Fires don't just generate heat, flames and smoke. The combustion process also results in carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, which are better known as the toxic twins. In considering this factor and related safety concerns, firefighters often assess the scene with a gas detector before formulating a plan of action.

Equip your team with the essentials for detecting and responding to dangerous gasses - whether as a byproduct of the combustion process or from another combustible hazard. Learn more about gas detection for firefighters here.

About Gas Detection for Firefighters

Most people typically associate gas detection with identifying a leak. Firefighters check for this threat while additionally surveying the area for other substances involved in the combustion process. These factors determine how safe the scene is, what risks firefighters and building occupants could face inside, and the gear needed to respond.

For firefighters, gas detection equipment is often needed to identify the following:

• Carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide and carbon dioxide - all generated through the combustion process. Of these, carbon monoxide is an odorless substance, and hydrogen cyanide, a toxic gas, results from burning synthetic materials.
• Combustible gases, including methane, propane and hydrogen, are routinely the cause of cooking and house fires and may cause an explosion.
• Benzene, which may be released into the air if the home or business has a gas stove.
• Hydrogen sulfide, a flammable, potentially explosive gas associated with oil and gas extraction.

Types of Gas Detection Equipment for Firefighters

To identify and react to these concerns, firefighters typically deploy one or more of the following:

• Single-gas detectors, which help identify the presence of carbon monoxide.
• Dual- and multi-gas detectors, which help determine if the toxic twins are present, as well as other potentially flammable and combustible gases and vapors.

What About Gas Leak Detectors?

For households and workplaces, gas leak detectors - also called natural gas detectors - monitor the air for the presence of specific gaseous substances. If they identify traces of a hazardous gas - for example, from a leaking propane tank - the device sounds an alarm.

As fixed or portable devices, gas leak detectors:

• Safeguard your safety when you store or transport gases.
• Allow workers and family members to get to safety.
• Alert those in the area to a substance that could quickly cause a fire or explosion and let them take the necessary disaster-prevention steps.
• Help lower insurance costs, as installing a natural gas detector reflects your commitment to your workplace's and community's safety.
• Help mitigate the effects of a gas leak, from lives lost and property damage to extensive repair costs.

Due to these benefits, it's advised that you install a natural gas detector in any room where you store or use gas or a gas appliance.

Shop Gas Detectors at Fire Safety USA

Keep your team safe while accurately knowing how to respond at the scene with gas detection equipment from Honeywell and FireCraft Safety. Browse detectors and calibration equipment now at Fire Safety USA before placing an order online, through our call center or via our direct fax line.