Gas detection gives remote visibility into ammonia (NH3) leak incident.
The Challenge
Ammonia leak danger escalates
When hazmat personnel arrived on the scene of an ammonia leak at a cold storage facility one night, they were ready for anything. One responder wore a G7 personal multi-gas detector and the team also had a G7 EXO area monitor at the ready.
They immediately set up the G7 EXO downwind of the facility to determine the hazard level outside. At 21:08, the device detected high levels of ammonia (NH3), alerting the team of a potentially volatile situation. A high-alarm notification was sent to the fire chief, who was off duty many miles away.
High-gas alarms for both ammonia and H2S
The danger escalated as high-gas alarms for both ammonia and H2S started coming in
The danger escalated as high-gas alarms for both ammonia and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) started coming in. The chief was able to monitor the situation remotely from his smartphone. With instant access to real-time data from the scene, he could follow and manage the response as it unfolded.
By 21:42, after 18 high-gas exposures were reported, the call was resolved and firefighters were off to their next emergency – a structure fire.
G7 personal multi-gas detector
“With the connected gas detection tools supporting our hazmat team, I was confident we all had the critical information we needed to make decisions and target our response. I was able to monitor the entire situation as it happened remotely from my cell phone.” stated Fire Chief | Major US City.
The Solution
Hazmat team gets instant insight to aid response
Using the Blackline Safety gas detection and area monitoring technology they were trialing at the time, responders were able to monitor ammonia levels while they quickly responded to the leak.
Despite not being overly familiar with the equipment, they quickly deployed the devices and information went directly to the fire chief. The chief was able to remotely monitor and coordinate the response with confidence knowing he had real-time information to accurately assess the situation.
G7 devices detected 18 high-gas exposures
Firefighters never had access to this type of detailed information with their existing technology
During the incident, the G7 devices detected 18 high-gas exposures. These real-time gas readings gave responders full visibility into the escalating danger, so they were able to adjust their response with informed insight.
Firefighters never had access to this type of detailed information with their existing technology. Using the new tools, they saw firsthand how modern connected gas detection technology can help better protect themselves and others during a potentially dangerous situation.
The Results
Real-time gas readings reduce risk and protect responders
Using the Blackline Safety gas detection and area monitoring technology they were trialing at the time, responders were able to quickly reduce the danger from the ammonia leak.
Despite not being overly familiar with the equipment, they quickly deployed the devices and information went directly to the fire chief. The chief was able to remotely monitor and coordinate the response with confidence knowing he had real-time information to accurately assess the situation.
Real-time gas readings give responders full visibility
During the incident, the G7 devices detected 18 high-gas exposures. These real-time gas readings gave responders full visibility into the escalating danger, so they were able to adjust their response with informed insight.
Firefighters never had access to this type of detailed information with their existing technology. Using the new tools, they saw firsthand how modern connected gas detection technology can help better protect themselves and others during a potentially dangerous situation.
