to fresh air in the case of exposure. Those experiencing severe symptoms should contact emergency personnel for immediate assistance.

Protect Yourself from Air Pollutants

Do you regularly deal with volatile organics? Protect your facility’s air quality and guard your employee’s health by installing photoionization detectors, or PIDs. GDS Corp offers a number of PIDs with high energy ultraviolet lights to accurately measure the compounds in your environment.

Could you be exposed to VOCs? Connect with our gas detection experts to find the best detector for your environment.

What Are The Dangers of Natural Gas?

Since natural gas is naturally invisible and odorless, it can be hard to detect at high concentrations in the air. To combat this problem, natural gas distribution companies are required to add a form of mercaptan, a chemical that smells like rotten eggs. At low concentrations, escaping natural gas can be detected by smell; however, relying entirely on your sense of smell can be disastrous. 

Furthermore, in some cases, natural gas used in some plants may not contain any odorant and so would go undetected. Without a natural gas detection system in your manufacturing processes, the health your workers could be at risk in the following three ways.

1. Decreased level of oxygen
2. Release of carbon monoxide
3. Risk of a flash fire or explosion

1) Decreased level of oxygen

Leaking natural gas can replace oxygen in ambient air. Without oxygen, you will be unable to breathe, resulting in a range of symptoms including:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Eye and throat irritation
• Fatigue
• Breathing problems
• Pale skin or blisters from skin contact

2) Release of carbon monoxide

One of the primary uses of natural gas in industrial applications is to provide heat. This requires that the gas be burned in the presence of air. If natural gas is burned without sufficient oxygen, the incomplete combustion process creates carbon monoxide, a highly toxic gas that is very dangerous to humans. 

Carbon monoxide usually extrudes an extremely pungent odor and can cause a round of dangerous health effects. That being said, carbon monoxide poisoning looks very similar to natural gas poisoning, with severe cases having deadly consequences.

Pro Tip: Each of our detectors can be customized for equipment or facility. Install a carbon monoxide sensor as part of your gas detection system to monitor unsafe gas concentration levels in your vicinity.

3) Risk of a flash fire or major explosion

Finally and most importantly, leaking natural gas can quickly become an explosive hazard. It only takes a concentration of five percent (5%) by volume to create an explosive atmosphere. And there will be a source of ignition! 

Any combustible gas detector system should include highly visible warning strobes and loud horns to indicate the presence of a leak and give employees a chance to leave the premises before hazardous conditions exist. In addition, the gas detection system can be programmed to trigger exhaust fans and close gas valves in the event of a warning indication. 

How to Respond to a Suspected Gas Leak

To guard against the health risks of a potential natural gas leak, it’s important to know what to do if you. In the case of an emergency, immediately call 911 to contact the fire department for further assistance. If the leak is suspected outside and you’re not in immediate danger, follow these instructions:

• Mild Gas Leaks – Leave the area if you’re not sure of the leak’s extent.
• Severe Gas Leaks – Leave the surrounding area as soon as possible. Due to the flammability of natural gas, a simple phone call uses enough energy that could ignite a fire. Drive away from the area and contact emergency personnel for further assistance.

Caution: Whatever you do, don’t underestimate the power of natural gas. If there is a suspected gas leak, any source of electricity can create an explosion. Do not touch any electrical components in your vicinity until the natural gas levels are under control.

Prepare for Natural Gas Leaks

Burning natural gas is a safe and common practice, but without proper safety detection, it can cause a myriad of health issues. Install a safety detection system to help prepare for a natural gas leak before it’s too late. 

Don’t put your health at risk. Connect with our gas detection experts to find the right monitor system for your industrial applications.

Developing Safe Work Environments

No matter what industry you work in, safety hazards are always present. From equipment handling to interacting with toxic gases, there is an array of different health concerns at every worksite. This year, protect your employees by resolving to make workplace safety and health goals for your business.

1. Recognize safety hazards

If you have a new business or if your safety standards need to be updated, it’s important to start with analyzing your facility. While there are general safety concerns to address, there are also dangers that are specific to you. Make an analysis of any work-related injuries and use historical data to determine where your employees could potentially be harmed.

In the unfortunate case that there is an injury or illness, perform an incident investigation to ensure that it won’t happen again. By interviewing your employees and finding out what led to the mishap, your safety and health standards can be changed to minimize future issues.

2. Create and maintain safety programs

Once you’re able to determine which safety hazards are present, it’s crucial to create a safety program personalized for your company. In addition to what is required in the Occupational Safety and Health standards, your plan should include specific instructions for your equipment and working procedures.

Whether you’re a small business or large treatment plant, maintaining your safety program is key. Schedule regular training sessions to make sure employees are informed. Provide resources to communicate the safety standards for future reference. Creating safety guidelines is important, but ensuring that your workers understand the process is crucial to minimizing hazards on your job site.

3. Install safety detection systems

For many facilities where natural gas is present, many safety hazards are unseen by the naked eye. To protect your employees and warehouse equipment, install a safety detection system to monitor the exposure levels. There are a number of systems available to detect harmful chemical levels that can be installed directly on a piece of equipment or within your entire warehouse.

Pro Tip: Invest in a wireless alarm station to extend the range of your safety detection system throughout your job site.

Securing Your Employees’ Safety and Health

No matter what may have transpired in 2019, the start of a new year welcomes a fresh start and room to achieve your goals. There shouldn’t be any excuse for the lack of safe work practices. To protect your employees and secure their health, it’s important to make a plan and maintain it on a regular basis.

What kind of safety issues does your business face? Share with us on social media!