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Specialist gas detectors help to keep port workers safe

Announcement posted by Pixi 31 May 2017

Entec, an Auckland-based supplier of mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and gas detection solutions has recently secured a substantial deal with a large pest management company which deals largely in treating logs intended for export.

The customer – who wished not to be named – is tasked with fumigating large consignments of raw logs prior to export. This fumigation process takes place wharf-side prior to loading on board. In order for the product to reach export standard, it must be fully ensured that no insect life is present in the material.

The fumigant used in this process is methyl bromide, a highly toxic, dangerous chemical compound which is extremely effective in eliminating all insect life. This ensures that the biosecurity of the importing country is safeguarded and the reputation of the timber exporter is upheld.

Due to the highly toxic nature of methyl bromide, its use must be stringently controlled and carefully monitored in order to ensure the safety of workers and nearby personal.

Entec has supplied the fumigation company with a number of handheld PID gas detection instruments designed and manufactured by Ion Science in the United Kingdom. This equipment order includes items from both the Tiger (larger, handheld detectors) and Cub (light, wearable units) product ranges.

The Tiger range of handheld detectors boast the fastest response time on the market of just two seconds and feature a 24-hour battery life.

“Accidental inhalation of methyl bromide has actually led to deaths in port-side fumigation applications overseas. The use of these portable detectors is an effective way of monitoring exposure and ensuring we keep our people within safe limits.”

The instruments supplied by Entec are designed to lightweight and easy to use, meaning they keep workers safe from volatile organic compounds, while not impeding or slowing down the task being completed. The handheld detectors allow for one-handed operation, even when wearing think gloves.