This is to address detection of CO, a lethal but odorless gas, with a low occupational exposure limit.

DO NOT depend in CO detectors designed for residential use.  They have a slow response time, and an alarm threshold much greater than the OSHA workplace limits.  For those laboratories/shops that use CO (even if appropriate ventilation is in place and personnel are well trained), it is prudent to have an industrial CO-specific detector near the most likely route(a) of escape.  Lapel detectors are availablefor those who work with CO in a hood or glove bag/box.

We experienced an adverse exposure to CO because the researchers were depending on a residential detector. 

David Haugen
Argonne National Laboratory

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From: "Garcia-Rios Mario" <mgarciarios**At_Symbol_Here**MOUNTIDA.EDU>
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Sent: Sunday, October 30, 2011 6:47:27 PM
Subject: [DCHAS-L] PortableGas Detectors

Hello Everyone,

I recently became the first CHO at my institution and joined the ACS DCHAS.  The LISTSERV has already provided me with valuable information.  Our institution is small andChemistry is a "service" area to the rest of the College (including a small Biology Program).  Last week we had a report from a staff member of a "strong and ugly odor" coming from a chemistry lab.  The staff member called Public Safety and they called me. It turns out that the lab tech had just prepared reagents containing cyclohexane.  After the incident was determined to be "minor", the Public Safety Chief told me that his office used to have a Portable Gas Detector, but that said detector was lost. Can any of you recommend such a device? Brand? Detectors?

Thanks in advance for any assistance,

Mario

Mario G. Garcia-Rios, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Biology and Chemistry
Chemical Hygiene Officer
Mount Ida College
777 Dedham Street
Newton, MA 02459
(617) 928-4061