Altair MSA 4x Multi gas detector

Question 1

The Altair is used to assess potential exposure to what?

Answer 1

1. Combustible gases and vapours known as LEL’s (0 to 5% methane LEL 0 to 100%) - COMB/EX
2. Oxygen deficient OR oxygen rich atmospheres (0 to 30% O2)
3. Hydrogen Sulphide H2S (0 to 200ppm)
4. Carbon Monoxide CO (0 to 1999ppm)

Question 2

Name at least 5 examples where the Altair could be utilised at an incident.

Answer 2

1. Confined space entry and/or rescue
2. Chemical suicides detecting H2S, He (O2 levels)
3. Clandestine drug labs (flammable vapours)
4. HAZMAT Incidents
5. Acetylene, LPG, natural gas
6. Bushfire risk assessments (CO level awareness, low O2 environments)
7. Gas discharge type fire suppression systems

Question 3

True or False; The Altair should only be started in fresh air.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Bump testing the Altair should be done;
a) Once per day at 0800
b) Three times per day at 0800, 1200 and 1800
c) Twice per day at 0800 and 1800

Answer 4

a) Once per day at 0800

Question 5

Altair alarm thresholds for LEL is set to what?

Answer 5

Low alarm 5%, High alarm 10%

Question 6

Altair alarm thresholds for O2 is set to what?

Answer 6

Low alarm 19.5%, High alarm 23%

Question 7

Altair alarm thresholds for CO is set to what?

Answer 7

Low alarm 25ppm (STEL 100ppm), High alarm 100ppm (TWA 25ppm)

Question 8

Altair alarm thresholds for H2S is set to what?

Answer 8

Low alarm 10ppm (STEL 15ppm), High alarm 15ppm (TWA 10ppm)

Question 9

True or False; the Altair is Intrinsically safe and can be utilised in flammable environments.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

True or False; a fresh air setup (FAS) should be conducted everyday.

Answer 10

False. A FAS should only be conducted if the device sensors have been saturated with gases and/or vapours. Also, it should only be conducted in a known fresh air environment.