Many jobs involve working with or around hazardous waste daily. Therefore, protecting workers and working environments from dangerous substances and impacts thereof is paramount.
International Gas Detectors (IGD) manufacture and distribute numerous gas detection products, and provide system installations, service, and maintenance on gas detection systems, alongside training consultancy services.
What is Hazardous Waste?
Hazardous waste is any waste material that contains substances considered to be infectious, radioactive or toxic. Whilst many waste materials will not pose an immediate risk to human health or the surrounding environment; some waste materials will. All hazardous waste must be treated, stored and disposed of properly to avoid contamination or damage to humans.
Common hazardous substances in the workplace can include:
- Acids
- Disinfectants
- Gases
- Heavy metals
- Pesticides
- Solvents
Gas detection solutions are vital for monitoring hazardous waste, including toxic gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Sewer Gases
Sewer systems are well known for posing multiple risks to human health. Firstly, people working in the sewer industry often work within confined spaces. Secondly, these spaces frequently contain high levels of toxic gas and other waste materials, which can be flammable and toxic.
Sewer worker entering manhole
Sewer gas detectors should be used to monitor the levels of sewer gases in confined spaces and sewage treatment to protect workers in the sewage industry. Often known as a multi-gas detector, sewer gas detectors can be life-saving should hazardous material be present.
IGD supplies the SENKO MGT Sewer Gas Detector, perfectly suited for sewer workers. It is personal, lightweight and has a long battery life, perfectly suited for workers going into confined spaces that do not want to be weighed down with heavy equipment.
The SENKO MGT gas detector is designed to detect 4 gases: H2S, CO, CH4 and O2.
MGT Sewer Gas Detection solution
Hazardous Waste Removal
Another area where toxic and flammable gases can be found is in hazardous waste removal sites. Typically, specialist companies certified to clear, relocate, and dispose of waste from process sites, factories, industrial unites, and brownfield sites deploy a range of gas detection solutions to mitigate the risks associated with the job.
Gas monitoring systems should be set up in warehouses and other neighbouring rooms where gas may pass through during a leak. Additionally, employees may need to carry portable devices to ensure personal protection on-the-move. IGD develops and sells many systems for detecting gases such as Methane, LPG or other fuel gases.
Hazmat Response Team Removing Hazardous Waste
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) and Their Dangers
Fixed gas detection systems can help ensure workplace safety, allowing work processes to continue operating smoothly. In many industries, including oil and gas and chemical manufacturing, processes typically produce VOCs as a by-product.
Although not all of them are harmful, many of the VOCs produced in heavy industry can cause various serious short and long-term health issues if someone is exposed to them.
Side effects can include:
- Eye, nose and throat irritation
- Nausea
- Damage to liver, kidney and central nervous system
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Allergic skin reactions
- In some extreme cases, some VOCs can cause cancer in humans
In order to keep workers safe, VOC detection systems and monitors should be used. IGD have developed a variety of VOC monitors that can be installed based on their application. Perfected for each industry, IGD have developed devices for lighter industries such as education, clean room, and laboratory, all the way up to heavier, ATEX industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and waste treatment. With portables to match, IGD can provide any solution for any application.
IGD 750X VOC gas detection solution
If you would like more information on any of our products or would like to speak to an expert at IGD, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of the team.
