REAL-TIME AWARENESS BOOSTS HAZMAT TEAM RESPONSE

When hazmat personnel arrived on the scene of an ammonia leak at a cold storage facility one night, they were ready for anything. One responder wore a G7 personal multi-gas detector and the team also had an EXO area gas monitor at the ready.

They immediately set up the G7 EXO downwind of the facility to determine the hazard level outside. At 21:08, the device detected high levels of ammonia (NH3), alerting the team of a potentially volatile situation. A high-alarm notification was sent to the fire chief, who was off duty many miles away.

The danger escalated as high-gas alarms from both ammonia sensors and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) sensors started coming in. The chief was able to monitor the situation remotely from his smartphone. With instant access to real-time data from the scene, he could follow and manage the response as it unfolded.

By 21:42, after 18 high-gas exposures were reported, the call was resolved and firefighters were off to their next emergency.

Using the Blackline Safety multi-gas detection devices and area gas monitoring technology they were trialing at the time, responders were able to monitor ammonia levels while they quickly responded to the leak. Despite not being overly familiar with the equipment, they quickly deployed the devices and information went directly to the fire chief. The chief was able to remotely monitor and coordinate the response with confidence knowing he had real-time information to accurately assess the situation.

During the incident, the G7 devices detected 18 high-gas exposures. These real-time gas readings gave responders full visibility into the escalating danger, so they were able to adjust their response with informed insight.

Firefighters never had access to this type of detailed information with their existing technology. Using the new tools, they saw firsthand how modern connected gas detection technology can help better protect themselves and others during a potentially dangerous situation.