LABORATORIES
There are many types of laboratories including, without limitation, diagnostic, research, and industrial labs. Each type of laboratory has different safety requirements based on its particular specialty in various science, medicine, and industry segments. Depending upon the lab specialty, hazardous materials such as poisons, infectious materials, radioactive elements, and/or compressed gases may be present.
Compressed gases, most commonly argon, nitrogen, and oxygen, are widely used in laboratories. For instance, liquid nitrogen may be used in a diagnostic lab to preserve specimen samples by freezing them with nitrogen’s extreme cold temperature. While compressed gases are safe when properly used and stored, improper handling or usage can cause a leak, which could be hazardous to laboratory personnel and possibly cause an explosion.
A gas leak may occur if a gas cylinder is improperly stored or a tank becomes damaged in transit. Gas cylinders are pressurized, so improper handling could cause them to dent, making them more susceptible to explosion.
PureAire oxygen monitors constantly check the levels of oxygen in the air, and in the event of a gas leak and a drop in oxygen to unsafe levels, PureAire’s monitors will activate audible and visual alarms to alert lab personnel. Since oxygen, nitrogen, and argon are colorless and odorless, there would be no way to detect a leak absent proper oxygen monitoring. Laboratory safety best practices call for oxygen monitors to be installed anywhere there is a risk of gas leaks. The oxygen monitors should be placed wherever compressed gases are stored, and in all rooms where the gas is used. For more information on laboratory safety — NIH -Protocol for Use and Maintenance of Oxygen Monitoring Devices 2021.
PureAire’s oxygen monitors continuously measure oxygen, requiring no time-consuming maintenance or calibration. Each PureAire O2 monitor has an easy-to-read screen that displays current oxygen levels for at-a-glance readings by laboratory employees, who derive peace of mind from the monitor’s presence and reliability.
