Page 18 - OHS, February/March 2025

I H : G A S D E T E C T I O N
Emerging Trends in Industrial Gas Detection: 2025 and Beyond
Technology, regulations & increased focus on safety are transforming gas monitoring.
BY JOHN WAGLE
Driven by rapid technological advancements, increasingly strin-
Industrial gas detection is undergoing a transformative period.
gent regulations, and a heightened focus on safety and sustain-
ability, the industry is embracing innovations that are reshaping
the way gases are monitored and managed in industrial environ-
ments. In all change, there is risk, but by staying current with trends
and assessing the value of adopting new solutions, industrial hygiene
can ensure value is added while not chasing hype.
IoT and Industry 4.0
In recent years, the adoption of the Internet of Th ings (IoT) and
Industry 4.0 has introduced a new level of sophistication to indus-
trial operations. Gas detection systems, once standalone devices,
have become part of a connected safety system that facilities criti-
cal decision-making.
At the heart of this integration are connected monitors. Unlike
their traditional counterparts, advanced monitors can communi-
cate with other devices and soft ware monitoring systems, enabling
real-time data collection and sharing. Th is interconnectedness
provides several benefi ts for industrial hygienists:
Remote Monitoring: Safety managers can monitor gas levels
from virtually anywhere, reducing the need for constant on-site
presence while maintaining control over safety conditions.
Predictive Maintenance: By analyzing sensor data, potential
issues such as sensor drift or imminent failures can be predicted
and the off ending part replaced before failure.
Connected gas detectors integrated with live monitoring soft -
ware allow safety offi cers to access real-time data and receive alerts
directly to their devices. Th is feature enhances situational aware-
ness and ensures rapid response times in critical scenarios.
Cloud platforms have become indispensable in industrial gas
detection systems. By integrating gas detectors with cloud-based
systems, EHS teams gain access to centralized data analysis, re-
porting, and management tools. Th e ability to analyze data from
multiple sites simultaneously not only enhances responsiveness
but also supports long-term strategic planning. Trends in gas con-
centration can be identifi ed and the root cause addressed before
they pose serious risks, while equipment can be maintained in top
condition and problems addressed proactively. Also, cloud-based
connectivity supports collaboration across departments, with safe-
ty teams sharing data insights with all stakeholders.
Advancements in Technology
Th e progress in sensor and monitor technology is another key
driver of change, with developments aimed at improving the por-
tability, versatility, and accuracy of gas detection devices.
Portability has turned into a game-changer, with monitors now
more portable than ever before. Th eir compact size allows for de-
vices that are easier to carry and use in diverse industrial envi-
ronments, from confi ned spaces to remote locations. Portable gas
detectors ensure that safety protocols can be maintained without
hindering mobility or effi ciency – a critical factor for industrial
hygienists who oversee dynamic and complex industrial settings.
For industries like oil and gas, where workers frequently move
between sites, lightweight and portable devices are invaluable.
Th ey enable quick deployment in emergency situations and sup-
port routine safety checks without disrupting workfl ows. Portable
units with docking stations also streamline calibration and mainte-
nance, ensuring that devices are always ready for use.
Additionally, many modern devices can monitor for multiple
gases simultaneously, providing a more holistic approach to safety.
Th is capability is particularly valuable in industries where exposure
to various hazardous gases is a concern, such as chemical manu-
facturing or oil and gas extraction. Th e industry as a whole is also
seeing a shift away from single-gas detectors to four-gas solutions.
Th ese devices also feature customizable alarms that alert work-
ers to specifi c gas levels. Th is specifi city reduces the risk of alarm
fatigue – a common issue in industrial settings – and ensures that
critical warnings taken seriously, immediately. Some systems also
off er integrated pump options for confi ned space monitoring, fur-
ther expanding their usability.
Enhanced Safety and Compliance
Safety and regulatory compliance have always been central to in-
dustrial gas detection. Stricter Regulations are serving as a catalyst
for innovation. Governments and regulatory bodies around the
world are tightening safety and environmental regulations. As a
result, many companies are investing in more sophisticated gas de-
tection systems to ensure compliance.
Regulations surrounding volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
and greenhouse gas emissions like methane are becoming increas-
ingly stringent. Th e industry as whole has seen a shift from single
gas detectors to more robust solutions such four gas detectors
which can additionally support a photo-ionization detector (PID).
PIDs can detect a wide range of hazards, including VOCs such as
benzene, toluene, and xylene while also meeting stricter personal
gas detection requirements.
When it comes to compliance monitoring, advanced gas detec-
tion and connected safety programs now off er compliance moni-
toring features that streamline the auditing process. Automated
data logging, for example, eliminates the risk of human error while
maintaining an accurate record of gas levels, which can be easily
accessed and shared with regulatory bodies,.
With the correct connected safety program established, safety
offi cers can easily generate compliance reports on-site in real-time.
Th is enhances transparency and ensures that audits are conducted ef-
fi ciently, with minimal disruption to daily operations.
John Wagle is a numerical modeler specializing in hazardous gas
dispersion, explosion, and fi re modeling at Industrial Scientifi c. He
works with major operators and HazMat/fi rst responder teams.
16 Occupational Health & Safety | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2025 www.ohsonline.com