Maintworld Magazine 4/2023

HSE
The focus
on ESG compliance
is not going away
any time soon.
must be balanced against the fact that
they rely on individuals using them correctly
at the required time, risking introducing
human error into the process.
Another avenue for gas detection
is presented by laser absorption spectroscopy.
Offering high sensitivity, reliability,
and fast response times, laserbased
sensing is becoming increasingly
popular for gas detection and analysis
applications.
This popularity is due to the unique
properties of infrared (IR) light for gas
detection applications. IR wavelengths
are particularly well suited for gas detection
and analysis due to how they
interact with gas samples. Different
gases have different absorption profiles,
meaning that they absorb wavelengths
of light in varying amounts.
This information can be used to create
a unique chemical fingerprint
enabling gases to be identified. Many
gases are particularly absorbent to IR
wavelengths, making it easy to create
detection devices that can identify gas
with a sensitivity that extends to parts
per billion.
In laser absorption spectroscopy,
an IR laser beam is passed through gas
samples before reaching a sensor that
converts the light into electrical signals.
Monitoring the changes between the
laser beam and the light that reaches the
sensor can help to demonstrate the presence
of a particular gas. These systems
are also capable of continually monitoring
for combustible gases and vapours
within the lower explosive limit and provide
alarm indications where necessary.
Investing in systems like these can
provide the pillar that a solid ESG
strategy is built around. By enabling
companies to quickly and accurately
determine where leaks are occurring,
preventative action can be taken that
reduces the risk to staff and the environment
alike.
FOCUS FOR THE FUTURE
The focus on ESG compliance is not
going away any time soon. To remain
competitive, companies must actively
demonstrate their commitment to
wellbeing and the environment, by taking
action to reduce their impact on
the planet and protecting their people.
These ESG programmes must be authentic
and achievable, reflecting companies'
own market positions, and be
supported with a workplace culture that
ensures safety is treated as a priority.
Training and education are essential
in ensuring workers can identify
potential hazards and begin the process
of addressing them. Staff must be
coached and supported by a management
team that genuinely cares about
safety and is committed to ensuring
gas detection data is collected and
acted upon. Crucially, these cultures
must be supported by state-of-the-art
gas detection systems that make data
accessible and enable appropriate precautionary
actions. With a combined
approach to air quality such as this, it
is easier than ever to get on the path to
delivering excellence in ESG.
20 maintworld 4/2023