N2O is common in the healthcare industry. With a wide range of uses, N2O is one of the most utilised gases in the industry. It is important to understand what this gas is and where it is used, along with what it is used for. This helps in establishing why and where you will need a nitrous oxide gas detector. It is also vital to understand the dangers of N2O, especially if working in the healthcare industry, due to the common misconceptions as to just how dangerous this gas can be.
This article delves into all of this crucial information as well as the best available nitrous oxide gas detector solution to keep personnel safe.
What is Nitrous Oxide used for and where is it found?
Nitrous oxide, or as it’s more commonly referred to as Entonox. N2O creates a euphoric effect when inhaled so is widely used as an anaesthetic and analgesic gas in surgeries and dentist practises across the UK and worldwide. This gas causes inhibition of nerve cells and thus inhibits pain, making it perfect for usage in surgical procedures. This gas can be found in dentist practices, hospitals and various other medical facilities. Due to its abundant use, there are likely to be large storage rooms filled with bottles of N2O. Thus, leaks could possibly be very common in these areas, but why are Nitrous Oxide gas detectors needed?
Why is N2O dangerous?
N2O may not be perceived as dangerous due to how often it is used and how much is used. However, almost any gas can quickly become a hazard and will need to be monitored. N2O in particular can cause short-term issues with mental performance, audio-visual ability and manual dexterity. Long-term exposure can also cause vitamin B12 deficiency, numbness and reproductive side effects. Therefore, it is vital to monitor for any leaks to keep your personnel safe.
Additionally, N2O can quickly become a pollutant as it reacts with Oxygen in the atmosphere to create Ozone. Ozone is highly polluting, having 310 times the impact as CO2 on the atmosphere over 100 years. This makes it a major air pollutant and greenhouse gas. Thus, leaks of this gas could not only have a detrimental effect on the atmosphere, but could also put medical facilities in violation of various regulations, such as the Paris climate agreement.
It is clear to see that not monitoring N2O can cause a plethora of issues. Making it vital to have a detectably better Nitrous Oxide gas detector.
IGDs fixed Nitrous Oxide gas detector solution
IGD is the only company to offer stable, low-level N2O monitoring with our outstanding TOC-750S Nitrous Oxide gas detector. This makes us the go-to solution for all your N2O detection needs.
Our sampler utilises innovative piezo pump technology. Not only does this reduce the sound of operation, but it boasts a system with virtually no moving parts. This significantly reduces the upkeep costs of the device while increasing reliability. Plus, the TOC-750s features a combination of our unique engineering and digital communication. Enabling stable and accurate fixed detection, meeting the OSHA alarm level of 25ppm and UK COSHH alarm level of 100ppm. All of these amazing features are available on our outstanding 2-wire technology. This ground-breaking technology reduces installation costs by up to 70% in addition to increasing security and reliability. Installation time is significantly decreased with this 2-wire nitrous oxide gas detector due to the cabling’s no polarity requirement.
IGDs portable N2O gas detector solution
We are also proud to offer all of our clients N2O detection on the mPower POLI portable multi-gas detector. This portable can offer N2O detection in combination with 4-5 other gas sensing options, including O2 detection. Perfect for healthcare facilities where both these gases need to be monitored. With the POLI-pumped nitrous oxide gas detector, leak detection is possible for over 9 metres away. Ensuring personnel are safe when checking for hazards. The POLI offers a 16-hour, rechargeable battery. Ideal for use in the healthcare industry, as it can be charged and used anywhere without the fear of your device losing power. With a 6-month event storage, this Nitrous Oxide gas detector is the detectably better device you should consider for your healthcare facility.
It’s easy to see why IGD is the detectably better solution for Nitrous Oxide gas detectors. Contact our team here to find out more or visit the TOC-750s sampler and POLI Multi-Gas pages on our website.
