GAS

TESTING
VERSION 2.1

January 15, 2015

 INTRODUCTION TO GAS TESTING

The following abbreviations are used:

AGT-Authorized Gas Tester.

CH4-Methane (a flammable hydrocarbon gas).

H2S-Hydrogen Sulphide (a toxic gas).

LEL-Lower Explosive Limit.

UEL-Upper Explosive Limit.

ppm-Parts per million.

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 INTRODUCTION TO GAS TESTING

1 An AGT must:

 Be aware of (and demonstrate knowledge

of) the Permit to Work Procedure
requirements relating to Gas testing.

2. An AGT must:
 Have successfully completed the
Authorized Gas Tester Training Course.

3. An AGT must:

 Be able to demonstrate the ability to survey

potentially hazardous areas using the detection
equipment available and be familiar with plant and
limitation of Gas Test equipment.

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INTRODUCTION TO GAS TESTING

The following definitions are used in this

course.

 Gas- any substance of very low density and viscosity.

 Vapor - mist or fumes suspended in air.

 Liquid- any flowing substance with little tendency to disperse.

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 Gas testing is involved with the following
activities:

 Hot work of any type where heat is used or

generated, e.g. by welding, flame cutting,
grinding, etc.
 Work which may generate sparks or
other sources of ignition.

 Work which may cause an

uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons,
other flammable or toxic materials.

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Gas testing is involved with the following activities:

 Entry into confined spaces.

 Gas alarm investigation

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Gas testing is involved with the following activities:

 Electrical instrumentation work which may cause sparks.

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COMBUSTIBLE GASES

Explosive Limits

All combustible gases and vapors are characterized by

explosive limits between which the gas or vapors
mixed with air is capable of sustaining the spread of
flame.

The lower explosive limit ( LEL ) refers to the lowest

concentration of a gas in the atmosphere which results
in a combustible mixture. For example, the LEL of
Methane in Air is 5% by volume, this means that if
there is less than 5% by volume of Methane in air the
mixture is too lean to support combustion. Therefore,
when Methane Gas Test equipment indicates 100%
LEL, there is 5% by volume of Methane in the test
atmosphere.

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20
Upper Explosive Limit
Too Rich

15
Explosive
% Methane (CH4) IN Air
Envelope
(Explosive Range)
5
Lower Explosive Limit
Too Lean
0

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The Upper Explosive Limit ( UEL ) refers to the highest concentration of a gas
in the atmosphere which results in a combustible mixture. For example, the
UEL of Methane in air is 15% by volume, which means that if there is more
than 15% of Methane in the air by volume the mixture is too rich to support
combustion.

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This would typically occur in a confined area
such as a tank where the Methane could not
disperse through the air; in this case the danger
would not be combustion but asphyxiation due
to insufficient Oxygen.

From the above it can be seen that

concentrations of Methane in air between 5%
and 15% are combustible. The LEL and UEL of
other gases are shown later, ( the most common
constituents of hydrocarbon gases are
highlighted).

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For most practical Gas Testing purposes it is the LEL which is significant. The AGT is
responsible for recording the percentage of LEL for the specific flammable gas being
tested on a permit.

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Important: REMEMBER!

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TOXIC GASES

 Principal Characteristics of H2S

 Long-term exposure limit.( TLV )
 (for 8 hour period) of 10 ppm.
 Short-term exposure limit.
 15 ppm.

Hydrogen Sulphide gas is referred to by a variety of names:

 Sour gas
 Rotten egg gas
 Sulphurated Hydrogen
 H2S

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TOXIC GASES

 Main Characteristics of H2S:

 Potentially lethal.
 Colorless.
 Heavier than air.
 Readily dispersed by wind or air currents.
 Flammable - burns with a blue flame.
 Odor of rotten eggs (below concentration of 100 ppm).
 Highly corrosive to certain materials (e.g. steel).

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Effect of H2S on Personnel

 The way in which H2S affects you depends on the following:

 Duration: the length of time the individual is exposed.

 Frequency: how often the individual has been exposed.

 Intensity: the concentration of exposure.

 Susceptibility: the individual’s physiological make-up.

 Frequency: how often the individual has been exposed.

 Intensity: the concentration of exposure.

 Susceptibility: the individual’s physiological make-up.

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TOXICITY TABLE:

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TOXICITY TABLE:

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Thank
You
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