Rank: Forum user 
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Simple question folks.
When we do confined space training we are also trained to use the gas detector. A point was raised that this training becomes specific to that model & type of gas detector. The implication being that if you were to change detector to a similar, but different, type/model then your training is invalid. Much like how MEWP training is specific to the type you have been trained on, but you get my point.
So, opinions/comments/knowledge required please. Any confined space trainers out there that can clarify.
Thanks
Mick
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Rank: Super forum user
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My personal opinion is as follows:
If the gas detector is part of the safe system of work, you must know how to use it, how to interpret the results, and how to check that it is working correctly. It must also be an approriate detector for the activity.
However, if you get a different model I do not think it invalidates the training in its entirety. It only invalidates that tiny part, and I think that suitable training on the new detector can re-validate it.
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks for the reply Jane, but what constitutes "suitable training" is the key here.
During the training the instructor will tell you all you need to know regarding the gas detector. I've been through the training twice and I've never left with the impression that unless that exact type of detector is used then I cannot carry out the task.
By way of comparison then; I'm issued a drivers lisence because I've apssed my test, but I'm not limited to the make/model I was driving at the time. Also, when I go abroad I'm not required to retrain if I hire a left-hand-drive.
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Rank: Forum user
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Mick,
I think the anology of the driving test and your ability to then drive any road legal car no matter what make / model is apt.
My take on it would be that any focus on a particular brand of gas monitor during CS training would be to indicate the basic operating methodology of a suitable detector irrespective of the make / model.
The fact that through your CS training you are deeming people competent enough to work in confined spaces then it is surely inferred that part of this competency is knowing how to select and operate a suitable gas monitor - irrespective of brand.
Additionally a large part of being a competent person is knowing the limits of your competency so if a suitabbly trainined (competent) idual does not know how to use a particular type of gas monitor then he shouldn't be going anywhere near a CS with it.
Maybe there are really complicated things on the market beyond my ken but generally should be simple enough - ensure currently calibrated, switch monitor on, make sure it is charged, run through any "self calibration" function specific to model and if it starts going mental when you are in the CS probably best to make a sharp exit.
Cheers,
Davie
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Rank: Super forum user
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It would take five mins to brief workers on the operation of a new / different GDU, therefore what's the problem?
This is afterall a piece of work equipment designed to protect life. They vary in detection, calibration, battery life, etc. and of course operation. Five mins to make sure each person fully understands the functionality, and expectations of the GDU is time well spent if you ask me!
Simon
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi Mick
In my experience, Gas Tester training is fairly generic at training providers and all delegates are told to familiarise themselves with manufactureres guidelines for use of different models of equipment in use at their own places of work. The training focusses more on where, how and what to test for in various typres of confined space, as well as looking into the properties of various gases that could be encountered. Once you got the basics, the particulars of operating one type of machine versus another should be relatively simple. Hope this helps
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Rank: Super forum user
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I only found this by chance - the Careers Forum is not where I would expect this!
I fully support nickygee and others with the same approach on this.
Because there are so many differing makes and types of detector, the only way forward is to ensure that the usage [detection of airborne hazardous substances] is not integral to the detector functions [how it detects whatever it's programmed to detect] except where truly unavoidable.
New detecter = new training on how that detector works.
Frank Hallett
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