Gas mapping
What is a gas detection survey?
A gas detection survey confirms the correct gas detector locations, addresses the identified risks and provides supporting documentation to reinforce the risk assessments.
Gas detection systems safeguard people and assets wherever hazardous situations exist owing to flammable or toxic gas. Health and safety regulations (Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR), Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH), etc.) place the duty on employers to protect people from the risks related to dangerous substances and potentially explosive atmospheres. An effective gas detection system protects people and companies and should be managed as part of an ongoing management life cycle.
An effective gas detection system should
- detect potentially hazardous releases or accumulations of gas
- initiate alarms to alert personnel to act
- begin executive action to reduce escalation and mitigate the risk
When does a company need a gas detection survey?
- New systems: when a risk assessment determines a requirement for a gas detection system, the gas detection survey will provide confidence that the field detectors are in the correct positions for the required coverage.
- System upgrades: when systems are upgraded or significantly changed, regulators recommend a review of the design to ensure the system is adequate.
- Changes in process or building: when any change occurs in a process or building, risk assessments should be updated.
- Periodic reviews: systems should be subject to periodic reviews. COMAH sites require five-year reviews because of their hazardous nature. The gas detection system is often a safety-related system and should be reviewed and documented on a regular basis.
What types of gas detection survey does my company need?
We offer an office-based design process to provide gas detector location designs, which is ideal for projects still in the design stage or undergoing construction. We required an accurate layout and general arrangement (GA) drawings, as well as any details of the perceived risk and appropriate risk assessments. A report will be provided detailing how best to protect the occupants and/or the production asset. Based on the information provided, the report will include graphical representations, percentages of coverage and the equipment locations.
A trained engineer will attend your site to meet with the end user. They will agree risk management strategies, survey the building, review processes and storage areas and confirm fixed life safety systems. The report will include graphical representations, percentages of coverage and the equipment locations (based on the information gathered from the survey). The gas detection survey is aimed at new systems being installed or older systems that require upgrades.
The gas detection system review is comprehensive offering including a document review of drawings, safety requirement specifications and previous risk assessments. During the site meeting and survey, our trained engineer will survey the building, review processes and storage areas and confirm fixed life safety systems such as fire alarms, emergency lighting, the means of escape, etc.). The completed report includes graphical representations, percentages of coverage and the equipment locations (based on the information gathered from the survey) and a recommended action plan.
Supported by specialist 3D mapping software, our reports provide:
- details of the risks identified by the end user, including a description of the area of risk, proposed detection zones and a means of escape and mitigation
- graphical representation of the unit area or building
- graphical representation of the risk
- graphical representation of the detection coverage
- equipment location diagrams
- percentages of coverage
- recommendations for installation
- observations regarding the installation that fall outside the scope of the report, which may have an impact on means of escape and transmission of gases.
Key components required for a gas detection system
Risk assessments
Risk assessments
Risk assessments are part of every process and if your company has identified a risk from gas then a competent person should advise how to manage the risk.
Mapping and detection selection
Mapping and detection selection
A correct detector location ensures the system can detect the gas in time for appropriate action. A competent person with experience and training can provide suitable and sufficient gas detection mapping.
Design and specification
Design and specification
Choosing the operating principles, detectors and control panel to reflect the risk assessment and the executive actions required.
Installation and service
Installation and service
A correct installation to the specification is evident with a suitable inspection and service regime to demonstrate active management.
Periodic review
Periodic review
Safety-related systems should be reviewed periodically as part of the life cycle management. Reviews should consider system design, updated technology, availability and personnel.
Gas detection design
The effective detection of flammable or toxic gas requires detection systems to be part of an engineered solution. The system must effectively assess the occupancy, processes and risks involved in any potentially hazardous environment.
We design the correct coverage for the level of risk identified and use our skills and relevant tools to address the risks. With each gas detection coverage plan, we supply a detailed action plan for the highest level of technical support while maintaining cost-efficiency.
Gas detection systems safeguard people and assets from potential flammable or toxic gas. Health and safety regulations (Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR), Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH), etc.) clearly place the duty on employers to protect people from risks associated with dangerous substances and potentially explosive atmospheres. An effective gas detection system protects everyone and should be managed as part of an ongoing management life cycle. We can support you through this process with a range of technical safety services to review and design relevant systems.
The role of a responsible person
Carrying out sufficient risk assessments to ensure appropriate measures are in place to protect the occupants of your business is a moral and legal responsibility that must be taken seriously.
In many cases, the responsible person (usually the person who is in control of the building) may not have the required training or the relevant skills or experience to design or review the gas detection locations as required by HSE, detailed in the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. We provide personnel with the expertise, specialist training, experience and knowledge to conduct third-party assessments and any supporting documentation. Each survey is undertaken and supervised by fully qualified staff, ensuring that the design is correct and appropriate, and it protects personnel and supports the responsible person with their obligations.
*Ref: 1 The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
To supplement the gas detection survey, we provide a range of technical safety services
- Iindustrial fire risk assessments
- the review and development of machinery, process control and safety systems including shutdown, fire and gas detection and alarm systems
- machinery safety reviews
- the development of proof test procedures
- escape routes and signage reviews
- input on HAZID and HAZOP activities
- risk assessment review and development
- functional safety services including SIL assignment and SIL verification activities
- human factor services, including control room design and ergonomics
- electrical safety reviews
- emergency response facilities and procedures review
- the review and development of plant-wide telecoms and communication systems
We draw on years of engineering expertise to manage your project, from concept design, development and manufacture of packages through to providing support, installation and commissioning.
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