MSA altair 5 User manual

Order No.: 10094177/00 Y-HLS
Operating Manual
ALTAIR 5 – Multi Gas Detector
ALTAIR 5IR – Multi Gas Detector

MSA AUER GmbH
D-12059 Berlin
Thiemannstrasse 1
Germany
© MSA AUER GmbH. All rights reserved

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MSA DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual 3
Declaration of Conformity
MANUFACTURED BY: Mine Safety Appliances Company
1000 Cranberry Woods Drive
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 USA
The manufacturer or the European Authorized Representative
MSA AUER GmbH, Thiemannstrasse 1, D-12059 Berlin
declares that the product: MSA ALTAIR 5
Complies with the provisions of the council directive 94/9/EC (ATEX).
This declaration is based on the EC-Type Examination Certificate
FTZU 08 ATEX 0340 X
in accordance with Annex III of the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC.
Quality Assurance Notification issued by Ineris of France, Notified Body number
0080, in accordance with Annex IV of the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC.
We additionally declare that this product is in conformance with the EMC Directive
2004 / 108/ EC in accordance with the standards
DIN EN 50270: 2007 Typ 2, DIN EN 61000 - 6 - 3 :2007
MSA AUER GmbH
Dr. Axel Schubert
R & D Instruments Berlin, April 2009

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DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY MSA
4ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual
Declaration of Conformity
MANUFACTURED BY: Mine Safety Appliances Company
1000 Cranberry Woods Drive
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 USA
The manufacturer or the European Authorized Representative
MSA AUER GmbH, Thiemannstrasse 1, D-12059 Berlin
declares that the product: MSA ALTAIR 5IR
Complies with the provisions of the council directive 94/9/EC (ATEX).
This declaration is based on the EC-Type Examination Certificate
FTZU 09 ATEX 0006 X
in accordance with Annex III of the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC.
Quality Assurance Notification issued by Ineris of France, Notified Body number
0080, in accordance with Annex IV of the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC.
We additionally declare that this product is in conformance with the EMC Directive
2004 / 108/ EC in accordance with the standards
DIN EN 50270: 2007 Typ 2, DIN EN 61000 - 6 - 3 :2007
MSA AUER GmbH
Dr. Axel Schubert
R & D Instruments Berlin, April 2009

GB
MSA CONTENTS
ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual 5
Contents
1. Instrument Safety ..................................................................................... 7
1.1. Correct Use ..................................................................................... 7
1.2. Liability Information ......................................................................... 8
1.3. Safety and Precautionary Measures to be Adopted ........................ 8
1.4. Warranty........................................................................................ 11
2. Description.............................................................................................. 12
2.1. Instrument Overview ..................................................................... 12
2.2. Device Hardware Interfaces .......................................................... 13
2.3. On-Screen Indicators .................................................................... 15
2.4. Viewing Optional Displays............................................................. 19
2.5. Sensor Missing Alarm ................................................................... 22
2.6. Monitoring Toxic Gases................................................................. 23
2.7. Monitoring the Oxygen Concentration ........................................... 24
2.8. Monitoring Combustible Gases ..................................................... 25
3. Operation................................................................................................. 26
3.1. Environmental Factors .................................................................. 26
3.2. Turning ON and Fresh Air Setup ................................................... 27
3.3. Measurement Mode (Normal Operation)....................................... 30
3.4. Instrument Setup ........................................................................... 31
3.5. Data Logging................................................................................. 39
3.6. Function Tests on the Instrument .................................................. 39
3.7. Safe LED....................................................................................... 40
3.8. Calibration Check .......................................................................... 40
3.9. Calibration ..................................................................................... 41
3.10. Instrument Shutdown .................................................................... 44

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CONTENTS MSA
6ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual
4. Maintenance............................................................................................ 45
4.1. Troubleshooting ............................................................................ 46
4.2. Verifying Pump Operation ............................................................. 47
4.3. Replacing the Battery.................................................................... 48
4.4. Live Maintenance Procedure - Replacing or Adding a Sensor ...... 49
4.5. Replacing the Filter (for instruments with integral pump) .............. 51
4.6. Cleaning the Instrument ................................................................ 51
4.7. Storage.......................................................................................... 51
4.8. Shipment ....................................................................................... 51
5. Technical Specifications/Certifications................................................ 52
5.1. Technical Specifications................................................................ 52
5.2. Factory-set Alarm thresholds ........................................................ 53
5.3. IR sensors ..................................................................................... 54
5.4. Certifications ................................................................................. 56
5.5. Performance Specification ............................................................ 57
6. Order Information................................................................................... 59
7. Appendix – Flow Charts......................................................................... 64
7.1. Start Up Sequence (Power ON) .................................................... 64
7.2. Normal Operation.......................................................................... 65
7.3. Options from Main Page................................................................ 66
7.4. Password Protected Options......................................................... 67
7.5. Menu Sequence from Main page .................................................. 68
7.6. Calibration Sequence.................................................................... 70
7.7. Calibration Options........................................................................ 71
7.8. Alarm Options ............................................................................... 72
7.9. Instrument Options........................................................................ 74

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MSA INSTRUMENT SAFETY
ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual 7
1. Instrument Safety
1.1. Correct Use
The ALTAIR 5 and ALTAIR 5 IR Multigas Detectors are for use by trained and
qualified personnel. They are designed to be used when performing a hazard
assessment to:
•Assess potential worker exposure to combustible and toxic gases and
vapours as well as low level of oxygen.
•Determine the appropriate gas and vapour monitoring needed for
a workplace.
The ALTAIR 5 and ALTAIR 5 IR Multigas Detectors can be equipped to detect:
•Combustible gases and certain combustible vapours
•Oxygen-deficient or oxygen-rich atmospheres
•Specific toxic gases for which a sensor is installed.
The ALTAIR 5 and ALTAIR 5 IR Multigas Detectors are designed to:
•Detect gases and vapours in air only
•Detect only specified toxic gases for which a sensor is installed (available
sensors see Chapter 6).
While the instrument can detect up to 25 % oxygen in ambient air, it is
approved for use only up to 21 % oxygen.
•Read and follow all instructions carefully.
•Perform a blocked flow test before each day's use if equipped with an integral
pump.
•Check calibration before each day's use and adjust if necessary.
•Check calibration more frequently if exposed to silicone, silicates, lead-
containing compounds, hydrogen sulphide, or high contaminant levels.
•Recheck calibration if unit is subjected to physical shock.
•Use only to detect gases/vapours for which a sensor is installed.
•Do not use to detect combustible dusts or mists.
•Make sure adequate oxygen is present.
•Do not block sensors.
•Never block the pump inlet except to perform a sampling safety test.
•Have a trained and qualified person interpret instrument readings.
•Do not remove battery pack from instrument while in a hazardous location.
•Do not recharge Li Ion battery in a combustible location.
•Do not replace alkaline batteries in a combustible location.
•Do not alter or modify instrument.
•Use only MSA-approved sampling lines.

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INSTRUMENT SAFETY MSA
8 ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual
•Do not use silicone tubing or sampling lines.
•Wait sufficient time for the reading; response times vary, based on gas and
length of sampling line.
•Do not use the instrument with integral pump for prolonged periods in an
atmosphere containing a concentration of fuel or solvent vapours that may be
greater than 10%LEL.
It is imperative that this operating manual be read and observed when using the
product. In particular, the safety instructions, as well as the information for the use
and operation of the product, must be carefully read and observed. Furthermore,
the national regulations applicable in the user's country must be taken into
account for a safe use.
Danger!
This product is supporting life and health. Inappropriate use,
maintenance or servicing may affect the function of the device and
thereby seriously compromise the user's life.
Before use the product operability must be verified. The product must
not be used if the function test is unsuccessful, it is damaged, a
competent servicing/maintenance has not been made, genuine MSA
spare parts have not been used.
Alternative use, or use outside this specification will be considered as non-
compliance. This also applies especially to unauthorised alterations to the product
and to commissioning work that has not been carried out by MSA or authorised
persons.
1.2. Liability Information
MSA accepts no liability in cases where the product has been used
inappropriately or not as intended. The selection and use of the product are the
exclusive responsibility of the individual operator.
Product liability claims, warranties also as guarantees made by MSA with respect
to the product are voided, if it is not used, serviced or maintained in accordance
with the instructions in this manual.
1.3. Safety and Precautionary Measures to be Adopted
Perform a blocked flow test (see chapter 4.2) before each day's use if equipped
with an integral pump.
MSA recommends to check the instrument's functionality (see chapter 3.6) and
carry out a routine inspection each day before use.
Perform calibration check (see chapter 3.8) before each day's use to verify proper
instrument operation. Adjust calibration if the readings are not within the specified
limits.

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MSA INSTRUMENT SAFETY
ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual 9
Check calibration more frequently if the unit is subjected to physical shock or high
levels of contaminants. Also, check calibration more frequently if the tested
atmosphere contains the following materials, which may desensitise the
combustible gas sensor and reduce its readings:
•Organic silicones
•Silicates
•Lead-containing compounds
•Hydrogen sulphide exposures over 200 ppm or exposures over 50 ppm
for one minute.
•The minimum concentration of a combustible gas in air that can ignite is
defined as the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL).
A combustible gas reading of "100” or "5.00” indicates the atmosphere is
above 100 % LEL or 5.00 %vol CH4, and an explosion hazard exists.
Move away from hazardous area immediately.
•Do not use the ALTAIR 5 Multigas Detector to test for combustible or toxic
gases in the following atmospheres as this may result in erroneous readings:
•Oxygen-deficient or oxygen-rich atmospheres
•Reducing atmospheres
•Furnace stacks
•Inert environments
•Atmospheres containing combustible airborne mists/dusts.
Measurement in the above atmospheres (except oxygen-rich
atmospheres) can be done with the infrared sensor in the ALTAIR 5 IR.
•Do not use the ALTAIR 5 and ALTAIR 5 IR Multigas Detectors to test for
combustible gases in atmospheres containing vapours from liquids with a high
flash point (above 38 °C, 100°F) as this may result in erroneously low
readings.
•Do not block sensor openings as this may cause inaccurate readings. Do not
press on the face of the sensors, as this may damage them and cause
erroneous readings. Do not use compressed air to clean the sensor holes, as
the pressure may damage the sensors.
•Allow sufficient time for unit to display accurate reading. Response times vary
based on the type of sensor being utilised (see chapter 5.5, "Performance
Specifications"). Additionally, when using a sample pump, allow a minimum of
1 second per foot (3 seconds per metre) of sample line to allow the sample to
be drawn through the sensors.
•Sampling lines made from 1.57 mm (0.062 inch) inner diameter tubing provide
fast transport times to the instrument; however, they must be limited to 15 m
(50 feet) in length.

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INSTRUMENT SAFETY MSA
10 ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual
•MSA does not recommend the use of sampling lines in monitoring for reactive
toxic gases (Cl2, ClO2, NH3).
•All instrument readings and information must be interpreted by someone
trained and qualified in interpreting instrument readings in relation to the
specific environment, industrial practice and exposure limitations.
Risk of explosion: Do not recharge instrument in hazardous area.
Do not replace batteries in hazardous area.
Observe proper battery maintenance
Use only battery chargers made available by MSA for use with this instrument;
other chargers may damage the battery pack and the unit. Dispose of in
accordance with local health and safety regulations.
Be aware of environmental conditions
A number of environmental factors may affect the oxygen sensor readings,
including changes in pressure, humidity and temperature.
Pressure and humidity changes affect the amount of oxygen actually present in
the atmosphere.
Be aware of the procedures for handling electrostatically sensitive
electronics
The instrument contains electrostatically sensitive components. Do not open or
repair the unit without using appropriate electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection.
The warranty does not cover damage caused by electrostatic discharges.
Be aware of the product regulations
Follow all relevant national regulations applicable in the country of use.
Be aware of the warranty regulations
The warranties made by Mine Safety Appliances Company with respect to the
product are voided if the product is not used and maintained in accordance with
the instructions in this manual. Please protect yourself and others by following
them. We encourage our customers to write or call regarding this equipment prior
to use or for any additional information relative to use or service.

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MSA INSTRUMENT SAFETY
ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual 11
1.4. Warranty
ITEM WARRANTY PERIOD
Chassis and electronics Two years*
COMB, O2, H2S, CO sensors Two years*
Cl2, ClO2, NH3, HCN, NO2, PH3, SO2sensors One year*
Infrared Sensor Two years*
*For extended warranty offerings please contact MSA
1.4.1 Warranty
This warranty does not cover filters, fuses, etc. Certain other accessories not
specifically listed here may have different warranty periods. This warranty is valid
only if the product is maintained and used in accordance with Seller's instructions
and/or recommendations.
The Seller shall be released from all obligations under this warranty in the event
repairs or modifications are made by persons other than its own or authorised
service personnel or if the warranty claim results from physical abuse or misuse
of the product. No agent, employee or representative of the Seller has any
authority to bind the Seller to any affirmation, representation or warranty
concerning this product. Seller makes no warranty concerning components or
accessories not manufactured by the Seller, but will pass on to the Purchaser all
warranties of manufacturers of such components.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED,
IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AND IS STRICTLY LIMITED TO THE TERMS
HEREOF. SELLER SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
1.4.2 Exclusive Remedy
It is expressly agreed that Purchaser's sole and exclusive remedy for breach of
the above warranty, for any tortious conduct of Seller, or for any other cause of
action, shall be the replacement at Seller's option, of any equipment or parts
thereof, which after examination by Seller is proven to be defective.
Replacement equipment and/or parts will be provided at no cost to Purchaser,
F.O.B. Seller's Plant. Failure of Seller to successfully replace any nonconforming
equipment or parts shall not cause the remedy established hereby to fail of its
essential purpose.
1.4.3 Exclusion of Consequential Damage
Purchaser specifically understands and agrees that under no circumstances will
seller be liable to purchaser for economic, special, incidental or consequential
damages or losses of any kind whatsoever, including but not limited to, loss of
anticipated profits and any other loss caused by reason of nonoperation of the
goods. This exclusion is applicable to claims for breach of warranty, tortious
conduct or any other cause of action against seller.

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DESCRIPTION MSA
12 ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual
2. Description
2.1. Instrument Overview
Figure 2-1 Instrument view
1 Alarm LEDs (2) 9 Button
2 Communication 10 Belt Clip
3 Sensor Inlets 11 Charging Connection
4 Pump Cap 12 Screws
5 Horn 13 Pump inlet
6 Display 14 Filter
7 Button 15 Pump cap screw
8 Button 16 Charge Status LED
12
13
12
12
12
10
11
16
3
1 1
4
5
6
7
8
9
15
2
14

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MSA DESCRIPTION
ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual 13
The instrument monitors gases in ambient air and in the workplace.
The ALTAIR 5 is available with a maximum of four sensors, which can display
readings for five separate gases (one Dual Toxic Sensor provides both CO and
H2S sensing capabilities in a single sensor).
The detector is available in a diffusion or pumped configuration. When using the
pump instrument, do not remove the pump cap (item 4 on figure 2-1).
The ALTAIR 5 IR is available with a maximum of five sensors, which can display
readings for six separate gases (one Dual Toxic Sensor provides both CO and
H2S sensing capabilities in a single sensor).
The ALTAIR 5 and ALTAIR 5 IR detectors are available with either a
monochrome or colour display.
While the instrument can detect up to 25 % oxygen in ambient air, it is approved
for use only up to 21 % oxygen.
The alarm levels for the individual gases are factory-set and can be changed
through the instrument Setup Menu. These changes can also be made through
MSA Link Software. Ensure that the latest version of the MSA Link software has
been downloaded from MSA’s website www.msanet.com.
2.2. Device Hardware Interfaces
Instrument operation is dialog driven from the display with the aid of the
three function buttons (see Figure 2-1).
2.2.1 Button Definitions
The ALTAIR 5 and ALTAIR 5 IR uses three buttons for user operation. Each
button can function as a "soft key", as defined immediately above the button.
Button Description
The button is used to turn instrument ON or OFF and to confirm user
action selections.
The Button is used to page down through data screens or to
decrease the values in Set-up mode.
Holding this button for 3 seconds while in Normal Measure Mode will
activate the InstantAlert alarm.
The button is used to reset peak, STEL TWA and alarms (where
possible) or perform calibration in measuring mode. It is also used as
page up or to increase the values in set-up mode.
When the button and the button are pressed simultaneously while in normal
measure mode, the Options Setup Mode displays.

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DESCRIPTION MSA
14 ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual
2.2.2 LED Definitions
LED Description
GREEN The Safe LED flashes once every 15 seconds to notify the user that
the instrument is ON and operating under the conditions defined in
chapter 3.7.
This option can be turned OFF through the MSA Link software.
RED The red LEDs are visual indications of an alarm condition or any
type of error in the instrument.
2.2.3 Vibrating Alarm
The instrument is equipped with a vibrating alarm.
2.2.4 Backlight
The backlight automatically activates when button is pressed. The backlight
remains ON for the duration of user-selected timeout. This ON/OFF duration can
be set through MSA Link software.
2.2.5 Horn
The horn provides an audible alarm.

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MSA DESCRIPTION
ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual 15
2.3. On-Screen Indicators
2.3.1 Monochrome Display
Figure 2-2 Monochrome Display
1 Gas Type 5 Battery Condition
2 Current Time 6 Motion Alert Icon ON
3 "Soft Key"
7 "Soft Key"
4 Gas Concentration
COMB
COMB - Gas Concentration Unit
O2
O2Sensor – Indicates the O2channel use.
CO
CO Sensor – Indicates the CO channel use.
H2S
H2S Sensor – Indicates the H2S channel use.
SO2
SO2Sensor – Indicates the fifth sensor channel if installed
PEAK
Indicatesthenameofnextpage–hereaPEAKreadin
g
mode
4
6
5
2
3
7

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DESCRIPTION MSA
16 ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual
2.3.2 Colour Display
COMB
CO
0
0
0.0
PPM
PPM
Vol%
0
PPM
Figure 2-3 Colour display
1 "Soft Key"
8
Vibration off
2 Numeric Indicator 9 Horn off
3 Gas Concentration Units 10 LED off
4 Current Time 11 Battery Condition
5 Motion Alert symbol ON 12 Gas Type
6 Wireless strength signal 13 "Soft Key"
7 Combustible Gas type
2.3.3 Battery Life Indicator
The battery condition icon continuously displays in the upper right-hand corner of
the colour display and in the lower right hand corner of the monochrome display.
A bar represents the charging level of the battery,
if the battery is discharged only the battery icon outline remains.
12
3
1
2
4 5 7 8 9 11
10
6
13

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MSA DESCRIPTION
ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual 17
Battery Warning
Warning!
If battery shutdown alarm activates, stop using the instrument as it no
longer has enough power to indicate potential hazards, and persons
relying on this product for their safety could sustain serious personal
injury or death.
  
 






 



COMB
CO
SO
2
Figure 2-4 Battery Warning
The nominal run-time of the instrument (COMB, O2, H2S, with pump and
monochrome display) at room temperature is 14 hours. Actual run-time will vary
depending on ambient temperature and alarm conditions.
A Low Battery Warning indicates that a nominal 30 minutes of operation remain
before the battery’s charge is depleted.
The duration of remaining instrument operation during a Low Battery Warning
depends on ambient temperatures, battery condition alarm status.
When the instrument goes into battery warning the:
•battery life indicator continuously blinks
•alarm sounds
•alarm LEDs flash
•display shows "LOW BATTERY"
•instrument continues to operate until it is turned OFF or battery shutdown
occurs.

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DESCRIPTION MSA
18 ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual
Battery Shut Down
Warning!
If battery shutdown alarm activates, stop using the instrument as it no
longer has enough power to indicate potential hazards, and persons
relying on this product for their safety could sustain serious personal
injury or death.
The instrument goes into battery shutdown mode 60 seconds before final
shutdown (when the batteries can no longer operate the instrument):
•"BATTERY ALARM” and battery life indicator flash on the display
•Alarm sounds and lights flash
•No other pages can be viewed; after approximately one minute, the
instrument automatically turns OFF.
BATTERY ALARM
Figure 2-5 Battery Shut Down
When battery shutdown condition occurs:
(1) Leave the area immediately.
(2) Recharge or replace the battery pack.
Battery Charging
Warning!
Risk of explosion: Do not recharge instrument in hazardous area.
Attention!
Use of any charger, other than the charger supplied with the
instrument, may damage or improperly charge the batteries.
•The charger is capable of charging a completely depleted pack in less than
six hours in normal, room-temperature environments.
Allow very hot or cold instruments to stabilise for one hour at room
temperature before attempting to charge.

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MSA DESCRIPTION
ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual 19
•Minimum and maximum ambient temperature to charge the instrument is
10°C/50°F and 35°C/95°F.
•For best results, charge the instrument at room temperature.
To Charge the Instrument
•Firmly insert the charger connector into the charge port on the back of the
instrument.
•An LED in the battery pack is used to indicate on the charge status.
Red = charging, Green = charged, Amber = fault
•If a problem is detected during charging (LED turns amber).
Disconnect the charger momentarily to reset the charge cycle.
2.3.4 Confirmation Beep
This confirmation beep activates every 30 seconds by momentarily beeping the
horn and flashing the alarm LEDs under the following conditions:
•Confirmation beep is enabled
•Instrument is on normal Measure Gases page
•Instrument is not in battery warning
•Instrument is not in gas alarm.
2.4. Viewing Optional Displays
The Main Screen appears at instrument turn-ON.
Optional displays can be viewed by pressing the
button to move to the screen
as indicated by the "soft key".
(For the monochromatic display the name of the page is displayed, for the colour
version it is represented by an icon.)
2.4.1 Peak Readings (PEAK page)
Monochromatic display Colour display
PEAK
This page shows the highest levels of gas recorded by the instrument since turn-
ON or since peak readings were reset.
To reset the peak readings:
(1) Access the PEAK page.
(2) Press the
button.
2.4.2 Minimum Readings (MIN page)
Monochromatic display Colour display
MIN
This page shows the lowest level of oxygen recorded by the instrument since
turn-ON or since the MIN reading was reset.

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DESCRIPTION MSA
20 ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual
To reset the MIN readings:
(1) Access the MIN page.
(2) Press the
button.
2.4.3 Short Term Exposure Limits (STEL page)
Warning!
If the STEL alarm activates, leave the contaminated area immediately;
the ambient gas concentration has reached the preset STEL alarm
level. Failure to follow this warning will cause over-exposure to toxic
gases and persons relying on this product for their safety could sustain
serious personal injury or death.
Monochrome display Colour display
STEL
This page shows the average exposure over a 15-minute period.
When the amount of gas detected by instrument is greater than the STEL limit:
•Alarm sounds, alarm lights flash.
•Alarm LEDs flash
•“STEL ALARM” message flashes.
To reset the STEL:
(1) Access the STEL page.
(2) Press the
button.
The STEL alarm is calculated over a 15-minute exposure.
STEL calculation examples:
Assume the instrument has been running for at least 15 minutes:
15-minute exposure of 35 ppm:
(15 minutes x 35 ppm)
15 minutes = 35 ppm
10-minute exposure of 35 ppm and 5 minutes exposure of 15 ppm:
(10 minutes x 35 ppm) + (5 minutes x 5 ppm)
15 minutes = 25 ppm