Air Monitoring for Workplace Safety

In industries that rely on antimicrobial chemicals such as Ethylene Oxide (EtO), Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂), or Peracetic Acid (PAA) for their processing operations, ensuring the safety of workers is of paramount importance. While these chemicals play a crucial role in maintaining a sterile environment, they can also pose health risks to employees through low-level exposure over time. To safeguard the well-being of workers and maintain a healthy work environment, a robust chemical vapor monitoring system is essential. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of Chemical Vapour Monitoring, and how ChemDAQ’s continuous monitoring solutions can help businesses effectively mitigate risks and ensure compliance.

Understanding the Risks of Antimicrobial Chemicals

  1. Ethylene Oxide (EtO) is widely used for its potent antimicrobial properties, particularly in the sterilisation of medical equipment and devices. However, it is a known carcinogen and can cause respiratory, neurological, and reproductive issues with prolonged exposure.
  2. Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) is used as a surface disinfectant and sterilant in various industries. While it is generally considered less toxic than EtO, prolonged exposure to its vapours can still lead to respiratory irritation and other health concerns.
  3. Peracetic Acid (PAA) is a powerful disinfectant used in food processing, medical facilities, and other industries. It can cause eye and respiratory irritation, and prolonged exposure may lead to more severe health effects.

The Importance of Chemical Vapour Monitoring

  1. Early Detection of Hazardous Vapours: Chemical vapour monitoring systems continuously analyse the air quality and detect even minute traces of hazardous chemicals. Early detection allows for swift action to be taken to mitigate potential risks before they escalate.
  2. Protecting Worker Health: Workers in industries that handle antimicrobial chemicals are at a higher risk of exposure. Monitoring systems ensure that exposure levels are kept within safe limits, minimising health risks and promoting a healthier workforce.
  3. Ensuring Compliance with Regulations: Regulatory bodies impose strict limits on permissible exposure levels to safeguard worker health. Implementing a chemical vapour monitoring system helps businesses stay compliant with these regulations and avoid potential penalties.
  4. Preventing Worksite Disruptions: Accidental leaks or spills of antimicrobial chemicals can disrupt operations and pose immediate dangers to workers. Real-time monitoring enables a swift response to such incidents, preventing prolonged exposure and minimising workplace disruptions.

ChemDAQ’s Expertise in Chemical Vapour Monitoring

ChemDAQ is a leading provider of continuous monitoring solutions for industries using EtO, H₂O₂, and PAA. With over 600 satisfied customers worldwide, their state-of-the-art monitoring systems have helped businesses ensure workplace safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

Explore ChemDAQ’s suite of products:

In industries where antimicrobial chemicals like Ethylene Oxide, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Peracetic Acid are integral to processing operations, safeguarding worker health from chemical vapour exposure is a non-negotiable responsibility.

Implementing a reliable chemical vapour monitoring system is not just a regulatory requirement but a moral obligation for businesses. With AquaGas expertise and state-of-the-art monitoring solutions, industries can effectively protect their workers, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain a safe and productive work environment.

If your business utilizes these antimicrobial chemicals, it’s time to consider how a Chemical Vapour Monitoring system can be the cornerstone of your commitment to worker safety and well-being. Get in touch with us to learn more about our solutions and take a proactive step towards a safer workplace.

AquaGas is supporting the global industrial community with high performance environmental and process monitoring systems (Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems, Air Quality Monitoring Systems, Online process analysers, Water Quality Monitoring Systems and tunnel sensors) specifically designed and built to meet your application requirements.

Sterilant Gas Detection System

Complete Gas Detection and Monitoring Solutions

For Worker Safety, Quality, and Productivity

The Australia’s leading manufacturers of disinfectants for healthcare, floor maintenance and industrial cleaning products has chosen the SafeCide™ for real-time measurement of Peracetic Acid PAA vapor concentrations in parts per million (PPM) at their main production facilities in the Hunter Region of New South Wales. The SafeCide™ gives employees peace of mind they are safe while minimizing disruptions to production related operations. SafeCide provides fast, accurate, real-time measurements of chemical vapor – giving you the ability to prevent or address concerns in real-time.

ChemDAQ® helps you maintain a safe, productive work environment by providing best-in-class monitoring products for Peracetic Acid, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Ethylene Oxide. Monitoring the air around potentially hazardous chemicals sets a higher standard of safety and quality at any facility.

Gas Monitors are installed in areas close to the source but also near the workers’ breathing zone for improved safety and accurate, timely detection. System peripherals ensure that gas monitoring and display points meet the needs of your unique facility and staff. Chemical biocides are effective and essential tools for preventing the spread of disease in hospitals as well as for food safety and longevity of shelf life, however, they can also have health risks for the people who use them in their work.

  • Gas proprietary sensor module for

    Peracetic Acid
    PAA
    C2H4O3

    Ethylene Oxide
    EtO
    C2H4O

    Hydrogen Peroxide
    H2O2

  • Unique Sensor Calibration/Exchange Program

    Sensor Exchange Program (SXP®) virtually eliminating systems maintenance

  • Spot-On® ethylene oxide filter

    eliminates false alarms from common background interferents such as alcohols and carbon monoxide.

  • EnviorCell™ Snap-in Sensor module

    Hot swappable module – ChemDAQ EnviorCell™ Snap-in Sensor module / EnviorCell Snap-in factory calibrated replacement sensor modules

SafeCide provides fast, accurate, real-time measurements of chemical vapor