MSA altair 5 User manual

ALTAIR®5 Multigas Detector and
ALTAIR®5 IR Multi Gas Detector
Instruction Manual
Détecteur multigaz ALTAIR®5et
Détecteur multigaz ALTAIR®5 IR
Manuel d'utilisation
Detector Multigases ALTAIR®5 y
Detector Multigases ALTAIR®5 IR
Manual de funcionamiento
In North America, to contact your nearest stocking location, dial toll-free 1-800-MSA-2222
To contact MSA International, dial 1-412-967-3354 or 1-800-MSA-7777.
© MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY 2009 - All Rights Reserved
This manual is available on the internet at www.msanet.com
En Amérique du Nord, pour contacter notre dépôt le plus proche, composez le numéro gratuit 1-800-
MSA-2222. Pour contacter MSA International, composez le 1-412-967-3354 ou le 1-800-MSA-7777.
© MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY 2009 - Tous droits réservés
Ce manuel est disponible sur l’Internet au www.msanet.com
Para comunicarse con su localización de aprovisionamiento más cercana en América del Norte,
llame sin tarifa al 1-800-MSA-2222. Para comunicarse con MSA International, marque el 1-412-967-
3354 ó 1-800-MSA-7777.
© MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY 2009 - Se reservan todos los derechos
Este manual puede obtenerse en la Internet en el sitio: www.msanet.com
Manufactured by/Fabriqué par/Fabricado por
MSA NORTH AMERICA
P.O. Box 427, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15230
(L) Rev 2 10094176

ALTAIR®5
Multigas Detector and
ALTAIR®5 IR
Multi Gas Detector
Instruction Manual
In North America, to contact your nearest stocking location, dial toll-free 1-800-MSA-2222
To contact MSA International, dial 1-412-967-3354 or 1-800-MSA-7777.
© MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY 2009 - All Rights Reserved
This manual is available on the internet at www.msanet.com
Manufactured by
MSA NORTH AMERICA
P.O. Box 427, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15230
(L) Rev 2 10094176

THIS MANUAL MUST BE CAREFULLY READ BY ALL INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE OR WILL
HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR USING OR SERVICING THE PRODUCT. Like any piece
of complex equipment, this instrument will perform as designed only if it is used and serv-
iced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. OTHERWISE, IT COULD FAIL TO
PERFORM AS DESIGNED AND PERSONS WHO RELY ON THIS PRODUCT FOR THEIR
SAFETY COULD SUSTAIN SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
The warranties made by Mine Safety Appliances Company with respect to the product are
voided if the product is not used and serviced in accordance with the instructions in this
manual. Please protect yourself and others by following them. We encourage our cus-
tomers to write or call regarding this equipment prior to use or for any additional infor-
mation relative to use or repairs.
"! WARNING

Table of Contents
1. Instrument Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
1.1. Correct Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
1.2. Safety and Precautionary Measures . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
1.3. Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
1.3.1 Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5
1.3.2 Exclusive Remedy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6
1.3.3 Exclusion of Consequential Damage . . . . . . . .1-6
2. Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
2.1. Instrument Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
Figure 2-1. Instrument View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1
2.2 User Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
2.2.1 Button Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2
2.2.2 LED Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
2.2.3 Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
2.3.3.1 Vibrating Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
2.2.3.2 Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
2.3.3.3 InstantAlert™ Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
2.3.3.4 Motion Alert Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
2.2.3.5 Stealth Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
2.2.4 Backlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
2.2.5 Confirmation Beep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
2.3. On-Screen Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
2.3.1 Monochrome Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
Figure 2-2. Monochrome Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
2.3.2 Color Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
2.3.2.1 Wireless-Equipped Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
2.3.3 Battery Life Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
Figure 2-3. Color Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6
Figure 2-4. Battery Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7
2.3.4 Battery Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
Figure 2-5. Battery Shut Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8
2.4. Viewing Additional Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9
2.4.1 Peak Readings (PEAK page) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
2.4.2 Minimum Readings (MIN page) . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
i

2.4.3 Short Term Exposure Limits (STEL page) . . . .2-11
2.4.4 Time Weighted Average (TWA Page) . . . . . . . .2-12
2.4.5 Date Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13
2.4.6 Last Cal Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13
2.4.7 Cal Due Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13
2.4.8 Motion Alert Activation Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13
2.5 Sensor Missing Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13
2.6 Monitoring Toxic Gases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14
2.7 Monitoring Oxygen Concentration . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15
Figure 2-6. Alarm Conditions (High Alarm shown) 2-15
2.8. Monitoring Combustible Gases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-16
3. Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
3.1. Environmental Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
3.2. Turning ON and Fresh Air Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1
3.2.1 Sampling Safety Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
3.2.2 Fresh Air Setup (FAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
Figure 3-1. Fresh Air Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
3.3. Measurement Mode (Normal Operation) . . . . . . . .3-5
3.4 Instrument Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5
3.4.1 Calibration Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
Figure 3-2. Password Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
Figure 3-3. Calibration Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
3.4.2 Alarm Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8
Figure 3-4. Alarm Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8
Figure 3-5. Sensor Alarm Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10
Figure 3-6. Sensor Alarm Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10
3.4.3 Instrument Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11
Figure 3-7. Instrument Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11
Figure 3-8. Sensor Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12
3.5. MSA Link Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-14
3.6. Function Tests on the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-14
3.7. Calibration Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-14
3.8. Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-15
3.8.1 Zero Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16
3.8.2 Span Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-17
3.8.3 Finishing Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19
3.8.4 Calibration Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19
ii

3.8.5 Calibration with GALAXY Test System . . . . . . .3-19
3.9 Instrument Shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-20
Figure 3-9. Instrument Shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-20
4. Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1
4.1 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
4.2 Verifying Pump Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2
4.3 Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
Figure 4-1. Battery Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
Figure 4-2. Battery Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4
4.4 Live Maintenance Procedure-
Replacing or Adding a Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
Figure 4-3. Sensor Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6
4.5. Replacing the Filter
(for instruments with integral pump) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7
4.6. Cleaning the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7
4.7 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-8
4.8. Shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-8
5. Technical Specifications/Certifications . .5-1
5.1 Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1
5.2 Factory-set Alarm Thresholds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
5.3 Sensor Performance Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3
5.4 Calibration Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5
5.5 Certifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6
5.6 Combustible Gas Cross Reference Factors . . . . . .5-7
6. Order Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1
6.1 Gas Cylinder Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-1
6.2 Accessories Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-2
6.3 Instrument Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3
7. Appendix – Flow Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1
7.1. Start Up Sequence (Power ON) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-1
7.2. Normal Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-2
7.3. Options from Main Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3
iii

7.4. Password Protected Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-4
7.5. Menu Sequence from Main page . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-5
7.6. Calibration Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-7
7.7. Calibration Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-8
7.8. Alarm Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-9
7.8.1 Sensor Alarm Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-10
7.9. Instrument Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-11
iv

1-1
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 vapors as well as low level of oxygen.
• Determine the appropriate gas and vapor monitoring needed for a
workplace.
The ALTAIR 5 and ALTAIR 5 IR Multigas Detectors can be equipped
to detect up to five gases in the ALTAIR 5 and up to six gases in the
ALTAIR 5 IR:
• Combustible gases and certain combustible vapors
• Oxygen-deficient or oxygen-rich atmospheres
• Specific toxic gases for which a sensor is installed.
While the instrument can detect up to 25 % oxygen in ambient air, it is
approved for use only up to 21 % oxygen.
The ALTAIR 5 IR Gas Detector contains one Infrared sensor to detect
either CO2or specific combustible gases up to 100% volume, in
addition to up to five other gases.
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 sulfide, or
high contaminant levels.
• Recheck calibration if unit is subjected to physical shock.
• Use only to detect gases/vapors for which a sensor is
installed.
• Do not use to detect combustible dusts or mists.
"WARNING

• Make sure adequate oxygen is present.
• Never block sensors.
• Never block pump inlet, except to perform 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 hazardous location.
Risk of explosion may occur.
• Do not replace alkaline batteries in a hazardous location.
• Do not alter or modify instrument.
• Use only MSA-approved sampling lines.
• 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 vapors that may be
greater than 10%LEL.
INCORRECT USE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
For users in Australia/ New Zealand: The charge cradle is a Class A
product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio
interference, in which case, the user may be required to take adequate
measures.
1.2. Safety and Precautionary Measures
Carefully review the following safety limitations and
precautions before placing this instrument in service.
Incorrect use can cause serious personal injury or death.
The Altair 5 Multigas Detector is designed to:
• Detect gases and vapors in air only
"WARNING
1-2

• Detect only specified toxic gases for which a sensor is installed.
(for available sensors,see Section 5.3)
• Perform a blocked flow test (see section 4.2) before each day's
use if equipped with an integral pump.
• MSA recommends to check the instrument's functionality
(see section 3.6) and carry out a routine inspection each day
before use.
• Perform calibration check (see section 3.7) before each day's use
to verify proper instrument operation. Adjust calibration if the
readings are not within the specified limits.
• Check calibration more frequently if 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 desensitize the combustible gas sensor and
reduce its readings:
• Organic silicones
• Silicates
• Lead-containing compounds
• Hydrogen sulfide 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 or ALTAIR 5 IR Multigas Detectors 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 (only IR sensors acceptable for use)
• Atmospheres containing combustible airborne mists/dusts.
Do not use the ALTAIR 5 or ALTAIR 5 IR Multigas Detectors to test for
combustible gases in atmospheres containing vapors from liquids with a
high flash point (above 38 °C, 100°F) as this may result in erroneously
low readings.
1-3