The Complete Guide

to Gas Detection in
Confined Spaces

www.indsci.com | One Life Way Pittsburgh, PA 15205-7500 USA | +1 800-DETECTS (338-3287)

Table of
Contents

1 What is a Confined Space? 9 Monitoring Oxygen Levels

2 Staying Safe in Confined Spaces 10 Monitoring Combustible Gases

3 Know Your Hazards 12 Monitoring Toxic Gases

4 Have a Plan 13 Safer Confined Space Rescues

5 Train Your Team 14 The Best Gas Detectors and Software for Confined Spaces

6 Bump Test, Zero and Calibrate 17 Maintaining Your Gas Detectors

7 Test Before Entry with a Sampling Pump 18 Your Trusted Partner for Gas Detection

8 Monitoring Hazards Throughout the Entry

What is a Confined spaces are common in
many different industries, and while
Confined Space? they may look different, they all have
the potential to contain invisible gas
hazards that can knock you off your
Confined spaces are areas that: feet before you know what hit you.
1. Are large enough for an employee to enter
fully and perform assigned work
2. Have limited or restricted means for entry
or exit
3. Are not designed for continuous employee Confined spaces can include:
occupancy Storage tanks
Sewers
There are also permit-required confined spaces, Holds of ships
which have one or more of the following Underground utility vaults
characteristics: Underground storage areas
1. Contain or have a potential to contain a Boilers
hazardous atmosphere Manholes
2. Contain a material that has the potential for Pipelines
engulfing an entrant Truck and railroad tank cars
3. Have an internal configuration such that an Silos
entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by Digesters
inwardly converging walls or by a floor that Ditches
slopes downward Wells
4. Contains any other recognized serious safety Machinery housings
or health hazard

TH E C O M P L E TE G U I D E TO GAS DE TECTIO N IN CO N FIN ED SPACES 1


60%
of all confined space deaths
are would-be rescuers who die
while trying to save a peer.
TH E C O M P L E TE G U I D E TO GAS DE TECTIO N IN CO N FIN ED SPACES
Staying Safe in
Confined Spaces
Confined spaces present unique dangers that
workers must be prepared to handle. Despite tight
regulations and technological advancements,
permit-required confined space entry accidents and
fatalities remain a problem.
In fact, an average of two people die each week from a
confined space incident. Of all confined space deaths, 60% are
would-be rescuers who die while trying to save a peer.
To minimize this risk, you need a thorough confined space
entry plan and the right gas detectors for the job.
Here, we’ll cover the best practices for detecting gas hazards
in confined spaces. Use these best practices as a framework
and build on them with your company’s own safety policies to
create a well-rounded confined space entry plan that ensures
your people make it home safely every night.
2
Know Your
Hazards
Knowing which gas hazards you’re
likely to encounter in confined
spaces on your site is the foundation
The most common
for proper gas detection. It also atmospheric
determines which gas detectors hazards in confined
you’ll need and increases your overall spaces are:
preparedness.
Oxygen deficiency
To improve safety in and around confined Oxygen enrichment
spaces, it’s important to monitor all of these
Combustible gases
potential hazards. Multi-gas monitors,
whether personal monitors or area monitors, Toxic gases
are ideal for this application.

Turn to the back of this guide for more

information on detecting common gas
hazards in confined spaces. 

TH E C O M P L E TE G U I D E TO GAS DE TECTIO N IN CO N FIN ED SPACES 3


1 2 3
Document the steps
everyone needs to take
before, during and after a
confined space entry.
TH E C O M P L E TE G U I D E TO GAS DE TECTIO N IN CO N FIN ED SPACES
Have a Plan
To make confined space entries safer, you
need clear, written procedures for how to detect
gas hazards.
Make sure you understand the confined space regulations in
your region, then document the steps everyone needs to take
before, during and after a confined space entry.
At minimum, your plan should include details on what
equipment should be used to detect atmospheric hazards,
when the atmosphere should be tested, and the order in
which hazards should be assessed.
For example, many regions require that workers use a direct-
reading gas detector to assess oxygen levels, flammable
gases and vapors, and toxic air contaminants.
After documenting your confined space safety plan, make
sure all employees can access it quickly and easily.
4
Train Your Team
Once you have a plan for how to detect gas hazards
in confined spaces, you need to train your operators.

Training your equipment operators on safe confined space

entries is critical—yet often overlooked. In fact, a NIOSH study
revealed that 85% of confined space fatalities were people who
hadn’t been trained.

Training should not only cover the procedures that people need
to follow, but also how to use gas detectors properly and how
to interpret the readings. When untrained, it’s not unusual for
people to be wary of alerts from a gas monitor. This can lead
to unsafe behaviors like dismissing alarms, changing alarm
setpoints, or even leaving a gas monitor behind.

To address this problem before it leads to a tragedy, give your

85%
team proper training on gas detectors so they understand
how the sensors function, how to take readings and how to
respond to varying alarms. These trainings should be repeated
periodically to keep the information front of mind.

of confined space fatalities

were people who hadn’t
been trained.

TH E C O M P L E TE G U I D E TO GAS DE TECTIO N IN CO N FIN ED SPACES 5


You should bump test and
zero monitors before each
use. Calibrations should be
performed at least monthly
or whenever your monitor
may have been exposed to
sensor poisons or inhibitors.
TH E C O M P L E TE G U I D E TO GAS DE TECTIO N IN CO N FIN ED SPACES
Bump Test, Zero
and Calibrate
Once you know your hazards, you can select tools
to identify them.
An essential tool you need when entering a confined space is
a direct-reading gas detector with the right sensors for your
application. But you still need to confirm that your monitor is
working properly.
You need to bump test (also known as a functional test), zero
and calibrate those sensors regularly– skipping even one
of these steps puts you at risk of entering a confined space
without a gas detector that can alert you to deadly hazards.
Bump tests show you whether the sensors can identify gas
and whether the alarms and on-screen alerts are working,
while calibration shows you whether the gas detector is
accurately reading gas concentrations. Zeroing the gas
detector in clean, fresh air ensures that you’ve set an accurate
baseline for readings.
6
Test Before Entry with
a Sampling Pump
Regulations generally require testing the atmosphere within
a confined space with a direct-reading monitor before a
person enters.

Gas detectors with sampling pumps and a length of flexible tubing or a

probe are ideal for drawing remote samples from confined spaces prior to
entry. These remotely-sampled readings are a critical first step and must be
recorded on a confined space entry permit.

During pre-entry sampling, use the 2x2 Rule. The rule states that when
using a sampling pump, you should wait two minutes plus two seconds for
every foot of tubing. If you have 20 feet of tubing attached to your monitor,
you would first wait two minutes, then add two seconds for each of those
20 feet to equal 40 seconds. In this case, you would need to wait two
minutes and 40 seconds for the most accurate rating. The 2x2 Rule

This process should be repeated at the top, middle and bottom of the
When using a sampling
space because different gases settle at different heights, depending on pump, you should wait two
their weight relative to air. minutes plus two seconds
Regulatory agencies around the world have different minimum safe levels
for every foot of tubing.
for entry, so you should always check with your local regulatory agency.

TH E C O M P L E TE G U I D E TO GAS DE TECTIO N IN CO N FIN ED SPACES 7

 Monitoring Hazards
Throughout the Entry
Atmospheric conditions in confined spaces can change
quickly, making it very important for you to continuously
monitor their levels with a direct-reading portable
gas monitor.

Direct-reading monitors, like the Ventis® Pro5, not only tell workers
whether the atmosphere in a confined space is safe, but also how safe.
Is the oxygen concentration just barely above 19.5%, or is there enough
margin for the entrant to continue working safely?

The safest procedure is for all entrants to wear a direct-reading personal

gas detector that continuously monitors for potential hazards. You
can improve safety even further by using connected monitors like the
The safest procedure Ventis® Pro5 or Radius® BZ1, enabling monitors to wirelessly share
is for all entrants to gas readings and alarms so the attendant always knows exactly what’s
happening within the confined space. If conditions trend toward danger,
wear a direct-reading
workers will have the notice they need to exit the confined space safely.
personal gas detector that
continuously monitors for If a monitor indicates dangerous levels of toxic gases, combustible
potential hazards. gases or oxygen deficiency (or enrichment), workers must evacuate the
confined space, ventilate, and retest the atmosphere before re-entering.

TH E C O M P L E TE G U I D E TO GAS DE TECTIO N IN CO N FIN ED SPACES 8

Monitoring
Oxygen Levels
With low oxygen being a significant cause
of death in confined spaces, it’s important
that you consistently measure
oxygen levels.

Oxygen by Impact on
The minimum “safe level” of oxygen in a confined
Volume Workers
space is 19.5%, while the maximum “safe level” of
oxygen in a confined space is 23.5%. If a confined 23.5% Oxygen enriched,
space’s oxygen concentration surpasses 23.5%, extreme fire hazard
the space is too oxygen-rich and could result in the
20.9% Oxygen concentration of air
ignition of combustible gases.
19.5% Minimum “safe level”
On the other hand, low oxygen levels impair
16.0% Disorientation, impaired
judgment and coordination. Extremely low levels
judgement and breathing
of oxygen cause nausea, vomiting and loss of
consciousness. 14.0% Faulty judgement,
rapid fatigue

When oxygen levels are too low, that typically 6.0% Difficulty breathing,
means another gas is displacing it. In these death in minutes
instances, it’s important to know what gas is
displacing oxygen and why.

TH E C O M P L E TE G U I D E TO GAS DE TECTIO N IN CO N FIN ED SPACES 9

Monitoring
Combustible Gases
Gases cannot combust without enough oxygen, so a confined
space’s oxygen level can give you an idea of the concentration
of combustible gases. There are two levels to pay attention to
when measuring combustible gases:

Lower Explosive Limit (LEL):

The lowest concentration of a gas in the air that can combust or
produce a flame when paired with an ignition source.

Upper Explosive Limit (UEL):

The highest concentration of a gas in the air that can combust or
produce a flame when paired with an ignition source.

If a gas concentration is below its LEL, it cannot ignite. If the gas

concentration is above its UEL, the gas is too rich and there’s not enough
oxygen for combustion.

TH E C O M P L E TE G U I D E TO GAS DE TECTIO N IN CO N FIN ED SPACES 10

LEL and UEL differ for each gas.
Methane, for example, has an LEL of 5% vol and a UEL of 15%
volume, so combustion is possible when the gas level is at
or above 5%, but below 15%. Gas detectors display a gas’s
presence as a percentage of its LEL. An atmosphere free of
methane would show 0% LEL on the gas detector, but an
atmosphere containing 5% methane would display 100% LEL.

Combustible gas levels in confined spaces can change quickly,

so it’s important to continuously monitor them. Sudden
ventilation could dilute a gas that was above its UEL, placing it
in the combustible range and putting the entrant in danger.

Example of Combustion

100% LEL UEL

(Natural Gas)
Methane (CH4)

0% 5% vol 15% vol

Too lean to burn Explosive Material Too rich to burn

TH E C O M P L E TE G U I D E TO GAS DE TECTIO N IN CO N FIN ED SPACES 11

 Monitoring Toxic Gases
Multi-gas monitors are frequently configured for carbon
monoxide and hydrogen sulfide, but these two gases
aren’t necessarily the most common in confined spaces.

In fact, because carbon monoxide is the result of incomplete

combustion, it’s uncommon in most confined spaces unless
machinery is used inside.

While both of these gases are extremely toxic, you need to

understand the hazardous gases workers are most likely to
encounter on your site. Workers may be better protected by
monitoring other common gases.

Be sure your teams know the LEL/UEL for the hazards they’re likely
to encounter, as well as your regulatory agency’s exposure limits for
Be sure your teams know different time periods. These exposure limits can vary by jurisdiction,
the LEL/UEL for the hazards so you should always check with your local regulatory agency.
they’re likely to encounter,
as well as your regulatory
agency’s exposure limits for
different time periods.

TH E C O M P L E TE G U I D E TO GAS DE TECTIO N IN CO N FIN ED SPACES 12

Safer Confined
Space Rescues
When you see a fellow worker in need, your instinct is to rush
in to save him or her. But this instinct can be life-threatening
in the presence of gas hazards.

The sad truth is that this ingrained behavior of helping others is why
60% of confined space deaths are would-be rescuers, or those who are
killed while attempting to help another person.

To reduce this risk, turn to connected gas detectors. Industrial

Scientific’s connected gas detectors, the Ventis Pro5 and Radius BZ1,
come equipped with wireless connectivity that shares gas, man-down,

60%
and panic alarms from monitor to monitor.

This technology has been designed so that as soon as the equipment

is powered on, it automatically connects with other monitors on the
same network to share gas readings from inside the confined space to
monitors outside of the space.
of confined space deaths
are would-be rescuers,
When the gas monitors are paired together and a teammate’s monitor or those who are killed
goes into alarm, you can easily see who’s monitor is in alarm, why the
while attempting to help
monitor is in alarm, and determine what protective measures you need
to take prior to attempting a rescue. This technology can drastically
another person.
reduce the risk of working in confined spaces.

TH E C O M P L E TE G U I D E TO GAS DE TECTIO N IN CO N FIN ED SPACES 13

The Best Personal Gas Detectors
for Confined Spaces
Ventis® Pro5 Multi-Gas Monitor
The Ventis Pro5 Multi-Gas Monitor offers
flexible sensor options to detect up to five
gases. The Ventis Pro5 comes standard
with a man-down alarm, panic button,
customizable alarm action messages, and
LENS® Wireless peer-to-peer connectivity.
It is compatible with the Ventis® Slide-On
Pump for pre-entry sampling. Optional
connectivity features include a wi-fi battery,
cellular battery, or dual cellular/satellite
connectivity through the TGX™ Gateway.
Ventis® MX4 Multi-Gas Monitor
The Ventis MX4 is a four-gas monitor with
the portability and size of a single-gas
monitor. Designed to be extremely rugged
yet lightweight and easy to wear, the Ventis
MX4 offers reliable gas detection in a small
package. It is compatible with the Ventis®
Slide-On Pump for pre-entry sampling.
TH E C O M P L E TE G U I D E TO GAS DE TECTIO N IN CO N FIN ED SPACES
MX6 iBrid Six-Gas Monitor
The MX6 iBrid® is a six-gas monitor
that offers hundreds of possible sensor
combinations and a robust list of available
configuration settings. The MX6 iBrid
provides the advanced gas detection you
need for sampling and permitting tasks
and excels in industries like oil and gas,
petrochemicals, and metal production.
14
Area Monitoring and Live Monitoring for Confined Spaces
Radius® BZ1 Area Monitor
The Radius BZ1 Area Monitor allows you to
monitor up to seven gases simultaneously. Create
perimeters or fence lines to monitor leaks or spills
and protect safe zones. Know what’s happening at a
safe distance thanks to LENS Wireless peer-to-peer
connectivity, loud and bright alarms, and an extra-
large display.
iNet® Now Live Monitoring Software
iNet Now Live Monitoring software provides real-time
text and email alerts for gas hazards, panic, and man-
down situations, allowing you to see a map of activity
and respond to incidents as they occur. iNet Now
provides complete visibility into your site, making it
easy to manage safety and productivity.
TH E C O M P L E TE G U I D E TO GAS DE TECTIO N IN CO N FIN ED SPACES 15
 MX6 iBrid

Ventis Pro

Tango TX1
Radius BZ1
Ventis MX4

GasBadge Pro
Oxygen

Combustibles (LEL or CH4)

VOC

Ammonia

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon Monoxide

Chlorine

Chlorine Dioxide

Hydrogen

Hydrogen Chloride

Hydrogen Cyanide

Hydrogen Sulfide
Choosing Your Monitor: Sensors and Certifications

Nitric Oxide

Nitrogen Dioxide

Phosphine

Sulfur Dioxide

UL

MSHA
TH E C O M P L E TE G U I D E TO GAS DE TECTIO N IN CO N FIN ED SPACES

CSA/C-UL
16

Cenelec & Australia

Independently Classified
Intrinsically Safe
Maintaining Your
Gas Detectors
Gas detector maintenance is critical to
worker safety, so it’s important to find
an efficient and effective way to keep
gas detectors working. The good news
is you have options to simplify the
maintenance process.

Docking stations are a popular option iNet Exchange is a subscription-

because they automatically bump test,
calibrate and collect valuable data. They
Simplify your gas make it easy to access bump test and
detection program with calibration records, so you can be sure that
iNet Exchange gas detectors are maintained properly and
you’re in compliance.
Learn More
based service that covers gas detectors,
shipping, calibration gas, docking
stations, training, and more. With
iNet Exchange, you’ll always have the
monitors you need, right when you need
them. Instead of your team spending
valuable time fixing broken monitors, we
automatically repair and replace your
critical safety equipment, eliminating
your maintenance pains.

TH E C O M P L E TE G U I D E TO GAS DE TECTIO N IN CO N FIN ED SPACES 17

Your Trusted Partner
for Gas Detection
You’re responsible for your workers’ safety,
making sure they’re not injured or worse on
your watch.

We’re here to make it easy for you to protect your

workers. From basic confined space monitoring to
real-time alerts and automatic status updates, we have
everything you need to make sure your workers make
it home.

Building a gas detection program that keeps workers

safe isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s also profitable.
Worker injuries and deaths cost hundreds of thousands
of dollars, while preventing those injuries costs just
To get expert advice on
dollars a day.
gas detection in confined
spaces, contact us at
indsci.com/talk-to-an-expert.

TH E C O M P L E TE G U I D E TO GAS DE TECTIO N IN CO N FIN ED SPACES 18

 Make Confined Space
Gas Detection Safe and Easy

Learn More

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