WELCOME TO AUTHORISED GAS TESTING

(AGT) CERTIFICATION COURSE

ADCO

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Emergency Response Procedures
Toilets

Courses scheduled to start at 0730

and close 1500

Breaks
Prayer time

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 Let’s get to know each other a ADCO

bit better. Please tell us your:

 Name
 Department
 Job
 Experience

SSE (S&T) / Ahmed Ismail – ADCO - HSED 2

 AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION
AGT TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT
• Minimum work experience – 2 years
• ADCO experience – N/A
• English Language
• Relevant courses required for approval – H2S Awareness
& Basic Breathing Apparatus – Confined Space Entry
• One day PTWS course for AGT + written exam (pass
marks not less than 80%)
• Gas Testing E – Learning is required (under development)
• Passing formal training and holding a valid certificate
doesn’t itself make you eligible to sign PTW.
• To be authorized as competent you MUST be assessed by
an ADCO – AGT, then approved by DH, Area Safety
Officer and last approved by Area Manager
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 AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION ADCO

REASONS FOR GAS TESTING

To determine the presence of gas or vapour in the
workplace, to identify which gas(es) or vapour(s)
are present and to identify the potential hazards that
may arise as a result of its presence.
It is mandatory in Hazardous Areas where hot work
is performed and when Man Entry into confined
spaces is required.
SOME LOCATIONS WHERE GAS TESTING IS
REQUIRED
• Drilling Rigs
• Christmas tree / well-head
• Flowlines: Pumps, valves, chokes
• Manifolds
• Gathering stations
• Booster stations 4
 AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION ADCO

AGT must be familiar with the correct locations of

gas sampling, such as:
• Pits
• Sumps
• Manholes
• Flanges
• Valves gland/ stem
• Pump Casing.
• Drains
• Sewers
• Cellars
• Christmas tree / well-head / Casings
• Roof Seal of Floating Roof Tank
• Sludges
• Vents, Sample Points, gages, etc… 5
 AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION
Explosive / Flammable Hazards ADCO

Hydrocarbon vapors and most of flammable gases in oil industry are heavier than air,
so they can be trapped in confined spaces and seek lower levels in the ground as pits
and sewers

Vapors or gases that build up in a Hazardous Area and Confined Spaces

can be ignited by:
 Welding/ Cutting Torch
 Friction
 Grinding Sparks
 Hot Surfaces
 Static Charges
 Smoking
 Open Flame
 Using Mobile Phones
 Electrical Short or Arcing
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 Pyrophoric Materials
AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION
Explosive / Flammable Hazards (Cont’d)

Some Sources of Ignition

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 AUTHORISED GAS TESTING ADCO

CERTIFICATION
Oxygen Deficiency or Enrichment
What is the normal concentration of oxygen in air?
Oxygen deficiency can be caused by the following:
Consumption of oxygen during burning process (combustion reaction) –
e.g. cutting and welding
Consumption of oxygen during bacterial action, as in fermentation
process.
Displacement by inert gas such as nitrogen (inerting or purge with
nitrogen), carbon dioxide, argon, and halogenated hydrocarbon, etc.
rust
Oxygen enrichment (too much oxygen in the air) is dangerous… Why?
Fire starts much more easily in air with more than 23.5% oxygen.
Oil in the presence of pure oxygen will self ignite.

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AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION ADCO

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 AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION ADCO

TOXIC GASES - ( measured in p.p.m. every 10000 ppm = 1%)

10,000 ppm = 1%
1000 ppm = 0.1%
100 ppm = 0.01%
10 ppm = 0.001%
What 4.3% = ? ppm
The oil \ gas industry is usually concerned with H2S.
The presence of H2S in hydrocarbon is usually termed as sour crude.
H2S has a high toxicity, if you detect its presence in low
concentrations during working hrs it is best to evacuate the area,
alert others and call for a gas test.

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 AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION ADCO

GAS TESTS MUST BE CARRIED OUT BY AUTHORISED

ADCO GAS TESTERS ONLY.

The results of all Gas tests must be recorded on the

appropriate documentation,
SECTION 3 OF A PERMIT:
TIME, DATE, RESULTS, INITIALS, GAS TESTER CERT.
NO.

For tests carried out in Confined Spaces the result must

be recorded in the Confined Space Entry Certificate
SECTION 3.
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 PERMIT TO WORK
  012456
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 ADCO
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AHMED ISMAIL


01/02
0715
0
0
MS
007
12
ONE 
ADCO 2001
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 AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION ADCO

TERMINOLOGY AND DEFINITIONS

Some abbreviations are used constantly in the

process of gas testing.

The abbreviations and chemical properties of

the gases and vapours commonly found in the
industry must be understood by all concerned.

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AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION
Explosive / Flammable Limits (Cont’d)

OX
EL

YG
FU

EN

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 AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION
Explosive / Flammable Limits (Cont’d)

Flammable Gas/Vapor (LFL%) LEL% (UFL%) UEL%

Acetylene 2.5 81
Butane 1.9 8.5
Carbon Monoxide 12.5 74.2
Ethane 3 12.5
Fuel Oil 0.6~1.0 5 ~ 5.6
Gas Oil 4.7 33
Hydrogen 4 74.2
Hydrogen Sulfide 4.3 45.5
Kerosene 0.6 5.6
Methane 5.3 13.9
Propane 2.2 9.6

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 AUTHOISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION ADCO

RELATIVE
RELATIVEDENSITY
DENSITY
•• With
With the
the exception
exception of
of Gases
Gases such
such
as,
as,METHAN,
METHAN,CARBON
CARBONMONOXIDE,
MONOXIDE,
ETHANE
ETHANE and
and HYDROGEN,
HYDROGEN, most
most
flammable
flammable gases
gases have
have aa density
density
greater
greater than
than air.
air. This
This is
is important
important
because
because itit can
can result
result in
in aa layering
layering
effect
effectwhere
whereaaflammable
flammablemixture
mixtureisis
present
present at
at one
one level
level and
and not
not at
at
another.
another.
THE
THE HIGHER
HIGHER THE
THE RELATIVE
RELATIVE DENSITY
DENSITY THE
THE
HEAVIER
HEAVIER THE
THE SUBSTANCE
SUBSTANCE e.g.e.g. (H2S)
(H2S)
density
density=1.9
=1.9 and
and
(AIR)
(AIR)density
density==1.0
1.0

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AUTHORISED GAS TESTING ADCO

CERTIFICATION
AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION ADCO

ADCO Facial Hair Policy

 A respirator, either positive or

negative pressure, equipped with
facepiece shall not be worn if
facial hair comes between the
sealing surface of the facepiece
and the face or if facial hair
interfaces with the exhalation
valve operation.

 The wearer should understand all

the risks of respiratory injury or
death, which may particularly
result when exposed to toxic
gases/vapours or to oxygen
deficient atmospheres. 19
 AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION ADCO

ADCO Entry without (BA)

 Entry without B.A will not be authorised until all deposits,
scale & sludge has been removed, and gas test has been
done by Authorised Gas Tester. And the confined space
has been certified safe by Area Authority / Issuing
Authority
Guidelines:
– Oxygen 19.5% to 22.5% volume
– Flammable gas < 5% LEL
– Toxic gas < 10 PPM
 If gas tester is required to enter a confined space to get a
correct reading then Full B.A. and lifeline is required.

Unathorised Entry Kills 20

 AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION
ADCO

THE GAS TESTER IS USUALLY FIRST ON THE SCENE.

HE MUST TAKE PRECAUTIONS. DO NOT NEGLECT
YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY AND THEREFORE THE
SAFETY OF OTHERS WHO COME AFTER YOU WHILST
DOING GAS TESTS

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AUHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION ADCO

Gas Testing Practices

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 AUHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION ADCO

Gas Testing Practices

 AGT must be aware of the gases that the instrument can
detect.
 He must also be aware of that the presence of other gases
can adversely effect the readings.
 When testing in an area it must be considered that gases
may be stratified rather than uniformly mixed, spot checks
must be carried out for precise readings.
 Do tests initially, upwind of the worksite and then around a
minimum of 5 meter radius of the worksite. All potential
sources of release must be tested along with the risk spot.
 Thorough gas testing must be conducted at above head
height and at floor level to ensure that gases of different
relative densities have the best possible chance of being
detected. 23
 AUHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION ADCO

Gas Testing Practices

Dealing With Suspected Leak
AGT must be aware that any suspected leak must be
approached with extreme caution.
 Assessment must be made of the exact location, type of gas,
the wind direction and the strength of the wind.
 AGT must take readings whilst approaching the area from an
upwind location donning appropriate air breathing apparatus,
and PPE.
 A safety standby man must be present, in contact with the AGT
at all times and holding the AGT’s lifeline.
 The control room must be notified of all results and kept
abreast with the development on site.
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 AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION ADCO

Portable Indicator and Alarm

Model MSA 361
• MSA 361 consists of three distinct detection units
• The hydrogen sulphide portion of the instrument has a
range of 0 – 50 ppm
• Common toxic gases may be found within the oil and
gas industry are H2S, Chlorine, Carbon Monoxide, etc.
• The toxic sensor used on Model 361doesn’t detect all
toxic gases, so the AGT must be aware that other
harmful gases or vapours may be present.

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 AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION ADCO

Portable Indicator and Alarm

Model MSA 361 (Cont’d)
The combustible gas detection portion of the instrument has a
range of 0 - 100% of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) of
combustible gas in air.

Don’t depend upon flammability scale to detect toxicity of H2S

because it will be toxic at a much lower reading than the % of
lower explosive limit (LEL)

H2S has a lower explosive limit (LEL) of 43,000 ppm or 4.3%

H2S has a TLV of 10ppm - 0.001%.

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 AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION ADCO

Portable Indicator and Alarm

Model MSA 361 (Cont’d)
• The Oxygen portion has a range of 0- 25% of Oxygen
content.
• All portions are calibrated at the factory, combustible gas
specifically on Pentane.
• Each indicator has its own alarm, but they share a
common alarm horn.
• The combustible gas indicator alarms at 5% LEL (ADCO
adjustment) and 25% LEL (factory)
• Oxygen indicator alarms when Oxygen drops to 19.5% or
increase above 23%
• H2S indicator alarms when concentration reaches 10 pm
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 AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION ADCO

Portable Indicator and Alarm

Model MSA 361 (Cont’d)
 MSA – 361 is powered by rechargeable 4.0 V battery
pack which provides 8 to 10 hours of sampling in fully-
charged condition.
 The battery-powered pump draws the sampled
atmosphere into the instrument, where it diffuses into the
sensing heads of the combustible gas, hydrogen sulphide
and Oxygen portions of the instrument.
 Sampling flow rate is 1.2 litres per minute
 MSA – 361 is intrinsically safe for use in classified
Hazardous Areas.

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 AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION ADCO

Portable Indicator and Alarm

Model MSA 361 (Cont’d)
Pre-checks
 Visual inspection of the instrument
 Charge of The battery (BATT)
 Leak Test (Flow indicator)
 Flushing of the instrument with fresh air (in open area)
 Function Test (pump works –displays – knobs)
 Adjusting setting of the instrument in fresh air – Zero
adjusting for combustible and toxic indicators and 20.8%
for Oxygen

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 AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION ADCO

MODEL MSA -361 LIMITATIONS

 Silicon based materials (e.g. silicates) in the tested
atmosphere may seriously impair response of the
instrument…. Why?
 Leaded gasoline vapours can also poison
(desensitize) the catalytic filament of the instrument.
 Oxygen deficient (less than 10%) atmospheres may
not indicate the true concentrations of combustible
gas.
 Steamy sample will condensate inside the chamber
(channel) and may cause inaccurate reading.
 Some gases act as interferents in H2S readings
 Cold to warm air = condensation problems
 Wet samples soaks the filter and fluctuates the
readings. (liquid trap)
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 AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION ADCO

MODEL MSA -361 LIMITATIONS (Cont’d)

 Combustible gas indicator detects only combustible gases
and vapours in air. It will not indicate the presence of
combustible airborne mists or dusts such as lubricating
oils, coal dust and grain dust.
 The Oxygen sensor detects the partial pressure of the
Oxygen in the sample. What’s that mean?
Do not operate the instrument while the battery is being
charged
Note: You are NOT authorised to do any maintenance or
calibration for the instrument.
In case of any malfunction, replace the instrument and
return it back to S & LP Section in order to be checked by
ADCO approved technician.
MSA361 - 50 ft extension tube will take 3 minutes for the 31
final reading
AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION

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 AUTHORISED GAS TESTING
CERTIFICATION ADCO

Responsibility
AGT
 Checking and monitoring gas testing devices for calibration due date.
 Making function and performance test at fresh air prior commencing
actual gas test.
 In case of malfunction of the instrument (gas testing device), he shall
refer to Area Safety & Loss Prevention Officer for replacement.Aware of
the terminology, hazards and testing procedures associated with
common gases / vapours in oil production / operations.

Safety & Loss Prevention Section

 Record keeping
 Maintaining database of AGT
 Advising AGT of requirements to re-validate the certificate.
 Arranging for calibration or maintenance at HSE Mussafah W/S.

Gas Testing Device Custodian

 Recharging of batteries..
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 THE END
THANK YOU VERY MUCH

BE SAFE AND TAKE CARE

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