Dräger Safety is Your Best Choice for Specialized Detection and Protection
It’s dizzying just thinking about everything that ends up in a landfill, and sometimes literally dizzying when encountering the gases and vapors emitted from them. Methane and carbon dioxide are the most common, but there’s also the danger of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), a highly toxic gas that comes from rotting organic matter. Then there are paints, fuels, oils, solvents and other hydrocarbons that can be harmful in small amounts. And many of these can’t be detected by smell.
Enter Dräger-Tubes, the most popular gas measuring system in the world that can detect more than 500 hazardous gases or vapors. The tubes produce quick results and are easy to use. Their secret? The chemical reagents inside glass vials within the tubes that change color when gas is pumped into them (by a hand-operated Accuro pump included in the measuring system). A scale on the outside of the tube helps you measure the amount of a given gas or vapor: the larger the color stain in the vial, the more gas is present.
Measuring Landfill Gases
It’s big, it’s bad, and it’s ugly. Carbon dioxide is the Godzilla gas of landfills, with some 35 to 50 percent volume of it coming from decomposing organic material alone. In quantities this large, CO2 literally sucks all the oxygen out of the space, making breathing difficult.
Additionally, it’s toxic enough to cause dizziness, impaired judgment and sometimes unconsciousness. And that’s not the only bad actor: Methane (CH4) can also arise from decomposing organic matter, in volumes as high as 55 to 56 percent in a low-oxygen setting. Additionally, you might encounter hydrogen sulfide. Each of these gases can affect monitors in different ways. How to protect yourself?
Answer: the Dräger X-am 7000 Monitor It’s dust-proof, waterproof, comes with a protective rubber boot, an internal pump that measures up to 150 feet away (and great for deep, dark holes), and an NiMH battery pack that will last for 10 or more hours. Most important, the X-am 7000is versatile, because it can be equipped with different sensors that monitor different gases.
Dräger Gas Measurement Technology (Click to Enlarge)
- The Infrared (IR) sensor for carbon dioxide: It can measure up to 0-5.0 percent volume and/or 0-100 percent volume of CO2 allowing it to measure in both the toxicity range and higher levels in the landfill.
- IR for Methane gases: The IR for methane is particularly useful, because unlike many gas monitors, it doesn’t need oxygen to measure the methane, and it doesn’t lose sensitivity if hydrogen sulfide is present. This IR can measure up to 0–100 percent LEL and 0–100 percent volume of methane.
- Photo Ionization Detector (PID): This, too, can be used with the X-am 7000, for detecting toxic amounts of fuels, solvents, paints and other substances that can make their way into a landfill. All the measurements from the X-am 7000 are recorded on an internal datalogger.
SCBA
Low oxygen, high carbon dioxide. Landfills require maximum respiratory protection, and the Dräger ProAir Evolution SCBA is the gear you need. It’s ergonomic and lightweight, comes with a carbon fiber backplate and adjustable straps that allow you to move about freely and comfortably. It works well with the Panorama Nova mask, constructed to conform to all face sizes and takes compressed air cylinders that last from 30, 45 and 60 minutes. And breathe easy knowing that the ProAir Evolution is NIOSH-certified and comes equipped with a high-performance pneumatic system—the same one used in Dräger’s fire fighting unit—and backed with a lifetime warranty.
Dräger ProAir Evolution
X-ceptional Respirators
Dräger has taken respiratory facemasks to a new level with the Dräger X-plore series. The X-strap design fits securely yet comfortably over your face and comes in three sizes (S, M, L). A flexible nose seal accommodates any face shape. You have your choice of limited use masks (the X-plore 3300) or half-maks (the X-plore 3500). For the ultimate protection, choose the X-plore 5500. Whatever your needs, Draeger’s line of NIOSH-approved cartridges and filters, with their two-point bayonet connector, will protect you on the job.
Dräger X-Plore 5500
