MSA ALTAIR io 4 User manual

User Guide
ALTAIR io 4
Gas Detection Wearable
Order No.: 10225884/01
Print Spec: 10000005389 (EO)
CR: 800000054052
MSAsafety.com

© MSA 2022. All rights reserved
WARNING!
Read this manual carefully before using or maintaining the device. The device will perform as designed only if it is used and
maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Otherwise, it could fail to perform as designed, and persons
who rely on this device could sustain serious injury or death.
The warranties made by MSA with respect to the product are voided if the product is not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions in this manual. Please protect yourself and your employees by following the instructions.
Please read and observe the WARNINGS and CAUTIONS inside. For additional information relative to use or repair, call
1-800-MSA-2222 during regular working hours.
MSA is a registered trademark of MSA Technology, LLC in the US, Europe and other Countries. For all other trademarks
visit https://us.msasafety.com/Trademarks.
This product incorporates Bluetooth® wireless technology. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks
owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by MSA is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are
those of their respective owners.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may
not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
You are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void
the user's authority to operate the equipment.
MSA - The Safety Company
1000 Cranberry Woods Drive
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
USA
Phone 1-800-MSA-2222
Fax [phone]
For your local MSA contacts, please go to our website www.MSAsafety.com

Contents
1 Safety Notices 4
1.1 General Notices 4
1.2 Liability 4
1.3 Before You Start 4
2 Welcome 8
2.1 ALTAIR io 4 Design 8
2.2 Grid Introduction 8
2.3 ALTAIR io DOCK Introduction 9
2.4 MSA id Introduction 9
2.5 MSA id Tags Introduction 9
2.6 ALTAIR io CHARGE Introduction 9
3 Getting Started 10
3.1 Overview 10
3.2 Commissioning 12
3.3 Operation 13
3.4 Bump Test and Calibration 18
4 Features 24
4.1 Alerts 24
4.2 Gas Detection 29
4.3 Device Compliance 31
4.4 Enhanced Safety Features 31
4.5 Device Configuration Profile 31
4.6 Device Precision Configuration 32
4.7 Data Storage 32
4.8 MSA id 32
4.9 ALTAIR io CHARGE 32
4.10 Over-the-Air Updates 32
5 Device Care 34
5.1 Maintenance 34
6 Troubleshooting 48
7 Learn More 49
7.1 Replacement Parts 49
7.2 Disposal and Recycling 49
7.3 Warranty 49
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1 Safety Notices
1.1 General Notices
• For Declaration of Conformity, please visit the product page on MSAsafety.com.
• This product incorporates Bluetooth wireless technology.
• Alternative use or use outside manufacturer specifications will be considered non-compliance. This also applies to
unauthorized alterations of the product and to commissioning work that has not been carried out by MSA or
authorized persons.
• Use of any charger other than the charger supplied with the device or sold by MSA for use with the ALTAIR io 4 may
damage or improperly charge the battery.
WARNING!
• Cellular connectivity is dependent upon signal availability and strength of the wireless service(s) necessary to
maintain the communication link. Loss of cellular connectivity will prevent remote communication of alerts and other
data from the device to the Grid as well as from the Grid to the device. Low signal strength will delay remote
communication of alerts and other data from the device to the Grid as well as from the Grid to the device. Take
appropriate precautions in the event of a loss of cellular connectivity or low signal strength.
• When cellular connectivity is restored, data from the time period without cellular connectivity is transmitted to the
cloud before the device begins communicating current alerts and data to the Grid. This may result in a delay between
when cellular connectivity is restored and when the device can be monitored on the Grid.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death.
1.2 Liability
MSA accepts no liability in cases where the device has been misused, used inappropriately or not used as intended. MSA
accepts no liability in cases where damage or injury is caused by wear and tear, neglect or failure to carry out inspection and
maintenance procedures. The selection and use of the device are the exclusive responsibility of the employer and/or
individual operator. Warranties and guarantees made by MSA with respect to the device are voided, if it is not used,
serviced or maintained in accordance with the instructions in this manual.
The selection and use of this product must be under the direction of a qualified safety professional who has carefully
evaluated the specific hazards of the jobsite where it will be used and who is completely familiar with the product and its
limitations. The selection and use of this product and its incorporation into the safety scheme of the jobsite is the exclusive
responsibility of the employer.
Changes and modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer will void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
Follow all relevant national regulations applicable in country of use.
1.3 Before You Start
WARNING!
Carefully review the following safety limitations and precautions before placing this device in service. Do not alter or modify
the device.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
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Before getting started with the ALTAIR io 4, there are several things to know. Please read this user guide carefully before
using the device. The device will perform as designed only if it is used and maintained in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instruction. Otherwise, it could fail to perform as designed and persons who rely on this device for their
safety could sustain serious personal injury or death. In addition to manufacturer instructions, applicable national
regulations should be considered for safe use.
1.3.1 General Warnings and Precautions
WARNING!
• Use the device only to detect gases/vapors for which a sensor is installed.
• Do not use the device to detect combustible dusts or mists.
• Do not open the device in an explosive atmosphere.
• Do not use the device if:
○ the function test is unsuccessful,
○ the device is damaged,
○ a competent servicing/maintenance has not been completed, or
○ genuine MSA spare parts have not been used.
• If the device is subjected to physical shock, the device must pass calibration before continuing use.
• Charging the device in a hazardous environment poses a risk of explosion. Do not charge the device in a hazardous
area.
• Do not use silicone-type lubricants when assembling the detector, and do not allow silicone vapors to be drawn into
the flow system while in operation. Silicone can desensitize the combustible gas sensor, thereby giving erroneously
low readings.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
1.3.2 Functional Check
Before each day’s use, check the function of the device. To power on the device to check its functionality, refer to the Power
On and Off section. Once the device is powered on, the display will activate and the device will complete a start-up
sequence, during which you should observe proper function of the:
• Display
• Alert LEDs
• Horn
• Vibration
1.3.3 Gas Measurement
Combustible Gas
Do not use the device 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.
CSA requires (per CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60079-29-1) that combustible sensor sensitivity be tested before each day's use on
a known concentration of methane equivalent to 25 to 50 % of full-scale concentration. Accuracy must be within 0 to +20 %
of actual.
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When the combustible gas sensor reading reaches its maximum range, the device enters a locked alarm state to protect the
sensor, the sensor shuts down, and the user interface displays "overrange" in the combustible sensor tile. This state can be
reset by turning the device off and on in a fresh-air environment. Keep the device in the fresh air environment until sensor
readings have stabilized and then zero the sensors.
WARNING!
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 “overrange" indicates that the atmosphere is above 100% LEL and an explosion hazard exists.
Do not use the device for prolonged periods in an atmosphere containing a concentration of fuel or solvent vapors that may
be greater than 10% LEL. Move away from the hazardous area immediately.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
1.3.4 Physical Shock
If the device is subjected to a physical shock, complete the steps in Calibration.
1.3.5 Sensors
• 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 device to display accurate reading. Response times vary based on the type of sensor being utilized.
NOTE: While the device can detect up to 30% oxygen in ambient air, it is approved for use only up to 21% oxygen in
hazardous locations.
1.3.6 Battery
Use only battery chargers made available by MSA for use with this device; other chargers may damage the battery pack and
the device. As the battery pack ages, there will be a reduction in usable device runtime.
1.3.7 Environmental Conditions
General
WARNING!
• Do not use the device to test for combustible or toxic gases in the following atmospheres as this may result in
erroneous readings:
○ Reducing atmospheres
○ Furnace stacks
○ Inert environments
○ Atmospheres containing combustible airborne mists/dusts.
• Do not use the device to test for toxic gases in oxygen-deficient (<19.5 % vol) or oxygen-rich (>20.8 % vol)
atmospheres, as this may result in erroneous readings.
• Do not use the device to test for combustible gases in atmospheres <10% vol oxygen, as this may result in erroneous
readings.
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• Use the device only to detect gases/vapors for which a sensor is installed.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death.
Many environmental factors may affect the sensor readings, including changes in atmospheric pressure, humidity and
temperature. Pressure and humidity changes also affect the amount of oxygen present in the atmosphere.
Pressure
If pressure changes rapidly (e.g., stepping through airlock), the oxygen sensor reading may temporarily shift and possibly
cause the device to go into alarm. While the percentage of oxygen may remain at or near 20.8 Vol %, the total amount of
oxygen present in the atmosphere available for respiration may become a hazard if the overall pressure is reduced by a
significant degree.
It is recommended that an oxygen calibration be performed at the temperature and pressure of use. Ensure that the device
is in known fresh air before performing a calibration.
Humidity
If humidity changes by any significant degree (e.g., going from a dry, air conditioned environment to outdoor, moisture laden
air), oxygen readings can be reduced by up to 0.5 %, due to water vapor in the air displacing oxygen.
The oxygen sensor has a special filter to reduce the effects of humidity changes on oxygen readings. This effect will not be
noticed immediately, but slowly impacts oxygen readings over several hours.
Temperature
The sensors have built-in temperature compensation. However, if temperature shifts dramatically, the sensor reading may
shift. Zero the device at the work site temperature to minimize the effect of temperature changes.
1.3.8 Storage
When not in use, store the device in a safe, dry place between 18 °C (64 °F) and 30 °C (86 °F).
WARNING!
Do not store the device where silicone vapors are present or in the presence of silicone components, lubricants, cleaners or
other substances containing silicone. Silicone can desensitize the combustible gas sensor, thereby giving erroneously low
readings. Calibrate the detector upon removal from storage and prior to use.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
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2 Welcome
The ALTAIR io 4 is a Gas Detection Wearable capable of monitoring ambient air with enhanced safety features to help
protect the user. It is for use by trained and qualified personnel. It can be configured to include up to 3 sensors, which can
detect up to 4 gases including:
• Combustible gases and certain combustible vapors
• Oxygen-deficient and oxygen-rich atmospheres
• Specific toxic gases for which a sensor is installed
2.1 ALTAIR io 4 Design
The ALTAIR io 4 was designed to simplify and improve your gas detection experience. The device leverages cellular
connectivity to assist with gas detection and other safety features. ALTAIR io 4 design features include:
• Every device is powered by integrated cellular connectivity.
• Grid, a cloud-based industrial safety software platform, is a deeply integrated and necessary part of the ALTAIR io 4
experience.
• Device data is streamed to the cloud and accessible from your Grid account.
• Configuration of 1, 10 or 10,000 devices can be done with the click of a button through Grid and each device’s cellular
connection—anywhere in the world.
• MSA id dramatically simplifies device assignment.
2.2 Grid Introduction
Grid is a cloud-based industrial safety software platform. Every ALTAIR io 4 includes and requires a Grid account because
it’s an integral part of the experience. All device access, configuration, software updates, and enhanced safety services are
provided through your account. Additionally, as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform, Grid is continually delivering new
features, enhancements, and updates. Some of what you can accomplish with Grid includes:
• Activate and add devices to your Grid fleet.
• Access factory calibration certificates.
• Access warranty information.
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• Create, edit and apply over-the-air ALTAIR io 4 configuration to a single device or groups of devices.
• Access any ALTAIR io 4 device data logs in your Grid account.
• Create and assign MSA id Tags through the Grid mobile app.
• Manage your fleet with the Grid Fleet Manager service.
• Monitor your fleet in near-real time with the Grid Live Monitor service.
• Access and push over-the-air firmware updates to your entire fleet.
WARNING!
• The MSA Grid is not a replacement for worker response to local alarms from their personal safety devices. The MSA
Grid is a supplement to a defined safety program for the use of personal safety devices.
• Cellular connectivity is dependent upon signal availability and strength of the wireless service(s) necessary to
maintain the communication link. Loss of cellular connectivity will prevent remote communication of alerts and other
data from the device to the Grid as well as from the Grid to the device. Low signal strength will delay remote
communication of alerts and other data from the device to the Grid as well as from the Grid to the device. Take
appropriate precautions in the event of a loss of cellular connectivity or low signal strength.
• When cellular connectivity is restored, data from the time period without cellular connectivity is transmitted to the
cloud before the device begins communicating current alerts and data to the Grid. This may result in a delay between
when cellular connectivity is restored and when the device can be monitored on the Grid.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death.
2.3 ALTAIR io DOCK Introduction
ALTAIR io DOCK is a rugged automated test system that simplifies bump testing and calibration via its plug and play design.
Simply place the ALTAIR io 4 into the cradle and let the device do the work. It tells Dock what test it needs to run and starts it
automatically. Once complete, the Dock indicates the test results to allow the user to interpret and move forward with their
work based on the results.
2.4 MSA id Introduction
Replacing paper-based processes, MSAid provides a comprehensive solution to digitally assign a device by tapping it to an
MSA id Tag, and digitally return a device by simply plugging it into the ALTAIR io CHARGE.
2.5 MSA id Tags Introduction
MSA id Tags are RFID tags that can be assigned to each worker. By tapping an ALTAIR io 4 to an MSA id tag, the device is
now assigned. Every ALTAIR io 4 includes one MSA id Tag.
2.6 ALTAIR io CHARGE Introduction
ALTAIR io CHARGE simplifies and organizes the charging and device return experience with its 5-port design. Simply plug
the device into a port, and it will be digitally returned and begin to charge for the next use.
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3 Getting Started
3.1 Overview
3.1.1 Device Management with Grid
Device management is done entirely through your included MSA Grid account, over-the-air via the device's cellular
connection. To get started, please set up your account and download the Grid Mobile App from the App Store or Google
Play Store.
3.1.2 In the Box
• ALTAIR io 4 Gas Detection Wearable
• Quick-Start Guide with Certifications
• MSA id Tag
• USB Power Cable
• USB Power Adapters
• Calibration Cap
3.1.3 Hardware Overview
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01 Left and Right LEDs 06 Right Navigation Button
02 Left Navigation Button 07 LCDDisplay
03 Safe LED 08 Alert Button
04 Audible Horn 09 MSAid Tag
05 Sensor Inlets 10 Calibration Clip
11 Stainless Steel Clip
12 Product Label
13 Magnetic Charging Interface
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3.1.4 Home Screen
01 Cellular Connection 05 Time
02 GPS Location 06 Status Bar
03 Device Assigned 07 Battery Life
04 Notification 08 Gas Measurement Tiles
3.2 Commissioning
Commissioning devices is the process of adding assets to your Grid account and activating their cellular connectivity.
Typically, devices are commissioned to the appropriate Grid account automatically at order fulfillment. However, if
automatic commissioning is not performed, your Grid account can be used to complete this setup.
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3.3 Operation
3.3.1 Power On and Off
To power on the device:
1. Press and hold the right navigation button for 1 second.
2. The device will proceed to the startup sequence.
The startup sequence includes the following:
○ Introduction screens
○ Self-testing
○ Sensor alert setpoints
○ Bump test and calibration information
○ Fresh Air Baseline (if enabled)
○ Lock-outs (if enabled and active)
NOTE: During power on, the device performs a self-test. This self-test ensures properly functioning display, audible horn,
LEDs and vibration.
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To power off the device:
1. Press and hold the right navigation button for 1 second.
2. To confirm power off, select the right navigation button on the
next screen.
3.3.2 Navigation
1. To access the device menu, press the left navigation button.
2. To navigate the device menu, press the left navigation button.
3. To select a device menu option, press the left navigation button until the option is highlighted and then press the right
navigation button.
4. To acknowledge an alert, press the Alert button.
5. To activate the emergency alarm, hold the Alert button for 3 seconds.
3.3.3 Safe LED
The Safe LED is used to indicate the device is safe and operational. If the device is operational, compliant, and without any
active alerts, the Safe LED will slowly pulse green to intuitively communicate this to the user.
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3.3.4 Charging
1. Plug the charging cable into the power source.
2. Attach the device to the magnetic charging contacts.
Status Indicator
Charging Static red Safe LED
Fully Charged Static green Safe LED
Charging Error Flashing red Safe LED
Software Update in Progress Flashing yellow Safe LED
During periods of non-use, the charger may remain connected to the device
Allow very hot or cold devices to stabilize for one hour at room temperature before attempting to charge. Minimum and
maximum ambient temperature to charge the device is 0 °C (32 °F)and 40 °C (104 °F) respectively. For best results, charge
device at room temperature of 23 °C (73 °F).
Charging may be interrupted when ambient temperature moves outside of the charging temperature. In this case, the
device will show an error. To resolve the error, remove the device from the charger and cease charging until the ambient
temperature is within the approved temperature range of 0 °C (32 °F)to 40 °C (104 °F).
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3.3.5 Battery Care
Actual battery run-time will vary depending on cellular coverage, GPS coverage, ambient temperature, usage, active alerts,
acknowledgment delay of alerts, location changes, RFIDreading, gas readings, device navigation, battery age, and battery
cycles.
In temperatures below -20° C, use caution operating the instrument, as battery runtime may be diminished and alarm
functionality may be affected near the end of battery life. Regularly observe the Safe LED to confirm that the device is
operational. To reduce the impact on battery runtime and alarm functionality:
• Use a fully charged battery.
• Prior to use, power device on in room temperature environment.
• Alternate operation between cold temperature and room temperature environments.
Low Battery Level Notification
WARNING!
If Low Battery Level notification activates while using the device, leave the area immediately. The end of battery life is
approaching.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
A Low Battery Notification indicates that a nominal 1 hour is remaining before the battery's charge is depleted.
The duration of remaining device operation during a LowBattery Level notification depends on several variables,
including cellular coverage, GPS coverage, ambient temperature, usage, active alerts, acknowledgment delay of
alerts, location changes, RFIDreading, gas readings, device navigation, battery age, and battery cycles.
When the device goes into Low Battery Level notification:
• the current battery life percentage is indicated
• audible pattern sounds
• LEDpattern occurs
• status bar UI shows low battery
• device LED continues to breathe yellow every 4 seconds
• device continues to show low battery notification.
Shutdown Sequence
WARNING!
If a Critical Battery Alarm activates or a Shutdown Sequence occurs while using the device, leave the area immediately. The
device no longer has enough power to indicate potential hazards.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
In a Shutdown Sequence:
• the device will power down with an LED pattern, a vibration, and an audible alert
• the Safe LEDwill stop breathing yellow.
If the device shuts down due to battery depletion while in use:
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1. Leave any hazardous location immediately.
2. Recharge the battery.
Allow very hot or cold devices to stabilize for one hour at room temperature before attempting to charge.
3.3.6 Viewing Device Information
1. Open the Main menu and select Device info.
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2. Select one of the following menu options:
○ Calibration info: View dates for the latest and
upcoming calibration and bump tests.
▪ Upcoming calibration dates are determined by
the Grid-configured settings.
○ Sensor alert levels: View gas levels for each warning
or alarm.
○ About: View important information such as the owner
name, Device ID, software version and serial
numbers.
○ Exit: Return to the previous menu.
3.4 Bump Test and Calibration
3.4.1 Bump Test
A bump test quickly confirms that the gas sensors are functioning. Perform a full calibration to ensure accuracy.
There are two methods to perform a bump test on the ALTAIR io 4:
• Automatically through the ALTAIR io DOCK
• Manually using proper calibration gas, regulator, tubing, and a calibration cap.
Bump test frequency is often stipulated by national or corporate regulations; however, bump testing before each day's use is
generally the accepted best safety practice. Perform a bump test more frequently if the device is subjected to physical shock
or high levels of contaminants.
WARNING!
• Perform the bump test per the instructions in this user guide. Do not continue operation of a detector that is not able to
pass a bump test.
• Perform a bump test more frequently if the tested atmosphere contains the following materials, which may desensitize
the combustible gas sensor and cause erroneous readings:
○ Organic silicones
○ Silicates
○ Lead-containing compounds
○ Hydrogen sulphide exposures over 200 ppm or exposures over 50 ppm for one minute.
Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death.
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If the device fails the bump test, perform a calibration to check sensor accuracy per the Calibration section before using the
device.
ALTAIR io DOCK Bump Test
To perform the automatic bump test:
1. Insert the device with the display facing the ALTAIR io DOCK Test Stand until it clicks.
2. The appropriate test runs automatically based on the Grid-configured settings and indicates bump test results upon
completion.
3. Remove the ALTAIR io 4 by pressing the gray release button.
Manual Bump Test
The manual bump test requires the following equipment:
• Proper, Unexpired Calibration Gas Cylinder
• 0.25 liters/min. Flow Regulator
• 1/8” ID Superthane Ester Tubing
• Calibration Cap
To perform the manual bump test:
1. Verify the gas concentrations displayed match calibration gas cylinder.
2. Navigate to the bump test menu option.
3. Install the calibration cap.
a. Insert the tab on the calibration cap into the left slot
on the device.
b. Press the calibration cap until it seats onto the
device.
c. Press both the top and right tab down onto the device
until they snap into place.
d. Ensure the calibration cap is properly seated.
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e. Connect one end of the tubing to the calibration cap.
f. Connect the other end of the tubing to the gas
regulator.
4. Select Start to begin the bump test.
5. Open the pressure reducer valve on the calibration gas cylinder.
6. The device will display the bump test results.
7. Close the valve after bump testing.
8. Remove the calibration cap.
3.4.2 Calibration
There are two methods to perform a calibration on the ALTAIR io 4
• Automatically through the ALTAIR io DOCK
• Manually using proper calibration gas, regulator, tubing, and a calibration cap
Manual calibration must be performed using a flow regulator with a flow set to 0.25 liters per minute.
MSA recommends calibration at least every six months; however, many countries and/or organizations have their own
calibration guidelines. The ALTAIR io 4 calibration interval can be configured to adapt to these requirements.
During zero calibration, the O2sensor is also span calibrated to 20.8% O2fresh air, adjusting the calibration curve as
needed. During span calibration, the O2sensor's accuracy is checked against a known oxygen gas concentration without
adjusting the calibration curve.
The calibration procedure adjusts the span value for any sensor that passes the calibration test; sensor span values that fail
calibration are left unchanged. Since residual gas may be present, the device may briefly go into an exposure alarm after
the calibration sequence is completed.
If a sensor is nearing its end of life, the device will communicate a notification to the user after a successful calibration.
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