PureAire makes an Oxygen monitor for laboratories where nitrogen, helium, argon, carbon dioxide, and any cryogenic gases are stored. The O2 monitors are a standalone wall mounted unit with a built in audible alarm. The monitor utilizes a 10 + year Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2) sensor and has a backlit digital display showing readings of 0-25% range. PureAire has sold there O2 monitors while combining a ZrO2 sensor since the company started in 1997, and has contributed to their growth of 50% in 2011.
There are two types of ZrO2 sensors: There is a high temperature sensor (1000 C) for stack Oxygen monitoring, and a low temperature sensor PureAire uses. PureAire uses an Oxygen sensor that has a operational temperature near 400 C. Though this seems hot, the zirconium oxide sensor is quite stable and long lasting at this temperature.
The ZrO2 sensors (1000 C) commonly used for Stack O2 readings only have a life expectancy of 2-3 years. The contributing factor is the high temperatures achieved to gain there readings. PureAire utilizes a similar technology, but due to the lower (400 C) operational temperatures PureAire can increase their life expectancy to 10 years and more.
The ZrO2 oxygen sensor is very similar to the O2 sensors in automobiles for combustion. Every car has a O2 sensor and due to the long life expectancies, this is why automobile manufactures use them.
PureAire continues to strive for perfection. To maximize the most from their oxygen monitors, many years of R&D had to take place. The driving force behind developing the best oxygen monitor was the vision of making a monitor that would last for many years, and be easy for the consumer. Besides their main selling point of having a no maintenance O2 monitor, they have given the user a joystick for maneuvering through the menus. It is responsive while working through the menus, and easy to adjust simple functions such as alarm set points.
The researchers at PureAire wanted to make it a point that nobody should confuse the two technologies of zirconium oxide sensors. While PureAire’s O2 sensor does seemingly have a high operational temperature, all automobiles use a similar technology and nobody seems to think twice about them.
PureAire has been trying to educate people about this technology for years, and companies are starting to recognize them as an industrial O2 monitor leader.
While there are more than 2,000 PureAire oxygen monitors are in the field, people are still becoming aware every day. PureAire’s goal is to be the leading manufacture O2 monitors for 0-25% and if 2011’s growth has anything to show for it, I think they will.
If you want to become a distributor, please call PureAire Monitoring Systems, Inc at 1-888-788-8050, or on the web at www.PureAireMonitoring.com; and www.MonitorOxygen.com.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
PureAire Makes Oxygen Monitor for Nitrogen Generators
Nitrogen generators are most commonly used in areas where on-demand nitrogen is preferred rather than, storing liquid nitrogen (LN2) in cylinders. Nitrogen generators have a lower cost of operation, and can be used where smaller amounts of nitrogen are needed. Nitrogen generators are used in the pharmaceutical industry, testing laboratories, cryogenic facilities, welding manufactures, and petrochemical environments.
The question often comes up from a safety standpoint, is nitrogen a safe? The answer is usually no. An Oxygen Monitor is needed where LN2 or nitrogen generators are stored. Nitrogen makes up roughly 70% of the air we breathe, though oxygen is only 20.9%. Oxygen is a precious gas that we take for granted. Ultra pure 99.9% nitrogen is unsafe in confined spaces, and nitrogen generators are usually stored in these types of areas. PureAire has developed an Oxygen Monitor with a 10+ year sensor made specifically for nitrogen storage areas, and nitrogen generators.
PureAire’s O2 Monitor uses a called Zirconium Oxide sensor. Most Oxygen Monitors use a disposable electrochemical sensor that typically only has a life expectancy of 12-18 months along with other complications. Some examples of problems with the electrochemical sensors are: drifts to thunderstorms, or barometric pressure changes, humidity changes, and temperature fluctuations.
PureAire has pioneered the way using a zirconium oxide oxygen sensor. The technology used is far more advanced than the “Old style,” electrochemical sensors. The sensor used is based on ions being passed through the sensor, and at 20.9% oxygen a certain quantity of ions cross the sensor. Thus, giving a current to the monitor giving an accurate reading between 0-25%. If the oxygen concentration has been lowered, fewer ions cross the sensor hence, lowering the reading on their display. Intuitively, if there is higher known concentration of oxygen, so will the sensors readings on the PureAire Oxygen monitor.
The crucial understanding of the sensor is what gives PureAire’s clients the 10+ life expectancy and accuracy. Another great property of the ZrO2 sensor is NO CALIBRATION is required. The sensors ion technology limits the need to calibrate. PureAire’s Oxygen monitor does not have problems with barometric pressure, temperature, or humidity changes. PureAire’s O2 Monitors are completely stable (-40c to 50c) in all environments.
Nitrogen generators create high pressure in the cylinder after the gas has been created. This can be dangerous especially, overnight while employees are not in the proximity. PureAire also has a feature called latching. If there is a leak overnight, the alarm can stay alerted until the client turns off the switch in the morning.
PureAire is also looking for distributors to help distribute their oxygen monitors. In the past year PureAire has grown 50% and is continuing to gain more recognition. The demand for the O2 monitors has been more abundant exponentially. The PureAire ion based technology O2 monitor should be the only monitors being sold for 0-25% due to the lack of maintenance and calibration.
If you have anymore questions, please contact PureAire sales at www.PureAireMonitoring.com, or www.MonitorOxygen.com. The toll free number is 1-888-788-8050, or call 1-847-726-6000. Local fax number is 1-847-726-6051.
The question often comes up from a safety standpoint, is nitrogen a safe? The answer is usually no. An Oxygen Monitor is needed where LN2 or nitrogen generators are stored. Nitrogen makes up roughly 70% of the air we breathe, though oxygen is only 20.9%. Oxygen is a precious gas that we take for granted. Ultra pure 99.9% nitrogen is unsafe in confined spaces, and nitrogen generators are usually stored in these types of areas. PureAire has developed an Oxygen Monitor with a 10+ year sensor made specifically for nitrogen storage areas, and nitrogen generators.
PureAire’s O2 Monitor uses a called Zirconium Oxide sensor. Most Oxygen Monitors use a disposable electrochemical sensor that typically only has a life expectancy of 12-18 months along with other complications. Some examples of problems with the electrochemical sensors are: drifts to thunderstorms, or barometric pressure changes, humidity changes, and temperature fluctuations.
PureAire has pioneered the way using a zirconium oxide oxygen sensor. The technology used is far more advanced than the “Old style,” electrochemical sensors. The sensor used is based on ions being passed through the sensor, and at 20.9% oxygen a certain quantity of ions cross the sensor. Thus, giving a current to the monitor giving an accurate reading between 0-25%. If the oxygen concentration has been lowered, fewer ions cross the sensor hence, lowering the reading on their display. Intuitively, if there is higher known concentration of oxygen, so will the sensors readings on the PureAire Oxygen monitor.
The crucial understanding of the sensor is what gives PureAire’s clients the 10+ life expectancy and accuracy. Another great property of the ZrO2 sensor is NO CALIBRATION is required. The sensors ion technology limits the need to calibrate. PureAire’s Oxygen monitor does not have problems with barometric pressure, temperature, or humidity changes. PureAire’s O2 Monitors are completely stable (-40c to 50c) in all environments.
Nitrogen generators create high pressure in the cylinder after the gas has been created. This can be dangerous especially, overnight while employees are not in the proximity. PureAire also has a feature called latching. If there is a leak overnight, the alarm can stay alerted until the client turns off the switch in the morning.
PureAire is also looking for distributors to help distribute their oxygen monitors. In the past year PureAire has grown 50% and is continuing to gain more recognition. The demand for the O2 monitors has been more abundant exponentially. The PureAire ion based technology O2 monitor should be the only monitors being sold for 0-25% due to the lack of maintenance and calibration.
If you have anymore questions, please contact PureAire sales at www.PureAireMonitoring.com, or www.MonitorOxygen.com. The toll free number is 1-888-788-8050, or call 1-847-726-6000. Local fax number is 1-847-726-6051.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Department of Pesticide Regulation MEMORANDUM HSM-10008: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A REAL-TIME AIR MONITORING SYSTEM
On June 16th 2010, I traveled to Los Angeles County to conduct a third workplace evaluation of a proposed enclosed fumigation site (see Health and Safety Memorandum [HSM] 09008) and to specify sampling protocols for real-time monitoring of intermodal fumigations at a Long Beach facility. Previous visits to this facility were at the request of the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner’s (CACs) Office. CAC staff was present during both consultations. Additionally, the manager of the facility and the fumigator contracted for the applications were present.
The purpose of this visit was to evaluate a newly constructed enclosure in Building 4, a building that was involved in buffer zone conflicts with an intermodal fumigation site located in the adjoining parking area. The fumigator had proposed to fumigate intermodal vans close enough to Building 4 that the buffer zone would potentially extend into the enclosed work area. Additionally, the site manager was proposing abandonment of both a fumigation site in Building 3 and an intermodal fumigation site located between Buildings 3 and 4. In essence, they were proposing to conduct the bulk of their fumigations in or near Building 4.
The “near” site is a location where they plan to fumigate intermodal trailer at a parking lot adjoining Building Four. This location was such that buffer zones would still intrude into structures where workers would be present. This results in non-compliance with the “Suggested Permit Conditions: Methyl Bromide Commodity Fumigation” (MBr Permit Conditions) concerning Definition R/Condition 19: Treatment Zone Access and Duration.
The “in” site is a newly constructed structure within Building 4. It is defined by the exterior north and east walls of Building 4 and two interior walls orthogonal to the exterior walls, forming a cubic containment structure. This area will be used to fumigate pallets of produce. Once again, the location was such that buffer zones would intrude into enclosed structures where workers would be present. This results in non-compliance with the “Suggested Permit Conditions: Methyl Bromide Commodity Fumigation” (MBr Permit Conditions) concerning Definition R/Condition 19: Treatment Zone Access and Duration.
In an effort to address the non-compliance, the facility manager had obtained a PureAire methyl bromide (PAMB) monitor, capable of real-time monitoring of fumigant air concentrations. The manufacturer of this monitor has stated that they can achieve detection limits of 500 parts per billion (ppb).
Normally, such a unit would be installed in a central location and remote detectors strategically located. However, the facility manager has set the detector and processor/readout on a portable platform (Photo ONE) and will move the unit through a predetermined route during the fumigation/aeration process.This route includes five sampling stations I identified as necessary to evaluate potential methyl bromide exposure to persons working on this loading dock in Building Four. These stations form a perimeter around the fumigation enclosure and should intercept and detect leakage from the enclosure. They were also selected as being the most likely leakage spots (structural material discontinuity, structural access penetrations). By deploying the PureAire methyl bromide -monitoring system, and following all the requirements described below, Building Four may be occupied while tarped-stack (pile) fumigation/aeration in the interior enclosure is performed.
The sampling stations for inside fumigations are as follows:
Station One: East side wall, by egress door (door to be modified, by signage or other suitable method, to preclude opening during active fumigation, except in an emergency; door must not be rendered inoperable for emergency exit)
Station Two: By metal support beam running vertically along enclosure wall, approximately midway between east side wall (Station One) and end corner of wall
(Station Three).
Station Three: At corner intersection of two interior walls.
Station Four: By metal support beam running vertically along enclosure wall, approximately midway between south side wall (Station Five) and end corner of wall (Station Three).
Station Five: By rollup door of interior wall, next to southern exterior wall.
These stations shall be marked on the floor. The PureAire methyl bromide will spend a minimum of 5 minutes, up to a maximum of 10 minutes at each station. Monitoring will continue during the fumigation phase, cycling through the stations (1-2-3-4-5-4-3-2-1) until the active fumigation is completed and the aeration buffer zones have collapsed. Additionally, a 10 foot buffer around the interior wall shall be painted on the floor adjacent to the interior walls and no items may be stored in this area during active fumigation. No workers, other than the PureAire methyl bromide operator/tender, may work in this zone. Only momentary transit through this zone is allowed for all other workers.
Furthermore, given the volume of this structure, additional conditions are necessary to mitigate potential buffer zone and fugitive emission problems:
1. Seal airtight all penetrations on both sides of the primary fumigation enclosure, including power outlets, breaker boxes, switch boxes, door gaps, etc.
2. Only tarped tarped-stack fumigations are allowed. This is not a fumigation chamber. All requirements of Title 3 California Code of Regulations Section 6782 apply.
3. An exhaust stack of sufficient height, as calculated by DPR’s Environmental Monitoring Branch, shall be installed on the roof. Do not situate this stack such that any interior-directed roof fan recaptures the exhaust air and sends it back into the general air space.
4. All persons entering the primary fumigation enclosure area during fumigation or aeration must wear SCBA. Entrance during fumigation or aeration shall only be from an exterior wall door (not from interior wall doors).
5. If during the retrofitting to fully seal the primary fumigation enclosure and provide for a sufficiently high exhaust stack conditions not mentioned in this list are found that can affect the seal integrity of the structure, the Department of Pesticide Regulation/Worker Health and Safety Branch/Industrial Hygiene and the LA CAC must be notified both of the condition and the proposed solution.
6. Any fumigation monitoring equipment must exhaust back into the fumigation area.
7. Necessary security and warning requirements will be installed.
8. In using the real-time PureAire methyl bromide -monitor for interior fumigations, a history of monitoring may be established. If after 25 separate and distinct fumigation events no detectable concentrations over 0.7 ppm are recorded, monitoring of every fumigation may be discontinued. This is allowed in the MBr Permit Conditions under Condition Four: Enclosed Areas/Common Walls: Test Procedure for Enclosed Areas. After compilation of the 25 fumigations, only every fifth fumigation need be monitored. However, no fumigation rates in excess of the maximum rate used during the monitoring period may be used, nor may there be any structural changes to the primary fumigation enclosure (intentional or accidental) or changes to the main structure that would decrease the openings to the exterior as presently configured. If there are, another monitoring of 25 events must be conducted.
9. The 25 fumigation historical data is only good for one year. One year after the completion of the last of the 25 fumigations, another compilation of 25 fumigations must be performed. Also, any detection of methyl bromide of 0.8 ppm or greater will reset the data compilation requirements (this includes during the every 5th fumigation monitoring).
10. All otherwise applicable requirements of the MBr Permit Conditions still apply.
11. The data logging requirements of “Outdoor Intermodal Fumigations” are also in effect (see below).
As for fumigation of intermodals or other exterior stack fumigations, the general requirements of HSM-09008 will be in effect (but only if no interior fumigation is in process or will be commenced during any exterior fumigation/aeration cycle):
OPTION TWO FOR BUILDING FOUR/Outdoor Intermodal Fumigations: If a real-time air monitoring system, specific for methyl bromide, is installed in Building Four, only the two rollup doors closest to the fumigation and aeration need be latched and locked. Deployment of the detector’s sensors should be such that they are not unduly affected by outside air (i.e. not right next to openings to the exterior) and that they are located in areas that an intruding buffer zone would be located. This monitoring system will need to be maintained and calibrated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and be capable of data logging, recording at a minimum of 5 minute intervals during fumigation and aeration events. When there are no fumigations or aerations, logging may be suspended. The data logs must be available for CAC inspection and a hard copy maintained for 3 years. Exit doors that are immediately adjacent to the latched and locked rollups should be equipped with emergency alarms and designated “EMERGENCY EXIT ONLY” during the fumigation and aeration buffer zones. Do not chain off or otherwise render inoperable any exit door.
The company also plans to use the PureAire methyl bromide to monitor the outdoor intermodal fumigations. Four sampling stations were identified. These were selected to be sufficiently distant from the open rollup doors to not be affected by outside air movement, yet still allow early detection of intruding methyl bromide leaks. The sampling stations for outdoor intermodal fumigations are as follows:
Station Ten: Between rolled down loading dock doors, adjacent to the interior fumigation structure.
Station Twenty: At metal support pole previously agreed upon.
Station Thirty: At metal support pole previously agreed upon.
Station Forty: By office fence.
These stations shall be marked on the floor or on the appropriate support pole. The PAMB will spend a minimum of 5 minutes, up to a maximum of 15 minutes at each station. These conditions apply for outdoor intermodal fumigations only; no interior fumigation can be in process or will be commenced during any exterior fumigation/aeration cycle.
Under conditions where both outdoor intermodal and indoor stack fumigations will be performed simultaneously or where the initiation of fumigation of one site will be conducted during any part of the fumigation/aeration cycle of the other, the following additional requirements must be met:
1.All stations (1-5 and 10-40) must be sequentially monitored for at least 1 minute and no more than 5 minutes per station. Monitoring will continue during the fumigation phase, cycling through the stations until the active fumigation is completed and the aeration buffer zones have collapsed.
2.Two closest rollup doors to the interior structure shall be closed.
3.All other conditions of “interior only” applications will be followed.
Under all situations, monitoring will begin when the fumigant it first injected, and shall cease when the initial aeration period, normally requiring buffer zones, is completed, or when label aeration requirements are met, whichever is longer. A general sampling protocol (how long at each station, who is responsible for the system, when will it be deployed, what physical conditions the dock should be in, etc.), based on the recommendation of this memorandum, must also be developed. These protocols must also define actions to be taken when a trigger value is detected and the affected workers must be trained as to their actions if such an event occurs.
Recommended trigger value actions are:
- 0.5 ppm methyl bromide detection: no restrictions
- 0.5 to <0.7 ppm methyl bromide detection: restricted work period of up to 8 hours for all workers within Building 4.
- 0.7 to <0.8 ppm methyl bromide detection: restricted work period of up to 6 hours for all workers within Building 4.
- 0.8 to <1.2 ppm methyl bromide detection: restricted work period of up to 4 hours for all workers in Building 4. Investigate exposure source, remediate before next fumigation.
- 1.2 ppm to <2.4 ppm: If trigger values are detected twice within a 30 minute period, evacuation of all non-fumigation personnel from Building 4 and begin immediate aeration procedures on all indoor fumigations. Investigate exposure source, remediate before next fumigation. Test air before allowing workers to reenter, concentrations must be <0.7 ppm. • >2.4 ppm: Immediate evacuation of all non-fumigation personnel from Building 4 and begin immediate aeration procedures on all indoor fumigations. Investigate exposure source, remediate before next fumigation. Test air before allowing workers to reenter, concentrations must be <0.7 ppm.
This protocol should be reviewed by the CAC as to its feasibility, comprehensiveness and correlation with Title 3 California Code of Regulations Section 6780: General Fumigation Safe-Use Requirements. The above listed recommended trigger actions should be formatted into a poster and posted in the affected workplace as part of the employee training for response to a methyl bromide exposure incident.
cc: Richard Sokulsky, Los Angeles CAC Office Aniko Pomjanek, Los Angeles CAC Office Peggy Byerly, Environmental Scientist, Enforcement, Southern Regional Office (SRO), DPR Jahan Motakef, Environmental Program Manager I, Enforcement, SRO, DPR Susan Edmiston, Environmental Program Manager II, Worker Health & Safety Branch, DPR
The purpose of this visit was to evaluate a newly constructed enclosure in Building 4, a building that was involved in buffer zone conflicts with an intermodal fumigation site located in the adjoining parking area. The fumigator had proposed to fumigate intermodal vans close enough to Building 4 that the buffer zone would potentially extend into the enclosed work area. Additionally, the site manager was proposing abandonment of both a fumigation site in Building 3 and an intermodal fumigation site located between Buildings 3 and 4. In essence, they were proposing to conduct the bulk of their fumigations in or near Building 4.
The “near” site is a location where they plan to fumigate intermodal trailer at a parking lot adjoining Building Four. This location was such that buffer zones would still intrude into structures where workers would be present. This results in non-compliance with the “Suggested Permit Conditions: Methyl Bromide Commodity Fumigation” (MBr Permit Conditions) concerning Definition R/Condition 19: Treatment Zone Access and Duration.
The “in” site is a newly constructed structure within Building 4. It is defined by the exterior north and east walls of Building 4 and two interior walls orthogonal to the exterior walls, forming a cubic containment structure. This area will be used to fumigate pallets of produce. Once again, the location was such that buffer zones would intrude into enclosed structures where workers would be present. This results in non-compliance with the “Suggested Permit Conditions: Methyl Bromide Commodity Fumigation” (MBr Permit Conditions) concerning Definition R/Condition 19: Treatment Zone Access and Duration.
In an effort to address the non-compliance, the facility manager had obtained a PureAire methyl bromide (PAMB) monitor, capable of real-time monitoring of fumigant air concentrations. The manufacturer of this monitor has stated that they can achieve detection limits of 500 parts per billion (ppb).
Normally, such a unit would be installed in a central location and remote detectors strategically located. However, the facility manager has set the detector and processor/readout on a portable platform (Photo ONE) and will move the unit through a predetermined route during the fumigation/aeration process.This route includes five sampling stations I identified as necessary to evaluate potential methyl bromide exposure to persons working on this loading dock in Building Four. These stations form a perimeter around the fumigation enclosure and should intercept and detect leakage from the enclosure. They were also selected as being the most likely leakage spots (structural material discontinuity, structural access penetrations). By deploying the PureAire methyl bromide -monitoring system, and following all the requirements described below, Building Four may be occupied while tarped-stack (pile) fumigation/aeration in the interior enclosure is performed.
The sampling stations for inside fumigations are as follows:
Station One: East side wall, by egress door (door to be modified, by signage or other suitable method, to preclude opening during active fumigation, except in an emergency; door must not be rendered inoperable for emergency exit)
Station Two: By metal support beam running vertically along enclosure wall, approximately midway between east side wall (Station One) and end corner of wall
(Station Three).
Station Three: At corner intersection of two interior walls.
Station Four: By metal support beam running vertically along enclosure wall, approximately midway between south side wall (Station Five) and end corner of wall (Station Three).
Station Five: By rollup door of interior wall, next to southern exterior wall.
These stations shall be marked on the floor. The PureAire methyl bromide will spend a minimum of 5 minutes, up to a maximum of 10 minutes at each station. Monitoring will continue during the fumigation phase, cycling through the stations (1-2-3-4-5-4-3-2-1) until the active fumigation is completed and the aeration buffer zones have collapsed. Additionally, a 10 foot buffer around the interior wall shall be painted on the floor adjacent to the interior walls and no items may be stored in this area during active fumigation. No workers, other than the PureAire methyl bromide operator/tender, may work in this zone. Only momentary transit through this zone is allowed for all other workers.
Furthermore, given the volume of this structure, additional conditions are necessary to mitigate potential buffer zone and fugitive emission problems:
1. Seal airtight all penetrations on both sides of the primary fumigation enclosure, including power outlets, breaker boxes, switch boxes, door gaps, etc.
2. Only tarped tarped-stack fumigations are allowed. This is not a fumigation chamber. All requirements of Title 3 California Code of Regulations Section 6782 apply.
3. An exhaust stack of sufficient height, as calculated by DPR’s Environmental Monitoring Branch, shall be installed on the roof. Do not situate this stack such that any interior-directed roof fan recaptures the exhaust air and sends it back into the general air space.
4. All persons entering the primary fumigation enclosure area during fumigation or aeration must wear SCBA. Entrance during fumigation or aeration shall only be from an exterior wall door (not from interior wall doors).
5. If during the retrofitting to fully seal the primary fumigation enclosure and provide for a sufficiently high exhaust stack conditions not mentioned in this list are found that can affect the seal integrity of the structure, the Department of Pesticide Regulation/Worker Health and Safety Branch/Industrial Hygiene and the LA CAC must be notified both of the condition and the proposed solution.
6. Any fumigation monitoring equipment must exhaust back into the fumigation area.
7. Necessary security and warning requirements will be installed.
8. In using the real-time PureAire methyl bromide -monitor for interior fumigations, a history of monitoring may be established. If after 25 separate and distinct fumigation events no detectable concentrations over 0.7 ppm are recorded, monitoring of every fumigation may be discontinued. This is allowed in the MBr Permit Conditions under Condition Four: Enclosed Areas/Common Walls: Test Procedure for Enclosed Areas. After compilation of the 25 fumigations, only every fifth fumigation need be monitored. However, no fumigation rates in excess of the maximum rate used during the monitoring period may be used, nor may there be any structural changes to the primary fumigation enclosure (intentional or accidental) or changes to the main structure that would decrease the openings to the exterior as presently configured. If there are, another monitoring of 25 events must be conducted.
9. The 25 fumigation historical data is only good for one year. One year after the completion of the last of the 25 fumigations, another compilation of 25 fumigations must be performed. Also, any detection of methyl bromide of 0.8 ppm or greater will reset the data compilation requirements (this includes during the every 5th fumigation monitoring).
10. All otherwise applicable requirements of the MBr Permit Conditions still apply.
11. The data logging requirements of “Outdoor Intermodal Fumigations” are also in effect (see below).
As for fumigation of intermodals or other exterior stack fumigations, the general requirements of HSM-09008 will be in effect (but only if no interior fumigation is in process or will be commenced during any exterior fumigation/aeration cycle):
OPTION TWO FOR BUILDING FOUR/Outdoor Intermodal Fumigations: If a real-time air monitoring system, specific for methyl bromide, is installed in Building Four, only the two rollup doors closest to the fumigation and aeration need be latched and locked. Deployment of the detector’s sensors should be such that they are not unduly affected by outside air (i.e. not right next to openings to the exterior) and that they are located in areas that an intruding buffer zone would be located. This monitoring system will need to be maintained and calibrated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and be capable of data logging, recording at a minimum of 5 minute intervals during fumigation and aeration events. When there are no fumigations or aerations, logging may be suspended. The data logs must be available for CAC inspection and a hard copy maintained for 3 years. Exit doors that are immediately adjacent to the latched and locked rollups should be equipped with emergency alarms and designated “EMERGENCY EXIT ONLY” during the fumigation and aeration buffer zones. Do not chain off or otherwise render inoperable any exit door.
The company also plans to use the PureAire methyl bromide to monitor the outdoor intermodal fumigations. Four sampling stations were identified. These were selected to be sufficiently distant from the open rollup doors to not be affected by outside air movement, yet still allow early detection of intruding methyl bromide leaks. The sampling stations for outdoor intermodal fumigations are as follows:
Station Ten: Between rolled down loading dock doors, adjacent to the interior fumigation structure.
Station Twenty: At metal support pole previously agreed upon.
Station Thirty: At metal support pole previously agreed upon.
Station Forty: By office fence.
These stations shall be marked on the floor or on the appropriate support pole. The PAMB will spend a minimum of 5 minutes, up to a maximum of 15 minutes at each station. These conditions apply for outdoor intermodal fumigations only; no interior fumigation can be in process or will be commenced during any exterior fumigation/aeration cycle.
Under conditions where both outdoor intermodal and indoor stack fumigations will be performed simultaneously or where the initiation of fumigation of one site will be conducted during any part of the fumigation/aeration cycle of the other, the following additional requirements must be met:
1.All stations (1-5 and 10-40) must be sequentially monitored for at least 1 minute and no more than 5 minutes per station. Monitoring will continue during the fumigation phase, cycling through the stations until the active fumigation is completed and the aeration buffer zones have collapsed.
2.Two closest rollup doors to the interior structure shall be closed.
3.All other conditions of “interior only” applications will be followed.
Under all situations, monitoring will begin when the fumigant it first injected, and shall cease when the initial aeration period, normally requiring buffer zones, is completed, or when label aeration requirements are met, whichever is longer. A general sampling protocol (how long at each station, who is responsible for the system, when will it be deployed, what physical conditions the dock should be in, etc.), based on the recommendation of this memorandum, must also be developed. These protocols must also define actions to be taken when a trigger value is detected and the affected workers must be trained as to their actions if such an event occurs.
Recommended trigger value actions are:
- 0.5 ppm methyl bromide detection: no restrictions
- 0.5 to <0.7 ppm methyl bromide detection: restricted work period of up to 8 hours for all workers within Building 4.
- 0.7 to <0.8 ppm methyl bromide detection: restricted work period of up to 6 hours for all workers within Building 4.
- 0.8 to <1.2 ppm methyl bromide detection: restricted work period of up to 4 hours for all workers in Building 4. Investigate exposure source, remediate before next fumigation.
- 1.2 ppm to <2.4 ppm: If trigger values are detected twice within a 30 minute period, evacuation of all non-fumigation personnel from Building 4 and begin immediate aeration procedures on all indoor fumigations. Investigate exposure source, remediate before next fumigation. Test air before allowing workers to reenter, concentrations must be <0.7 ppm. • >2.4 ppm: Immediate evacuation of all non-fumigation personnel from Building 4 and begin immediate aeration procedures on all indoor fumigations. Investigate exposure source, remediate before next fumigation. Test air before allowing workers to reenter, concentrations must be <0.7 ppm.
This protocol should be reviewed by the CAC as to its feasibility, comprehensiveness and correlation with Title 3 California Code of Regulations Section 6780: General Fumigation Safe-Use Requirements. The above listed recommended trigger actions should be formatted into a poster and posted in the affected workplace as part of the employee training for response to a methyl bromide exposure incident.
cc: Richard Sokulsky, Los Angeles CAC Office Aniko Pomjanek, Los Angeles CAC Office Peggy Byerly, Environmental Scientist, Enforcement, Southern Regional Office (SRO), DPR Jahan Motakef, Environmental Program Manager I, Enforcement, SRO, DPR Susan Edmiston, Environmental Program Manager II, Worker Health & Safety Branch, DPR
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
PureAire Methyl Bromide Monitor Gains Exposure from Lowered 5ppm criteria to 1 ppm Limit
There has been an increased awareness for methyl bromide safety in the past few months. A year ago a worker got sick from breathing high levels of off gassing methyl bromide in a warehouse where commodities were being stored. Commodities coming from overseas must be fumigated in ports, or warehouses upon arrival. September 1, 2011 the California EPA will announce the regulations for methyl bromide will now be lowered from 5 PPM, to 1 PPM.
PureAire is the only EPA compliant Methyl Bromide monitor for fumigation safety. The Aircheck monitor is in real time, monitoring 24/7, and capable of detecting low 0.3 parts-per-million. PureAire’s president, Al Carrino saw a demand for a low methyl bromide monitor. From his complex understanding of Methyl Bromide, he was determined to get the EPA, the DPR, and the state of California to recognize PureAire’s monitor.
Effective June 25, 2008, the Department of Pesticide Regulation of the California EPA has added a real time remote sensor monitor for the detection of methyl bromide by PureAire Monitoring Systems, in addition to colorimetric detector tubes. The PureAire Air Check Advantage Continuous Methyl Bromide Monitor can now be used to monitor enclosed areas, including warehouse fumigation clearing and commodity fumigation clearing1. Some commodities include grapes, walnuts, strawberries, and asparagus.
The PureAire Air Check Advantage Monitoring System detects and measures methyl bromide in a range of 0 to 10 ppm. Installation of the Methyl Bromide monitor is simple. For warehouses storing commodities, the Methyl bromide monitor should wall mounted at eye level or for easy access. The monitor has a sample inlet and sample outlet port. The monitor can sample directly from the monitors inlet, or a sample tube can be installed increasing the sampling distance to 100 ft.
The Methyl Bromide monitor is designed for fumigation clearing chambers and storage areas. The monitor is ideal for providing worker protection at orchards, for growers, international airports, and seaports where commodities are fumigated before shipping.
Functions include:
1. 0.3 PPM detectable limit, 0-10 PPM sensor range
2. A local backlight digital display
3. 4-20 mA signal for controller or fire panels
4. 2 User selectable relays or alarms
5. Capable of turning on/off horns and strobes
6. Test and reset modes
7. Sampling length of 100ft
This monitor can replace the use of colorimetric tubes, and provide employees with a “Real Time,” monitor. If you have anymore questions please call 1-888-788-8050. U.S. Website: www.PureAireMonitoring.com.
PureAire is the only EPA compliant Methyl Bromide monitor for fumigation safety. The Aircheck monitor is in real time, monitoring 24/7, and capable of detecting low 0.3 parts-per-million. PureAire’s president, Al Carrino saw a demand for a low methyl bromide monitor. From his complex understanding of Methyl Bromide, he was determined to get the EPA, the DPR, and the state of California to recognize PureAire’s monitor.
Effective June 25, 2008, the Department of Pesticide Regulation of the California EPA has added a real time remote sensor monitor for the detection of methyl bromide by PureAire Monitoring Systems, in addition to colorimetric detector tubes. The PureAire Air Check Advantage Continuous Methyl Bromide Monitor can now be used to monitor enclosed areas, including warehouse fumigation clearing and commodity fumigation clearing1. Some commodities include grapes, walnuts, strawberries, and asparagus.
The PureAire Air Check Advantage Monitoring System detects and measures methyl bromide in a range of 0 to 10 ppm. Installation of the Methyl Bromide monitor is simple. For warehouses storing commodities, the Methyl bromide monitor should wall mounted at eye level or for easy access. The monitor has a sample inlet and sample outlet port. The monitor can sample directly from the monitors inlet, or a sample tube can be installed increasing the sampling distance to 100 ft.
The Methyl Bromide monitor is designed for fumigation clearing chambers and storage areas. The monitor is ideal for providing worker protection at orchards, for growers, international airports, and seaports where commodities are fumigated before shipping.
Functions include:
1. 0.3 PPM detectable limit, 0-10 PPM sensor range
2. A local backlight digital display
3. 4-20 mA signal for controller or fire panels
4. 2 User selectable relays or alarms
5. Capable of turning on/off horns and strobes
6. Test and reset modes
7. Sampling length of 100ft
This monitor can replace the use of colorimetric tubes, and provide employees with a “Real Time,” monitor. If you have anymore questions please call 1-888-788-8050. U.S. Website: www.PureAireMonitoring.com.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Methyl Bromide Monitor EPA Compliant
The Air check Advantage Methyl Bromide Gas Monitor is a compact, extractive gas monitoring system that’s ideal for continuously and remotely monitoring gas cabinets, process tools, scrubber systems, and other areas where maintenance access may be limited or undesirable. Featuring a long life pyrolizer and sample pump, this reliable hazardous gas detection system significantly reduces the labor and downtime commonly associated with gas detector maintenance and service.
The instrument’s “smart” circuitry continuously monitors sensor cell status and sampling system performance. Continuous sensor cell operation is transmitted via 4-20 mA signal to PureAire controllers, PLC’s or remote alarm systems. Should a system error occur, the Air check Advantage outputs a 2 mA signal to remote alarm/control systems to immediately alert control room personnel.
The heart of the system is a smart renewable sensor cell linked to a compact pyrolizer. Sample is drawn through the pyrolizer where Methyl bromide is thermally decomposed and converted into another gas that is more easily detected electrochemically. Unlike competitive Methyl bromide detectors, which measure at the percent LEL levels, the Air check Advantage measures at the PPM OSHA TLV levels.
The instrument’s “smart” circuitry continuously monitors sensor cell status and sampling system performance. Continuous sensor cell operation is transmitted via 4-20 mA signal to PureAire controllers, PLC’s or remote alarm systems. Should a system error occur, the Air check Advantage outputs a 2 mA signal to remote alarm/control systems to immediately alert control room personnel.
The heart of the system is a smart renewable sensor cell linked to a compact pyrolizer. Sample is drawn through the pyrolizer where Methyl bromide is thermally decomposed and converted into another gas that is more easily detected electrochemically. Unlike competitive Methyl bromide detectors, which measure at the percent LEL levels, the Air check Advantage measures at the PPM OSHA TLV levels.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Continuous Oxygen Monitor Detects Leaks in Nitrogen Dewar Storage
Extremely low maintenance oxygen (O2) monitor designed to continuously monitor confined spaces for low oxygen levels available from PureAire Oxygen Monitors. PureAire Oxygen Monitor is suitable in all environments containing nitrogen, helium, argon, or any cryogenic gases. PureAire is unaffected by temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, or any environmental changes. The instrument displays oxygen concentrations on a local analog or digital display and outputs a corresponding analog signal.
The heart of PureAire’s Oxygen Monitor is a long lasting zirconium oxide sensor which responds to low oxygen conditions within 5 seconds and provides accurate measurements even in areas subjected to high electro-magnetic fields. The sensor boasts a 10+ year operational life and requires absolutely no maintenance. The oxygen monitors operating temperature and humidity ranges are -22F to 122F (-30C to 50C) and 0-99% RH, respectively.
The PureAire Oxygen Deficiency Monitor may be linked to any distributed control system or programmable logic controller. It operates on 24VDC power. It is also enclosed in a NEMA 4X enclosure for all environmental conditions. Optional user-adjustable alarm relays and audible alarms are available.
The heart of PureAire’s Oxygen Monitor is a long lasting zirconium oxide sensor which responds to low oxygen conditions within 5 seconds and provides accurate measurements even in areas subjected to high electro-magnetic fields. The sensor boasts a 10+ year operational life and requires absolutely no maintenance. The oxygen monitors operating temperature and humidity ranges are -22F to 122F (-30C to 50C) and 0-99% RH, respectively.
The PureAire Oxygen Deficiency Monitor may be linked to any distributed control system or programmable logic controller. It operates on 24VDC power. It is also enclosed in a NEMA 4X enclosure for all environmental conditions. Optional user-adjustable alarm relays and audible alarms are available.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
PureAire’s Oxygen Monitor for Liquid Nitrogen Storage uses a 10+ Year sensor.
PureAire Monitoring Systems manufactures a variety of safety gas monitors, including the top selling oxygen monitor. PureAire’s oxygen monitors are used in areas containing liquid nitrogen, bulk nitrogen, or nitrogen Dewar storage. Recently, there has been a heightened awareness of nitrogen dangers in confined spaces, and ultimately an increased demand for fixed oxygen monitors. For years oxygen monitors have been used in confined spaces, but portable monitors were primarily used. Fire marshal’s, EH&S officers, and safety departments are now requiring companies to use oxygen monitors in almost all areas containing nitrogen tanks.
Typical facilities using LN2 (liquid nitrogen) are nitrogen manufacturers laboratories, semiconductor, cleanrooms, cryogenic freezers, food industries, NMR (nuclear Magnetic resonance) suites, cryopreservation, and confined spaces. Recently, PureAire has been working with companies like Praxair, Air Liquide, Air Gas, and Air products to help distribute to their clients. They believe PureAire has an alternative that is unlike anything else they have seen in the industry.
PureAire’s oxygen monitor uses a unique ZrO2 sensor with a 10+ year life expectancy. Also, more importantly the sensor is linear from 0-25%. If a client’s criterion requires seeing 15% oxygen, PureAire’s oxygen monitor will be accurate within .1%. The proprietary electronics is the backbone of the oxygen monitor. Other ZrO2 oxygen monitors exist though can only see an accurate reading at 20.9% due to lack of its electronics package.
Numerous tests have showed PureAire’s oxygen monitors readings are comparable to very expensive Oxygen monitor analyzers in the percent range. Though not marketed as an analyzer, if the client needs a cost competitive real-time monitor in the percent, nobody can match the precision PureAire’s oxygen monitor offers. Analyzers are accurate and dependable but are known for their constant calibration, and lack of real time monitoring.
PureAire requires no calibration, no replacement sensors, no maintenance, and no drifting to thunderstorms (change in barometric pressure).
Important questions to ask when purchasing a oxygen monitor? (This does not apply to PureAire)
1. How often do you calibrate a sensor?
2. How often do you replace a sensor?
3. How much does a sensor cost?
4. How long is the wait time to get a replacement sensor?
5. What is the shelf life of a sensor?
6. What happens if you do not calibrate a sensor?
7. What is the accuracy of the monitor?
Answer: Use a PureAire monitor.
If you have anymore questions please feel free to call 1-888-788-8050 or find PureAire at www.MonitorOxygen.com, or www.PureAireMonitoring.com.
Typical facilities using LN2 (liquid nitrogen) are nitrogen manufacturers laboratories, semiconductor, cleanrooms, cryogenic freezers, food industries, NMR (nuclear Magnetic resonance) suites, cryopreservation, and confined spaces. Recently, PureAire has been working with companies like Praxair, Air Liquide, Air Gas, and Air products to help distribute to their clients. They believe PureAire has an alternative that is unlike anything else they have seen in the industry.
PureAire’s oxygen monitor uses a unique ZrO2 sensor with a 10+ year life expectancy. Also, more importantly the sensor is linear from 0-25%. If a client’s criterion requires seeing 15% oxygen, PureAire’s oxygen monitor will be accurate within .1%. The proprietary electronics is the backbone of the oxygen monitor. Other ZrO2 oxygen monitors exist though can only see an accurate reading at 20.9% due to lack of its electronics package.
Numerous tests have showed PureAire’s oxygen monitors readings are comparable to very expensive Oxygen monitor analyzers in the percent range. Though not marketed as an analyzer, if the client needs a cost competitive real-time monitor in the percent, nobody can match the precision PureAire’s oxygen monitor offers. Analyzers are accurate and dependable but are known for their constant calibration, and lack of real time monitoring.
PureAire requires no calibration, no replacement sensors, no maintenance, and no drifting to thunderstorms (change in barometric pressure).
Important questions to ask when purchasing a oxygen monitor? (This does not apply to PureAire)
1. How often do you calibrate a sensor?
2. How often do you replace a sensor?
3. How much does a sensor cost?
4. How long is the wait time to get a replacement sensor?
5. What is the shelf life of a sensor?
6. What happens if you do not calibrate a sensor?
7. What is the accuracy of the monitor?
Answer: Use a PureAire monitor.
If you have anymore questions please feel free to call 1-888-788-8050 or find PureAire at www.MonitorOxygen.com, or www.PureAireMonitoring.com.
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