GMI First Responder Instruction Manual

First Responder
User Handbook

FIRST RESPONDER - USER HANDBOOK
Issue 2
31/10/06
Part Number: 42211
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Copyright © Gas Measurement Instruments Ltd 2001

i
COPYRIGHT
This User Handbook is copyright of Gas Measurement Instruments Ltd (GMI) and
the information contained within is for use only with the irst Responder instruments.
Reproduction, in whole or in part, including utilisation in machines capable of
reproduction or retrieval without written permission of Gas Measurement Instruments
Ltd is prohibited. Reverse engineering is not permitted.
LIABILITY
Every care has been taken in the preparation of this document, but GMI Ltd do not
accept any responsibility for errors or omissions and their consequences. Information
in this document is subject to change without notice. This document does not constitute
a specification or basis for a contract. Your statutory rights under law are not affected.
MODIFICATION NOTICES
GMI aim to notify customers of relevant changes in the product operation and maintain
this manual up to date. In view of the policy of continuous product improvement there
may be operational differences between the latest product and this manual.
This Handbook is an important part of the irst Responder product. Please note the
following points:
 It should be kept with the instrument for the life of the product.
 Amendments should be attached.
 This Handbook should be passed on to any subsequent owner/user of the
instrument.
 Although every care is taken in the preparation of this Handbook it does not
constitute a specification for the instrument.
SOFTWARE
Software supplied on EPROM or similar device for use in a particular product, may
only be used in that product and may not be copied without the written permission of
Gas Measurement Instruments Ltd. Reproduction or disassembly of such embodied
programmes or algorithms is prohibited. Ownership of such software is not
transferable and GMI Ltd does not warrant that the operation of the software will be
error free or that the software will meet the customers requirements.
DISPOSAL ADVICE
When no longer in use, dispose of the instrument carefully and with respect for the
environment. GMI will dispose of the instrument without charge if returned to the
factory.

FIRST RESPONDER - USER HANDBOOK
ii
SAFETY
 The instrument must be regularly serviced and calibrated by fully trained
personnel in a safe area.
Batteries: Alkaline batteries or *Rechargeable battery pack must be exchanged
(*and recharged) in a safe area and fitted correctly before use. Never use
damaged batteries or expose to extreme heat.
See Section 5: OPERATOR MAINTENANCE.
 Only GMI replacement parts should be used.
 If the instrument detects gas, follow your own organisations procedures and
operational guidelines.
 The combustion chamber is a flameproof assembly and must not be opened in
the presence of a flammable atmosphere.
 irst Responder instruments are certified as EEx iad IIB T3
(-20oC < Tamb < 50oC). BAS03ATEX2448X II 2 G.
UL Class 1 Groups C and D.
 Use only Semiconductor Sensor ( lexi) Probe or Semiconductor Survey
(Bellows) Probe with Certificate No. Sira ATEX2448X
 This equipment is designed and manufactured to protect against other hazards
as defined in paragraph 1.2.7 of Annex II of the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC
Any right of claim relating to product liability or consequential damage to any third party
against GMI is removed if the warnings are not observed.
AREAS OF USE
Exposure to certain chemicals can result in a loss of sensitivity of the flammable sensor.
Where such environments are known or suspected it is recommended that more frequent
response checks are carried out. The chemical compounds that can cause loss of sensitivity
include Silicones, Lead, Halogens and Sulphur. Do not use instrument in potentially
hazardous atmospheres containing greater than 21% Oxygen. The enclosure material is
polypropylene and must not be exposed to environments which are liable to result in
mechanical or thermal degradation or to damage caused by contact with aggressive
substances. Additional protection may be required in environments where the instrument
enclosure is liable to damage.
STORAGE HANDLING AND TRANSIT
The batteries in the rechargeable pack contain considerable energy and care should be
taken in their handling and disposal. Battery packs should be removed if the instrument is
stored for longer than 3 months. The instrument is designed to handle harsh environments.
The sensing elements are sealed to IP54 and the rest of the instrument to IP64. If not
subject to misuse or malicious damage, the instrument will provide many years of reliable
service. The instrument contains electrochemical sensors with a life of 2 years. Under
conditions of prolonged storage the sensors should be removed. The sensor contains
potentially corrosive liquid and care should be taken when handling or disposing of the
sensor, particularly when a leak is suspected.

iii
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

FIRST RESPONDER - USER HANDBOOK
iv

v
REVISION RECORD
Date Pages Description Of Change
Issue 1 All New Handbook
18/04/02
Issue 2 All To include Declaration of
31/10/0 Conformity and the effect
of CR 2302, CR 2319 and
CR 4042

FIRST RESPONDER - USER HANDBOOK
vi

vii
CONTENTS
COPYRIGHT ................................................................... i
LIABILITY ....................................................................... i
MODIFICATION NOTICES ................................................ i
SOFTWARE ................................................................... i
DISPOSAL ADVICE ........................................................ i
SAFETY ......................................................................... ii
AREAS OF USE ............................................................. ii
STORAGE, HANDLING AND TRANSIT .......................... ii
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ................. iii
REVISION RECORD ....................................... v
INTRODUCTION .......................................... 1-1
GENERAL INFORMATION .......................... 2-1
Ranges of Operation ................................................. 2-1
EXT Range (External Semiconductor Sensor),
0  10,000 ppm Flammable ..................................... 2-1
ppm Flammable, 0  1000 ppm ................................ 2-3
LEL, 0 to 100% ........................................................ 2-4

FIRST RESPONDER - USER HANDBOOK
viii
Volume Gas, 0 to 100 % ......................................... 2-5
Carbon Monoxide, 0  1000 ppm ............................ 2-5
Alarms ........................................................................ 2-
LEL and CO Ranges ................................................ 2-
Alarm Functions ...................................................... 2-
PPM Flammable and EXT Range Geiger .................. 2-7
Datalogging ................................................................ 2-7
Automatic Datalogging ............................................ 2-7
Manual Datalogging ................................................. 2-8
Construction .............................................................. 2-8
Batteries ..................................................................... 2-9
Alkaline (LR20) Batteries ........................................ 2-9
Rechargeable Battery Pack .................................... 2-9
Filters ....................................................................... 2-10
Probe Handle Assembly - Part No. 12481 ............ 2-10
Semiconductor Sensor Flexi Probe Assembly - Part
No. 42200 .............................................................. 2-10
Semiconductor Survey Bellows Probe Assembly -
Part No. 42444 ...................................................... 2-10
Probe Handle Assembly - Part No. 135 1 ............ 2-11
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) ................................... 2-11
Before Use Checks ................................................. 2-11

ix
CONTENTS
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ..................... 3-1
Instrument Features .................................................. 3-1
Switch Panel .............................................................. 3-2
Connectionof Probe .................................................. 3-3
Measure Operation .................................................... 3-5
Switching On .......................................................... 3-5
Calibration Date Features (Option) ......................... 3-
Switching Off the Instrument Pump ........................ 3-7
Switching Off .......................................................... 3-7
Changing Range ...................................................... 3-7
Datalogging (Default) .............................................. 3-8
ClearingAlarms ....................................................... 3-8
Activate the Audible Geiger Indication
(EXT or PPM Flammable Range) ............................. 3-8
Zeroing the PPM Flammable or EXT Range ............ 3-9
Adjust Threshold Value in EXT Range .................... 3-9
BarholeProbing Counter ....................................... 3-10
Notes on Measure Operation: ............................... 3-11
Summary of Switch Operation ............................. 3-11
Operator Messages / Fault Flags ......................... 3-12

FIRST RESPONDER - USER HANDBOOK
x
PROBES .................................................... 4-1
Standard Probe and Handle Assembly ................... 4-1
SemiconductorSensor(EXT) Probe ...................... 4-2
Semiconductor(EXT) Survey Probe ...................... 4-3
Swan Neck Probe / Bellows Probe ........................ 4-4
OPERATOR MAINTENANCE ...................... 5-1
Rechargeable Battery Pack ....................................... 5-1
Standard Charger .................................................... 5-1
Smart Charger ......................................................... 5-2
Replacing the Battery Pack ..................................... 5-2
Recharging the Battery Pack .................................. 5-4
Replacing Alkaline (LR20) Batteries .......................... 5-4
Filter Replacement ..................................................... 5-
Probe Handle Assembly - Part No. 12481 .............. 5-
Probe Handle Assembly - Part No. 135 1 .............. 5-8
Semiconductor Survey Bellows Probe Assembly -
Part No. 42444 ...................................................... 5-11
Flue Probe Coalescing Filter Assembly - Part No.
42215 .................................................................... 5-14
Semiconductor Sensor (Flexi) Probe Assembly - Part
No. 42200 .............................................................. 5-15

xi
CONTENTS
CALIBRATION ............................................. 6-1
Calibration Validity ...................................................... -2
ACCESSORIES .......................................... 7-1
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ....................... -1
Training ...................................................................... 8-1
World Wide Web ........................................................ 8-1
TYPICAL OPERATING PARAMETERS ....... A-1
Size ........................................................................ A-2
Weight .................................................................... A-2
Operating Temperature .......................................... A-2
Humidity .................................................................. A-2
Construction ........................................................... A-2
Display .................................................................... A-2
Sampling System .................................................... A-2
Power Source ........................................................ A-3

FIRST RESPONDER - USER HANDBOOK
xii
FIELD CALIBRATION .................................. B-1
Selectable Ranges in FCM ........................................ B-2
Entering FCM ............................................................. B-3
Zeroing the Instrument ............................................. B-4
Field Calibration Procedure ....................................... B-5
Quitting FCM .............................................................. B-8
Quit and Save Changes ......................................... B-8
Quit Without Saving Changes ................................ B-9
APPLICATIONS .......................................... C-1
Small Plastic(Solid End) Probe .............................. C-1
SemiconductorSensor(Flexi) Probe .................... C-3
SemiconductorSurvey(Bellows) Probe .............. C-
Bellows Probe ........................................................ C-8
SwanNeck Probe .................................................. C-9
StainlessSteel(Flue) Probe .................................. C-11
INDEX ............................................................. I

1-1
1
INTRODUCTION
The First Responder is a combination instrument for first
call and emergency response technicians in the gas utilities
industry.
Fig. 1-1 First Responder
The instrument is a highly flexible, four button portable
gas detector which is designed to provide measurement
of Lower Explosive Level (LEL) and Volume flammable
gas for leak detection and general safety monitoring. The
First Responder also features a Parts Per Million (PPM)

FIRST RESPONDER - USER HANDBOOK
1-2
flammable range to increase sensitivity to smaller leaks
and a Carbon Monoxide (CO) range for internal
atmosphere monitoring where odour call response is
required.
This instrument has the added advantage of providing the
option of two external (EXT) range diffusion probes. The
first is a Semiconductor Sensor Flexi Probe, which
features a high speed sensor to enable rapid response in
detecting small fitting leaks. The second is a Semiconductor
Survey Bellows Probe which features the same high
speed sensor but has the added advantage of providing
an almost instantaneous response by pumping the sample
past the sensor thus eliminating any delay in diffusion.
These high speed response and sensitivity Semiconductor
Sensor Probes also enable initial external leakage surveys
to be performed in the vicinity of property or pipelines
enabling distribution leaks to be quickly found. The
instrument monitors all gases continuously, providing all
round protection for users.
The First Responder is equipped with both audible and
visual alarms and Geiger indications on the EXT and PPM
flammable ranges.
The First Responder contains the following ranges:
 0 to 10,000 ppm flammable EXT Range (External
Semiconductor Sensor)
 0 to 1000 ppm Flammable
 0 to 100% LEL
 0 to 100% Volume gas
 0 to 1000 ppm Carbon Monoxide

1-3
The First Responder has a variety of user
configurable options. This handboo details the
default configuration, with possible options detailed
in italic text.
The First Responder instrument and both Semiconductor
Sensor Probes are listed by Underwriters Laboratories
, and are classified for use in Hazardous Locations
Class 1, Groups C and D.
The First Responder is supplied in a carrying case with a
selection of accessories. For a comprehensive list of
accessories supplied with the instrument, and additional
accessories available, see Section 7 ACCESSORIES.
The main features of the instrument are:
 Rugged polypropylene case, sealed to IP54 rating
and suitable for outdoor use.
 Four button operation allowing the user access to
all features.
 LCD with backlighting which displays the current
gas readings (in both digital and analogue forms)
together with operational and status information.
 Audible and visual alarms with alarm levels pre-
set.
 Manual and automatic datalogging.
 Directly interfaces with the GMI Auto Test Calibra-
tion Units.
INTRODUCTION

FIRST RESPONDER - USER HANDBOOK
1-4

2-1
2
GENERAL INFORMATION
Ranges of Operation
The instrument calibration gas is shown on the instrument
service label.
EXT Range (External Sem conductor Sensor),
0  10,000 ppm Flammable
This range displays flammable gas parts per million (ppm)
content up to 9999 ppm. When this range is selected, EXT
for external, is displayed in the top right corner of the
LCD.
The EXT range, by default, has the audible and visual
Geiger indication configured, that is, they will provide
assurance that the instrument is sensing for gas without
the need for the operator to constantly view the display.
When the instrument is switched on, the visual Geiger
indication is operational. To activate the audible Geiger
indication, press Switch Four ( ). Each single press
of Switch Four ( ) will toggle the audible Geiger
indication On and Off.
When the audible Geiger is activated, the display changes
between EXT and Aud, as shown in Figure 2-1.

FIRST RESPONDER - USER HANDBOOK
2-2
Fig. 2-1 EXTernal Range
The instrument is configured such that in the EXT range,
a threshold is enabled which will display a zero (0)
reading up to a pre-set level.
This allows small readings, which may not be due to the
gas we wish to find, or very small amounts of gas, to be
ignored if they fall below any pre-set action levels. This
allows the operator to react only to significant levels. The
factory set threshold level is ten (10) ppm.
When the EXT range is selected, you can view the
threshold value. To do this, press and hold Switch Two
(). The threshold value will alternate with the range
name as shown in Figure 2-2. Press and hold Switch
Two ( ) again, to return to current sample reading.
Fig. 2-2 EXTernal Range Threshold