Four gas Monitors

[Smurph]

We are looking to buy an MSA Passport FiveStar - Multigas monitor... We plan on having the LEL, Oxygen, CO and H2S sensors. That leaves one slot open if we want to add an additional sensor.

Any comments good or bad about the fivestar???

Also, how often do you calibrate your gas monitor???

Thanks
Steve Murphy
Salem Fire District
Salem ILL

[Aerial 131]

Add Cl to the package. This will give you all around coverage.

Add maintenance package to the bid or purchase. At least for 1-2 years.

Add training to all personnel by the seller, not to be done by you but by them. Consider price, it may be better for several of you to get trained then teach everyone else.

Does this unit run all the time when the batteries are in the system. We use GT 2400s and when the batteries are in there is a small drain to the system. (we keep the batteries out and put in when we want to use the unit.

Do all calibration according to the manufactures requirements, legal issues should you not do this.

Have fun and be careful.

Zimm

[kbevan]

We have 7 monitors currently in service 4 of them MSA Passports, 2 Aims and 1 PID from Rea.

We are currently changing all monitors to Dreager. Look at their Multiwarn, CMS and PAC III. Their applications are fantastic and bullet proof.

At all possible stay away from CL sensors unless you want to purchase a CL generator or spend all your cash on gas. They are maintenance hogs and the sensors have a very short life if not kept saturated with CL. A simple dreager tube will do for this application and is a great deal less money every way you look at it.

The dreager system will cover all of our current and future needs including all sensors for our increased drug lab work.

Need anything let us know.

[hazmatdane]

you should calibrate any instrument just prior to using it in the field under the same conditions that it will be used. Humidity and temperature does effect the instrument as well as altitude so always calibrate before each use in the field. As far as shelf calibration once a month should be sufficient to let you know it is ok to use.

What sensor you put in is simple you need to look at your call history and determine what you needed the most in the past and what area are you in and what is the most likely chemical you will encounter and if you have other instruments that can detect certain chemicals why get one you already have? Get what is going to best suite your department not someone elses you know your area and what is in it so go from there

[Petie]

Steve,
The MSA product line is good and reliable in my experience and they have good product support, both in technical info and repairs. For your fifth sensor beware of shelf life of sensors. An example is the NH3 sensor is very short lived.
We re-calibrate once per month and this is done by one qualified and MSA certified person. This way we maintain quality and safety. Also, we bump test before every use of our instruments. This means that we run a sample gas over the sensors of the instrument that will alarm all sensors. This assures the instrument is working and it is recommendation of MSA. Good luck!
Dave in Cheddarland