Overview

On January 31, 2020, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) declared a public health emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shortly thereafter, hand sanitizer began to disappear from U.S. retailers’ shelves, as anxious consumers (and, unfortunately, opportunistic hoarders and resellers as well) swept up all available stock. In the ensuing months, traditional hand sanitizer producers have found it impossible to keep up with the greatly elevated demand for their products, which are now considered indispensable items in efforts to control the pandemic’s spread.

Seeking to address the supply-demand imbalance currently existing within the hand sanitizer industry, the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) issued several industry guidance documents in March of this year (with updates later that month and in April) permitting, within specified parameters, entities not previously engaged in sanitizer manufacturing to produce, on a temporary basis (i.e., for the duration of the public health emergency declaredby the HHS Secretary in January of this year) either alcohol-based sanitizers themselves or the ethanol typically used a s a key pharmaceutical ingredient in such sanitizers.

The industry guidance documents (all of which can be found on the FDA’s website and should be read in their entirety) contemplate that such new, albeit temporary, producers of hand sanitizers (or ethanol for hand sanitizers) might include pharmacists/drug compounders and alcohol production firms (that is, distillers of alcoholic spirits for human consumption), as well as certain other businesses capable of meeting the FDA’s stringent conditions regarding hand sanitizer ingredients and manufacturing processes, as well as its registration and product listing requirements.

Since the FDA first issued its industry guidance documents in March, numerous entities and individuals have begun production of hand sanitizers (or ethanol for hand sanitizers) to address the supply gap resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. New (albeit temporary) industry participants include manufacturing enterprises, licensed pharmacists, and distillers of alcoholic beverages. Reportedly, over 200 American distilleries (which, obviously, have deep experience in working with ethanol) have registered their facilities with the FDA pursuant to the relevant industry guidance documents.

Ethanol(a/k/a Ethyl Alcohol)

Ethanol is a clear, colorless, and (according to most people) relatively pleasant-smelling liquid made from a variety of feedstocks, including grains and crops high in sugar content, such as sorghum, corn, barley, sugar beets, and sugar cane. While it may be best known as the alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, when ethanol has been denatured (that is, made unfit for human consumption by adding certain other chemicals to it, which also make the odor unappealing), it also has many other commercial applications, including as a fuel additive, industrial solvent, key component of cosmetics and personal care items, and as the active pharmaceutical ingredient in certain disinfecting products, including hand sanitizers.

Keeping Safe While Working with Ethanol

Ethanol is highly combustible, with a low flash point, making leaks (including vapor emissions) potentially quite dangerous, and threats from accidental ignition very serious indeed. To detect, and protect against, risks emanating from leaks or excessive concentrations of ethanol, best practices include placing gas detection monitors, containing visual and audible alarms, in areas where ethanol is used or stored.

PureAireMonitors

PureAire Monitoring Systems’Combustible Gas Monitor (LEL) offers continuous readings of ethanol (and can also be programed to detectisopropyl alcohol, ethane, ethylene, and methyl alcohol). The monitor features an easy to read screen, which displays current ethanol levels for at-a-glance observation by employees, who derive peace of mind from the monitor’s presence and reliable performance. In the event of a leak or buildup of gas to an unsafe level, the monitor will set off an alarm, complete with horns and flashing lights, alerting personnel to evacuate the area. At the same time, the monitor can be programmed to turn on the ventilation system.

PureAire’s Combustible GasMonitor (LEL) is housed in a NEMA 4 explosion proof enclosure suitable for Class1, groups B, C, and D.The enclosure is specifically designed to prevent an explosion. The monitor is well suited for facilities that produce alcohol-based hand sanitizers, as well as alcohol distilleries, ethanol refineries, chemical plants, and any location where monitoring is required for combustible gases.

PureAire’s durable, long-life LEL catalytic sensor will last 5-6 years in a normal environment without needing to be replaced.

Paint Booths, or Areas Using Combustible Gases: Why a Requirement for Combustible Gas Monitor Might be Necessary

Paint booths save time and ensure a smooth and professional application of paint in a range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, home decor, furniture, and more. Combustible gases and fluids in the paint booth environment can pose a health hazard if something goes wrong. Explore the hidden dangers of paint booth fluids and gases, and learn how a combustible gas detector can increase employee safety in the work environment. 

Hidden Dangers in the Paint Booth Environment

The paint booth serves as a protected environment, minimizing many of the problems that would occur if the same item were to be painted out of doors. While paint booths are highly useful and cost effective for a range of applications, they do utilize harmful gases and fluids. Gases and fluids in a typical paint booth environment include compressed air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, methane, natural gas, kerosene, helium, and custom gas mixes. These gases and fluids are usually piped into the spray booth from an external source; yet in some cases these gases can be piped into the spray booth from a source located inside the building. 
When everything is working properly, gases can flow as needed without posing a health risk. Yet if one of the supply lines, pipes, or storage tanks were to develop a leak, one or more of these substances could leak into the air. There are a range of hidden health dangers. Flammable gases, in contact with oxygen, could pose a fire risk. A lower explosive limit or LEL monitor can alert staff if gases have escaped so that staff may take appropriate measures. 

Nitrogen poses a severe health risk as it can create an oxygen deficient environment. When oxygen drops below a certain level, employees can experience respiratory distress. Since nitrogen is colorless and odorless, staff have no way of knowing of the danger they may be in, unless there is an oxygen monitor in place. 
The protected environment of the paint booth keeps contaminated air from passing through the area, so that the piece can properly dry and cure in between coats. This streamlines the spray paint process to ensure consistency and precision. 

When everything functions as it should, the paint booth ventilation controls keep vapors in the mist below 25 percent of exhaust. While routine inspections and internal alarms can ensure you that everything is working well, they are not a failsafe. To protect your staff from the dangers posed by combustible fluids and gases, install a combustible monitor and an O2 monitoring device as a second line of defense. 

How an LEL Combustible Monitor Can Protect Your Staff

The presence of combustible gases makes paint booths a dangerous environment prone to fires and explosions. To mitigate the risk, special pipes are used to carry materials into and out of the environment. Instrumentation and temperature controls utilize explosion-proof components, which ensure that the instrumentation and controls create no spark.

While this reduces the risk of explosion, it does not reduce the danger these gases pose were they to leak into the closed environment of the paint booth. An LEL monitor alerts your staff if gases exceed the lower explosive limit. This gives staff enough time to shut off control valves and exit the paint booth environment, safeguarding their health and reducing the risk of explosion. 
Not only are these monitors a good idea for employee health and safety, they may be required by law. According to OSHA, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, a compliance safety and health officer can use a combustible gas monitor during inspections to ensure that the work environment does not pose a threat. 

PureAire offers a range of O2 monitoring systems for Nitrogen, Argon, CO₂, and helium. Also, they offer LEL monitors that can be used to monitor the levels of hydrogen, natural gas , acetylene, and other combustible gases in the environment.  Built to withstand regular use without the need for maintenance, our combustible gas detectors come with a 4+ sensor and two alarm relays.

PureAire has over 15 years of experience developing the latest in LEL and oxygen monitors for a wide range of industrial uses. When you need a reliable and durable safety monitor, choose PureAire. Learn more about our combustible gas monitors for paint booths at our website or email us at info@pureaire.net.

Source                                     

http://www.dwyer-inst.com/articles/?Action=View&ArticleID=38
http://www.asminternational.org/content/TSS/pics/safety/safety5.pdf

http://www.pureairemonitoring.com/category/all-categories/gas-monitors/

PureAire Releases Universal Toxic Gas Monitor

PureAire Monitoring Systems manufactures and distributes toxic gas monitors for safety, and as of August 2013, releases new toxic gas monitor called the Universal Toxic Gas Monitor. Their monitors make sure areas where toxic gases exist the area remains at a safe and breathable level, some gasses included are chlorine, bromine, HCL, HF, ammonia, toxics, and hydrides. These gases, commonly known as toxic gases, can be hazardous or even deadly if used without the proper safety precautions. Typical areas where these gases are used include laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, cryopreservation facilities, semiconductors, and cold food storage. The addition this product line insures PureAire’s products are the premium choice for your safety. Since their beginnings in 1997, PureAire has sold many thousands of toxic gas monitors to customers including (Northwestern University, Exxon Mobil, and NASA) and laboratories (Intel, Los Alamos National Labs, USDA). A release of toxic gases in a confined space can cause irritation, permanent damage, and even hospitalization making it direly important that every space with human occupancy be monitored. Though these gases can be highly dangerous, their universal gas monitors allow groundbreaking research to be done with the ease of knowing any leak will be immediately detected. PureAire Monitoring Systems provide the #1 universal toxic gas monitor in the industry. With a renewable sensor lasting 7+ years, no competitor can offer the same longevity or reliability. The universal gas monitor has a built in audible alarm, 2 user-selectable relays for signals to external fans/horns/strobes, and a 4-20 mA signal. The introduction of the universal gas monitor provides a newer easier solution for the customer. Still used is the STX-PA Smart Gas Transmitter, though PureAire is predicting the universal gas monitor will take the STX-PA’s place. Manufactured in the USA, there is no question they are the unparalleled company to go to for your toxic gas monitor safety needs. The STX-PA has been sold since PureAire started in 1997 along with there 4-20mA version Aircheck Lite, also trying to be replaced by the universal toxic monitor. As with most technology, a newer updated version of a product is necessary. While the universal monitor has many of the same functions as the STX-PA this product offers more. Integrated is software enabling the customer to change the sensors by a simple plug and play. If the customer has testing which requires using HF for a few days but needs to switch to chlorine for another experiment, he/she can simply unplug the HF sensor and replace with chlorine in matter of seconds. The STX-PA would also have capabilities of switching sensors, though sending in the monitor PureAire had to take place in order to switch. In addition to many more features listed for the universal monitor, now there is a considerable louder 90 dB audible alarm. Lastly, pricing is much more competitive starting at $1,390 for a complete system compared to a starting price of $1,990. For more information on the PureAire Oxygen Monitoring System, contact PureAire Monitoring Systems, Inc., 557 Capital Drive, Lake Zurich, IL 60047; phone 888-788-8050 or 847-726-6000; fax 847-726-6051; or email info@pureaire.net. You may also visit the company’s website at www.Pureairemonitoring.com.