Exposure Limits and Worker Safety – Knowing The Correct Detection Method

Worker health and safety laws have come a long way in recent years. Even in the last few decades introductions of PPE (personal protective equipment), safer working conditions, and limits on exposure to dangerous chemicals and gases have become commonplace. A key part of being able to ensure these safety regulations are being met is through accurate and regular gas monitoring. ION Science offers world-leading VOC gas instruments that help keep workers safe and healthy both during their working life and long after.

When a worker’s health is at risk from short-term or long-term exposure to VOC (volatile organic compounds) it is critical that the level of exposure is responsibly managed. By monitoring STEL and TWA (short-term exposure limit and time-weighted average respectively) values the safety of workers can always be kept at a high level. It’s also important to provide employees with personal gas detection so they are aware of an unregistered leak or industrial accident. This is particularly important for lone workers, or in those operating in confined spaces where it’s harder to call for help.

For protecting long-term worker health, PID gas detectors are much more sensitive than LEL (lower explosive limit) alternatives. Many VOCs can cause serious long term health issues (including cancers) even if exposure at the time was only minor. Protecting people against small exposures over a long period of time is more effective than only protecting them in the event of a large-scale leak or accident, as an LEL would.

Using PID (photoionization detection) technology in personal and portable gas monitors is the most effective way to help protect workers from harmful VOC exposure. As experts in the development and manufacture of PID solutions, ION Science offers a range of industry-leading personal and portable gas detectors.

Depending on the industry application and the type of VOC to be monitored, the legally permitted workplace exposure limit (WEL) will vary. Having a fast and accurate response factor time is critical to ensure workers are not exposed more than necessary. ION Science’s Tiger handheld portable gas detector offers the fastest response factor time on the market, able to detect and respond to VOCs in 2 seconds. It is ideal for use in laboratories, clean rooms, leak detection, and land contamination.

Our flagship Tiger gas detector is available with a 10.6 eV sensor or 11.7 eV option. Alternatively, customers can opt for the Tiger Select, which utilizes a 10.0 eV sensor along with pre-filter benzene tubes for specific benzene monitoring. Both the Tiger and the Tiger Select have a dynamic detection range of PPM and PPB and are available with data logging and health & safety mode additions. Finally, the Tiger LT is an essentials-only version of the Tiger using our brilliant PID technology within a simplified device.

All versions of the Tiger have a 24-hour battery life and are fully rechargeable. With its anti-contamination and humidity-resistant design, the PID sensor in the Tiger can operate at maximum capacity with no interference. It is also designed to be operated one-handed and has a large keypad and back-lit screen to make use in low light even easier. All these user interface features have been added to make the Tiger excellent for VOC detection, but also easy to use in multiple environments and applications to promote improved safety monitoring.

Personal gas detection devices that use PIDs, such as ION Science’s Cub, are an ideal way of protecting staff against VOC exposure. The Cub is designed to be worn on the person within the breathing zone to deliver maximum protection against VOCs. It is available in 10.0eV, 10.6eV and 11.7eV options, allowing for a wide range of VOC detection. The 10.0 and 10.6 versions have a rapid response time of sub 13 seconds, while the 11.7 is even quicker, at sub 11 seconds. All versions are lightweight, have a 12-hour continuous use battery life, and are certified in ATEX and IECEx. Three alarms (audio, light, and vibration) alert the wearer in the event of VOC limits being exceeded, and the Cub can operate at 32-131 °F, ideal for most environments where workers would be present.

ION Science is continuously researching and developing new ways to use PID technology to protect workers from harmful VOC exposure. The Cub and The Tiger are just two of the ways in which ION Science is helping keep workers safe by using fast response times and accurate detection.

ION Science offers fixed, portable and personal detectors that meet rigorous requirements and standards set to ensure optimum safety. To learn more information about products offered by ION Science for gas and leak detection, view our products page. For more information about exposure limits and worker safety mentioned in this article, other detection inquiries or questions you may have for us, contact ION Science today.