1. PURPOSE
1.1 This standard: Sets requirements for selection and use of hand held, direct reading portable atmospheric monitoring equipment. (also referred to “meters” in this standard). Provides direction and guidance regarding the use of the equipment. Serves as a supplement to the manufacturer’s literature and operating manuals. So that we are effective and consistent in our approach to meter selection and maintenance.
2. SCOPE
2.1 This standard applies to portable, hand held direct reading atmospheric monitoring equipment that is purchased or leased by Company and used in confined space operations.
2.2 This standard does not apply to the following: Atmospheric monitoring equipment used by contractors who have been retained specifically to provide confined space entry or rescue services. Atmospheric Monitoring Equipment used by outside rescue services for the purpose of performing confined space rescue at an Company facility. Specialized instruments designated for industrial hygiene sampling or environmental compliance monitoring. Direct reading sensor tubes. Personal monitoring devices. Fixed monitoring systems.
3. DEFINITIONS
3.1 Calibration means sampling a certified concentration(s) of a calibration gas(es) and adjusting the meter’s response to match the calibration gas value in order to assure accuracy of the equipment. Calibration verifies operation and accuracy of the sensors, sample system, alarms, display, and other features.
3.2 Functional “Bump Test” means sampling a known atmosphere for the purpose of verifying that the meter sensors, sample system, and alarms are working. A function “bump test” does not confirm the accuracy of the meter. Note: The Function “bump” Test IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR CALIBRATION. A meter must be current in calibration and bump tested before use. The function “bump” when combined with the requirement to verify calibration provides a high degree of reliability that the meter will operate properly.
3.3 Hand Held Portable Atmospheric Monitoring Equipment (also referred to as Meter(s) in this standard) means a compact, hand held meter designed to measure the concentration of flammable vapors/gas, oxygen, or other atmospheric contaminates and displaying the results on a screen or gauge. Typically the equipment consists of sensors, a pump and tube or diffusion sample train, alarms, direct reading displays, and other features. These meters are also commonly referred to as “sniffers”.
4. SUMMARY (Optional Section)
4.1 Meters must meet the performance requirements set in this standard. Meters must be calibrated monthly, or more frequently if specified by the manufacturer or the calibration results demonstrate that a more frequent interval is needed. You must retain calibration records for at least one year. Meters must be verified to be in calibration and function “bump” tested prior to use.
4.2 The requirements set in this standard should be put in place as soon as practical, but in no case longer than three months from the date the standard is published.
4.3 Conversion to the meters listed in Appendix B, or verified to meet the performance criteria in Appendix A should be completed within three years.
5. PROCEDURE
5.1 Equipment Selection
5.1.1 Equipment must meet the performance requirements listed in Appendix A. o You may continue to use existing, properly functioning equipment during a transition period of three years following publication of this standard. However you must meet the calibration, function test, training and operating requirements set in this standard. o When purchasing, renting, or leasing equipment, you must either verify that equipment meets the requirements of Appendix A or select a meter from the list in Appendix B. o Sites choosing to use equipment that is not listed in Appendix B are solely responsible for ensuring that the equipment meets the performance criteria in Appendix A.
5.1.2 You must evaluate materials to be sampled and anticipated monitoring requirements to ensure the meter will accurately measure the atmosphere. o Guidance: Review calibration curves and evaluate the ability to accurately measure the specific materials present at your site. Also consider other chemicals which may be present which can cause interference with the meter’s ability to accurately measure the desired contaminant.
5.2 Meter Set up, Maintenance and Calibration
5.2.1 Meters must be set up so that the meter will alert the operator if faults (out of calibration, sensor failure, sample pump failure, failed function – bump tests, sensor failure, etc.) that can affect proper operation occur.
5.2.2 Meters must be protected by password or otherwise “locked” so that only authorized individuals can make changes to alarm or other critical settings.
5.2.3 You must establish a calibration and maintenance schedule so meters are calibrated at least monthly or more frequently if required by the manufacturer’s specifications or the calibration results demonstrate that a more frequent interval is needed. o You must calibrate meters regardless of frequency of use. Therefore, even if you do not use a meter on a monthly basis (or during a calibration cycle), it still must be calibrated in accordance with this criteria. OR o When meters are used infrequently, you may choose to tag the meter and remove it from service. In that case the tag must specify that calibration must be completed prior to using the meter. You must carefully consider if immediate, urgent use (emergencies, etc.) may be required before using this option.
5.2.4 Your calibration procedures and equipment must meet the manufacturer’s requirements.
5.2.5 Calibration procedures must be written (manufacturer’s written instructions are acceptable.)
5.2.6 You must document calibrations and maintain the records for at least one year.
5.2.7 Calibration gas cylinders must meet the manufacturer’s specifications and calibration gas may not be used if the expiration date on the cylinder has passed.
5.2.8 YOU MUST MARK THE METER WITH A STICKER, TAG, OR OTHER VISUAL THAT INDICATES THE DATE OF CALIBRATION AND DATE THE CALIBRATION IS NO LONGER VALID. This requirement is met when meters are equipped with an internal display that automatically indicates the calibration status and alerts the user if calibration is not current.
5.3 Basic Requirements for Meter Use
5.3.1 Individuals assigned to operate portable atmospheric monitors for confined space entry operations must: o demonstrate the ability to operate the meter and conduct atmospheric monitoring techniques for the areas, spaces and materials that may be encountered. o demonstrate a knowledge of the limitations of the monitoring equipment and sampling techniques. o demonstrate a knowledge of materials and conditions (such as low oxygen content, heat, humidity, cross contamination) that may interfere with the accuracy of the meter.
5.3.2 Select a meter that is designed to measure the specific atmosphere (materials and configuration).
5.3.3 Check the calibration tag/indicator to assure that the meter has been fully calibrated (within time limits established by the manufacturer and site specific schedule, but in no cases greater than one month since the last calibration).
5.3.4 Meters equipped with a pump: Verify proper sample flow. o Guidance: Introduce a sample at the sample draw point. Note the time it takes to draw the sample and produce a result on the display. Some meters have automatic sample draw verification.
5.3.5 Function “bump” test the meter to verify it will sense O2 deficiency, Flammables, and other materials as appropriate. NOTE: This function “bump” test does not validate the accuracy of the meter and is a requirement in addition to ensuring that the calibration is current. Function “bump” tests, when combined with the requirement to verify calibration provides a high degree of reliability that the meter will operate properly. o When available, meters are to be Function Tested using the manufacturer’s function test equipment and procedure. o If function test equipment is not available, function test the meter using a sample from the calibration span gas.
5.3.6 Verify operation of all alarms and features. o O2 alarms at approximately 19.5 and 23.5% O2. o LEL alarms at no more than 10% LEL.
5.3.7 Perform any other pre-use checks specified by the manufacturer or local work practices/standards.
5.3.8 Conduct the sampling activity.
6. RESPONSIBILITIES
6.1 EH&S Maintain this standard. Provide assistance regarding the atmospheric monitoring methods and field use of the meters.
6.2 Users and User’s Leadership / Organizations Verify that those assigned to use or maintain meters can demonstrate competence in the tasks. Purchase, set up, maintain and use meters in compliance with this standard and manufacturer’s instructions. Coordinate the transition to the requirements set forth in this standard. As needed, provide project management resources for implementation of requirements. Engage procurement resources as appropriate.
6.3 GO Analytical Technology Evaluate and approve meters for inclusion in this standard. Assist users if they need help determining if other meters meet the criteria listed in this standard. Provide other technical assistance to users. Develop materials specific sampling protocols. Serve as Subject Matter experts for developing in-house training materials.
7. RELATED INFORMATION
7.1 Company EH&S Documents
| ⊕ | 25-020409 | Portable Atmospheric Monitors |
| ⊕ | 25-010533 | Permit-Required Confined Space Entry |
| ⊕ | 25-010537 | Non-Permit-Required Confined Space Entry |
Appendix A Meet Performance Criteria Meters must meet all the required performance criteria
| Criteria | |
| Fails in the Safe Mode | |
| O2 sensor failure results in a low oxygen reading and Flammable Gas or Toxic Gas Sensors failure results in a high reading Or Sensor failure results in an alarm | Required |
| Start up Self Test | |
| The instrument can be configured to perform a self test to check if calibration is current and sensors are operational during instrument startup – providing the ability to ensure that instruments are properly tested before each use. | Required |
| Out of Calibration Warning | |
| Meter displays a warning if the calibration is past due or the meter fails calibration. | Required |
| Sensing Capabilities | |
| Able to monitor O2 (% O2 Concentration), LEL (% LEL), and other contaminates as defined in your Confined Space Entry Plans.
(Normally in the PPM range because entry often requires this level of sensitivity for toxics.) |
Required |
| Ability to measure contaminates/flammables in an inert atmosphere through sensor technology or a manufacturer supplied mixing device specifically designed for the system. Optional: This capability is only necessary for Inert Atmosphere Confined Space Entry Operations. The capability may be provided by using a separate instrument. | Optional |
| Accurate for common materials encountered at APCI Sites. While detection accuracy often varies based on the calibration gas and the material being sampled. Meters must detect specific contaminates and preferably output a reading that is higher than actual concentration when the variance does occur | Required |
| Low interference from materials that are commonly encountered at Sites. For example:Low He interference with O2 sensing capability Low H2 interference with CO sensing capability | Required |
| Calibration / Function Test | |
| Automatic Calibration: typically using a manufacturer supplied docking station / system | Preferred |
| Automatic Function (Bump) testing: typically using a manufacturer supplied docking station /system | Preferred |
| Setup Management | |
| Access to Meter set up (alarm settings, span settings, etc.) can be controlled with a “password” to prevent unauthorized changes | Required |
| Ability to network instruments for the purpose of managing alarm settings, calibration frequencies, and operating features | Preferred |
| Training Resources | |
| Vendor can provide training materials | Required |
| Vendor provides training services | Preferred |
Appendix B Preferred Meters Equipment listed in this appendix meets the performance requirements set in Appendix A and is recommended for purchase, rent, or lease. * You must have calibration equipment available. Consider using automatic calibration equipment to improve efficiency and reliability of your calibration process. ** Purchase the pump if you anticipate a need to aspirate a sample. *** Discontinued Model. Existing units are acceptable
| Meter Manufacturer and
Model |
Recommended Automatic Calibration
Equipment* |
Comments | Sample Mode | Optional Pump
Required** |
| Draeger XAM 7000 | Draeger E-Cal Module | 5 Gas with PID or IR Capability | Diffusion or Aspiration** | Y |
| Industrial Scientific MX6 iBrid | Industrial Scientific DS2 Docking Station | 6 Gas with PID or IR Capability | Diffusion or Aspirated** | Y |
| RAE Entry RAE | CSK II Calibration Kit
AutoRAEDocking Station |
4 Gas with PID Capability |
Diffusion or Aspiration | Built in |
| MSA Sirius | Galaxy Automated Test System | 4 Gas with PID Capability |
Diffusion or Aspiration | Y |
| Industrial Scientific iTX Multi-Gas Monitor | Industrial Scientific DS2
Docking Station |
4 Gas | Diffusion or | Y |
| MSA Solaris | Galaxy Automated Test System | 4 Gas | Diffusion or Aspiration | Y |
| MSA Alrair 5 | Galaxy Automated Test System | 5 Gas | Aspiration | Built in |