MSA altair 4 User manual

P/N 10088975 Rev 1 Y-HLS
Operating Manual
ALTAIR®4 – Four Gas
Multigas Detector
Manufactured by
MSA CORPORATE CENTER
1000 Cranberry Woods Drive,
Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania 16066

WARNING
Read this manual carefully before using the instrument. The instrument
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 instrument for their safety could
sustain serious personal injury or death.

MSA CONTENTS
ALTAIR 4 - Operating Manual 3
Contents
1Instrument Safety.....................................................................................5
1.1 Correct Use .....................................................................................5
1.2 Safety and Precautionary Measures to be Adopted ........................6
1.3 Warranty..........................................................................................9
2Description..............................................................................................10
2.1 Instrument Overview .....................................................................10
2.2 Device Hardware Interfaces ..........................................................11
2.3 Viewing Optional Displays.............................................................15
2.4 Sensor Missing Alarm ...................................................................19
2.5 Monitoring Toxic Gases.................................................................19
2.6 Monitoring the Oxygen Concentration ...........................................20
2.7 Monitoring Combustible Gases .....................................................21
3Operation.................................................................................................22
3.1 Environmental Factors ..................................................................22
3.2 Turning ON the Instrument............................................................23
3.3 Measurement Mode (Normal Operation).......................................28
3.4 Instrument Setup ...........................................................................29
3.5 Data Logging.................................................................................34
3.6 Function Tests on the Instrument ..................................................35
3.7 Safe LED.......................................................................................35
3.8 Bump Test.....................................................................................35
3.9 Calibration .....................................................................................37
4Maintenance............................................................................................41
4.1 Troubleshooting.............................................................................41
4.2 Live Maintenance Procedure - Replacing and Adding a Sensor ...42
4.3 Cleaning the Instrument ................................................................43
4.4 Storage..........................................................................................43
4.5 Shipment .......................................................................................43

CONTENTS MSA
4ALTAIR 4 - Operating Manual
5Technical Specifications/Certifications................................................44
5.1 Technical Specifications................................................................ 44
5.2 Factory-set Alarm thresholds ........................................................ 45
5.3 Certifications ................................................................................. 46
5.4 Performance Specification ............................................................ 47
6Order Information...................................................................................49
7Appendix – Flow Charts.........................................................................50
7.1 Start Up Sequence (Power ON) .................................................... 50
7.2 Fresh Air Setup ............................................................................. 51
7.3 Reset Screen Controls .................................................................. 52
7.4 Bump Test..................................................................................... 54
7.5 Options Setup ............................................................................... 55
7.6 Sensor Setup ................................................................................ 56
7.7 Calibrations ................................................................................... 57
7.8 Alarm Setup .................................................................................. 58
7.9 Time and Date Setup .................................................................... 59

MSA INSTRUMENT SAFETY
ALTAIR 4 - Operating Manual 5
1 Instrument Safety
1.1 Correct Use
The ALTAIR 4 Multigas Detector is for use by trained and qualified per-
sonnel. It is 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 4 Multigas Detector can be equipped to detect:
•Combustible gases and certain combustible vapors
•Oxygen-deficient or oxygen-rich atmospheres
•Specific toxic gases for which a sensor is installed.
Note: While the instrument can detect up to 25 % oxygen in ambient air, it is
approved for use only up to 21 % oxygen.
WARNING
Read and follow all instructions carefully.
•Perform a bump test before each day's use and adjust if
necessary.
•Perform a bump test 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.
•Make sure adequate oxygen is present.
•Do not block sensors.
•Have a trained and qualified person interpret instrument
readings.
•Do not recharge Li polymer battery in a combustible atmosphere.
•Do not alter or modify instrument.
INCORRECT USE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH.
NOTE:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful

INSTRUMENT SAFETY MSA
6ALTAIR 4 - Operating Manual
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which
case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own
expense.
WARNING
This is a class A product in accordance with CISPR 22. In a
domestic environment, this product may cause radio
interference, in which case the user may be required to take
adequate measures.
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
1.2 Safety and Precautionary Measures to be Adopted
WARNING
Carefully review the safety limitations and precautions in this section
before placing this instrument in service. Incorrect use can cause
serious personal injury or death.
Check function (see section 3.6) each day before use. MSA recommends
carrying out a routine inspection prior to each day's use.
Perform a Bump Test (see section 3.8) before each day's use to verify
proper instrument operation. The instrument must pass the bump test. If it
fails the test, perform a calibration (see section 3.9) before using the
instrument.
Perform a bump test more frequently if the unit is subjected to physical
shock or high levels of contaminants. Also, perform a bump test 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.

MSA INSTRUMENT SAFETY
ALTAIR 4 - Operating Manual 7
•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 "XXX” 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 4 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.
•Do not use the ALTAIR 4 Multigas Detector 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.
•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 utilized (see Section 5.4,
"Performance Specifications").
•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.

INSTRUMENT SAFETY MSA
8ALTAIR 4 - Operating Manual
Risk of explosion: Do not recharge instrument 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.
Use of the GALAXY TM Automated Test System is an alternate approved
method for charging ALTAIR 4 instruments.
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.

MSA INSTRUMENT SAFETY
ALTAIR 4 - Operating Manual 9
1.3 Warranty
ITEM WARRANTY PERIOD
Chassis and electronics Two years
All sensors, unless otherwise specified Two years
1.3.1 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
authorized 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.
1.3.2 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.
1.3.3 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
no operation of the goods. This exclusion is applicable to claims for breach
of warranty, tortious conduct or any other cause of action against seller.

DESCRIPTION MSA
10 ALTAIR 4 - Operating Manual
2 Description
2.1 Instrument Overview
Figure 2-1 Instrument view
1 Communication 7 [
] Button
2 Safe LED (green) 8 Display
3 Sensor Inlets 9 Alarm LEDs (4)
4 Horn 10 Clip
5 [
]Button 11 Charging Connection
6 [
]Button 12 Screws (4)
The instrument monitors gases in ambient air and in the workplace.
It is available with a maximum of three sensors, which can display readings
for four separate gases (one Dual Toxic Sensor provides both CO and H2S
sensing capabilities in a single sensor).
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 LinkTM software. Ensure that the latest version of the
MSA LinkTM software has been downloaded from MSA’s website
www.msanet.com.
If gas is present during Fresh Air Setup, the instrument will fail and enters
Measure mode.
2
10
11
12
3
7
8
6
9
1
5
9
4
9 10
11
12

MSA DESCRIPTION
ALTAIR 4 - Operating Manual 11
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
Button Description
[
] The [
] button is used to turn instrument ON or OFF and to
confirm user action selections.
When the [
]button and the [ ] button are pressed
simultaneously at instrument start-up, the Options Setup
Mode displays.
[ ] The [
]button is used to move forward through data
screens in measuring mode, or as page back and to decrease
the values in set-up mode. Holding this button for 3 seconds
while in Normal Measure Mode will activate the
InstantAlert TM alarm.
[ ] The [
]button is used to reset peak, STEL TWA and
acknowledge alarms (where possible) or access calibration in
measuring mode. It is also used as page up or to increase the
values in set-up mode.
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 section 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 any button is pressed. The
backlight remains ON for the duration of the user-selected timeout. This
ON/OFF duration can be set through MSA Link software.
2.2.5 Horn
The horn provides an audible alarm.

DESCRIPTION MSA
12 ALTAIR 4 - Operating Manual
2.2.6 On-Screen Indicators
COMB/EX O2
H2S
CO
Figure 2-2 Display
1 Graphic Symbols
2 Gas Type
3 Gas Concentration
Alarm Symbol – Indicates
alarm state.
No Gas Cylinder – Indicates
cal gas should not be applied
and instrument must be
exposed to fresh air.
Bump Check Symbol –
Indicates successful bump
or cal.
Hourglass – Indicates user
should wait.
Indicates required
interaction. Minimum – Indicates a minimum value or low alarm.
Battery Condition –
Indicates the battery
charge level.
PEAK Symbol – Indicates a
PEAK reading or high alarm.
COMB/EX
O2
CO
H2S
Sensor Labels. STEL Symbol – Indicates a
STEL alarm.
Motion AlertTM – Indicates
Motion AlertTM is active.
TWA Symbol – Indicates a
TWA alarm.
Cal Gas Cylinder –
Indicates cal gas must be
applied.
Graphic Symbols
1
2
3

MSA DESCRIPTION
ALTAIR 4 - Operating Manual 13
2.2.7 Battery Life Indicator
The battery condition icon continuously displays in the upper right-hand
corner of the display. As the battery is depleted, battery icon segments
blank until only the battery icon outline remains.
Each indicator segment represents approximately 25% of the total battery
capacity.
Battery Warning
WARNING
If battery warning alarm activates while using the instrument, leave the
area immediately as the end of battery life is approaching.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or
death.
The nominal run-time of the instrument at room temperature is 16 hours.
Actual run-time will vary depending on ambient temperature and alarm
conditions. The runtime of the instrument at -4 °F (-20 °C) will be
approximately 8 hours.
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.
When the instrument goes into Low Battery Warning, the:
•battery life indicator flashes
•alarm sounds
•alarm LEDs flash
•display shows "Low Batt" and
•instrument repeats this warning every 15 seconds and continues to
operate until it is turned OFF or battery shutdown occurs.

DESCRIPTION MSA
14 ALTAIR 4 - 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):
•"Batt Alarm” and flash on the display
•Alarm sounds and lights flash; alarm cannot be silenced
•No other pages can be viewed; after approximately one minute, the
instrument automatically turns OFF.
When battery shutdown condition occurs:
(1) Leave the area immediately.
(2) Recharge the battery.
Battery Charging
WARNING
Risk of explosion: Do not recharge instrument in hazardous area.
CAUTION
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 four hours in normal, room-temperature environments.
NOTE: Allow very hot or cold instruments to stabilize for one hour
at room temperature before attempting to charge.
•Minimum and maximum ambient temperature to charge the
instrument is 10°C/50°F and 35°C/95°F, respectively.
•For best results, charge the instrument at room temperature
(23°C)

MSA DESCRIPTION
ALTAIR 4 - Operating Manual 15
To Charge the Instrument
•Firmly insert the charger connector into the charge port on the back of
the instrument.
•The battery symbol will scroll through a progressively increasing
number of segments until 90% of full charge has been obtained. Then it
will remain fully illuminated while the battery is trickle charged to its full
capacity.
•If a problem is detected during charging, the battery symbol will flash.
Disconnect the charger momentarily to reset the charge cycle.
2.2.8 Operating Beep
This operating beep activates every 30 seconds by momentarily beeping
the horn and flashing the alarm LEDs under the following conditions:
•Operating beep is enabled
•Instrument is on normal Measure Gases page
•Instrument is not in battery warning
•Instrument is not in gas alarm
•Audible and visual options are enabled
2.3 Viewing Optional Displays
The Main Screen appears at instrument turn-ON.
Optional displays can be viewed by pressing the [
]button to move to:
2.3.1 Bump Mode
To select the Bump mode, press the [
]button.
To move forward, press the [
]button.
To move backward to the Main page, press the [
]button.
2.3.2 Peak Readings (PEAK page)
The peak icon 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.

DESCRIPTION MSA
16 ALTAIR 4 - Operating Manual
2.3.3 Minimum Readings (MIN page)
This page shows the lowest level of oxygen recorded by the instrument
since turn-ON or since the MIN reading was reset.
The minimum icon appears on the display.
To reset the MIN reading:
(1) Access the MIN page.
(2) Press the [
]button.
2.3.4 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.
The STEL icon appears on the display to show the average exposure
over a 15-minute period.
When the amount of gas detected by the instrument is greater than the
STEL limit:
•Alarm sounds
•Alarm LEDs flash
•STEL icon flashes.
To reset the STEL:
(1) Access the STEL page.
(2) Press the [
]button.
The STEL alarm is calculated over a 15-minute exposure.

MSA DESCRIPTION
ALTAIR 4 - Operating Manual 17
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
2.3.5 Time Weighted Average (TWA page)
WARNING
If the TWA alarm activates, leave the contaminated area immediately; the
ambient gas concentration has reached the preset TWA 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.
The TWA icon appears on the display to show the average exposure
since the instrument was turned ON or since the TWA reading was reset.
When the amount of gas detected is greater than the eight-hour TWA limit:
•Alarm sounds
•Alarm LEDs flash
•TWA icon flashes.
To reset the TWA:
(1) Access the TWA page.
(2) Press the [
]button.
The TWA alarm is calculated over an eight-hour exposure.

DESCRIPTION MSA
18 ALTAIR 4 - Operating Manual
TWA calculation examples:
1-hour exposure of 50 ppm:
(1 hour x 50 ppm) + (7 hours x 0 ppm)
8 hours = 6.25 ppm
4-hour exposure of 50 ppm and 4-hour exposure of 100 ppm:
(4 hours x 50 ppm) + (4 hours x 100 ppm)
8 hours = 75 ppm
12-hour exposure of 100 ppm:
(12 hours x 100 ppm)
8 hours = 150 ppm
2.3.6 Time Display
Current time appears on the display in a 12-hour format by default.
A 24-hour format can be selected using MSA Link.
2.3.7 Date Display
Current date appears on the display in the format: MMM-DD-YYYY.
2.3.8 Last cal page
Displays the instrument's last successful calibration date in the format:
MMM-DD-YYYY
2.3.9 Cal due page
Displays the days until the instrument's next calibration is due (user
selectable).
2.3.10 Motion Alert Activation (optional)
To activate or deactivate the Motion Alert feature, press the [
]button
while the Motion Alert Activation page is displayed. When the Motion Alert
feature is active, the symbol will flash every 3 seconds. The instrument
will enter pre-alarm when no motion is detected for 20 seconds. This
condition can be cleared by moving the instrument.
After 30 seconds of inactivity, the full Motion Alert alarm is triggered. This
alarm can only be cleared by pressing the [
] button.

MSA DESCRIPTION
ALTAIR 4 - Operating Manual 19
2.4 Sensor Missing Alarm
The instrument enters the Sensor Missing alarm if the instrument detects
that an enabled sensor is not properly installed in the instrument or is not
functional.
For O2, CO, and H2S sensors, the Sensor Missing feature is checked when
the instrument is turned ON and when leaving the Setup mode.
The combustible Sensor Missing feature is continuously monitored.
If a sensor is detected as missing, the following occurs:
•"SENSOR ERROR" displays
•The flag above the sensor detected as missing flashes on the display
•Alarm sounds and lights flash.
•If there is a sensor error at startup, the instrument shuts OFF in
60 seconds.
2.5 Monitoring Toxic Gases
The instrument can monitor the concentration of the following toxic gases in
ambient air:
•Carbon Monoxide (CO)
•Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)
The instrument displays the gas concentration in parts per million (PPM) or
mg/m3on the Measuring page until another page is selected or the
instrument is turned OFF.
WARNING
If an alarm is triggered while using the instrument, leave the area
immediately.
Remaining on site under such circumstances can cause serious personal
injury or death.
The instrument has four gas alarms:
•HIGH Alarm
•LOW Alarm
•STEL Alarm
•TWA Alarm
If the gas concentration reaches or exceeds the alarm set point, the instrument:
•backlight turns on
•a vibrating alarm triggers
•displays and flashes the Alarm icon and either the Minimum
icon (LOW alarm) or the Maximum icon (HIGH alarm)
•enters an alarm state.

DESCRIPTION MSA
20 ALTAIR 4 - Operating Manual
2.6 Monitoring the Oxygen Concentration
The instrument monitors the oxygen concentration in ambient air. The alarm
set points can be set to activate on two different conditions:
•Enriched - oxygen concentration > 20.8 % or
•Deficient - oxygen concentration < 19.5 %.
While the instrument can detect up to 25% oxygen in the ambient air, it is
approved for use only up to 21% oxygen-content.
WARNING
If an alarm activates while using the instrument, leave the area
immediately.
Remaining on site under such circumstances can cause serious
personal injury or death.
When the alarm set point is reached for either of the above conditions:
•an alarm sounds
•alarm LEDs flash
•a vibrating alarm triggers
•instrument displays and flashes the Alarm icon and either the
Minimum icon (Enriched alarm) or the Maximum icon
(Deficient alarm) along with the corresponding oxygen
concentration.
The LOW alarm (oxygen deficient) is latching and will not automatically
reset when the O2concentration rises above the LOW set point. To reset
the alarm press the [
]button. If the alarm condition still exists, the [ ]
button only silences the alarm for five seconds.
False oxygen alarms can occur due to changes in barometric pressure
(altitude) or extreme changes in ambient temperature.
It is recommended that an oxygen calibration be performed at the
temperature and pressure of use. Be sure that the instrument is in known
fresh air before performing a calibration.