MSA altair 5 User manual

Order No.: 10094176/00 Y-HLS
Operating Manual
ALTAIR 5 – Multi Gas Detector
Manufactured by
MSA
P.O. Box 427, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15230, USA

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.

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MSA CONTENTS
ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual 3
Contents
1. Instrument Safety..................................................................................... 5
1.1. Correct Use ..................................................................................... 5
1.2. Safety and Precautionary Measures to be Adopted ........................ 6
1.3. Warranty.......................................................................................... 9
2. Description.............................................................................................. 10
2.1. Instrument Overview ..................................................................... 10
2.2. Device Hardware Interfaces .......................................................... 12
2.3. On-Screen Indicators .................................................................... 13
2.4. Viewing Optional Displays............................................................. 17
2.5. Sensor Missing Alarm ................................................................... 20
2.6. Monitoring Toxic Gases................................................................. 21
2.7. Monitoring the Oxygen Concentration ........................................... 22
2.8. Monitoring Combustible Gases ..................................................... 23
3. Operation................................................................................................. 24
3.1. Environmental Factors .................................................................. 24
3.2. Turning ON and Fresh Air Setup ................................................... 25
3.3. Measurement Mode (Normal Operation)....................................... 28
3.4. Instrument Setup ........................................................................... 29
3.5. Data Logging................................................................................. 37
3.6. Function Tests on the Instrument .................................................. 37
3.7. Safe LED....................................................................................... 38
3.8. Calibration Check .......................................................................... 38
3.9. Calibration ..................................................................................... 38
3.10. Instrument Shutdown .................................................................... 41

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CONTENTS
4ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual
4. Maintenance............................................................................................ 42
4.1. Troubleshooting ............................................................................ 43
4.2. Verifying Pump Operation ............................................................. 44
4.3. Replacing the Battery.................................................................... 45
4.4. Live Maintenance Procedure - Replacing and Adding a Sensor ... 46
4.5. Cleaning the Instrument ................................................................ 48
4.6. Storage.......................................................................................... 48
4.7. Shipment ....................................................................................... 48
5. Technical Specifications/Certifications................................................ 49
5.1. Technical Specifications................................................................ 49
5.2. Factory-set Alarm thresholds ........................................................ 50
5.3. Certifications ................................................................................. 52
5.4. Performance Specification ............................................................ 53
6. Order Information................................................................................... 55
7. Appendix – Flow Charts......................................................................... 57
7.1. Start Up Sequence (Power ON) .................................................... 57
7.2. Normal Operation.......................................................................... 58
7.3. Options from Main Page................................................................ 59
7.4. Password Protected Options......................................................... 60
7.5. Menu Sequence from Main page .................................................. 61
7.6. Calibration Sequence.................................................................... 63
7.7. Calibration Options........................................................................ 64
7.8. Alarm Options ............................................................................... 65
7.9. Instrument Options........................................................................ 67

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MSA INSTRUMENT SAFETY
ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual 5
1. Instrument Safety
1.1. Correct Use
The ALTAIR 5 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 5 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.
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.
•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.
•Make sure adequate oxygen is present.
•Do not block sensors or pump inlet.
•Have a trained and qualified person interpret instrument
readings.
•Do not remove battery pack from instrument while in
a hazardous atmosphere.
•Do not recharge Li Ion battery in a combustible atmosphere.
•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.
INCORRECT USE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR
DEATH.

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INSTRUMENT SAFETY MSA
6ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual
1.2. Safety and Precautionary Measures to be Adopted
WARNING
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
•Detect only specified toxic gases for which a sensor is installed
(available sensors see Section 6).
Check function (see section 3.6) each day before use. MSA recommends
carrying out a routine inspection prior to use each day before use.
Perform calibration check (see section 3.8) 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 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 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.

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MSA INSTRUMENT SAFETY
ALTAIR 5 - 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 "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.
•Do not use the ALTAIR 5 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"). Additionally, when using a sample pump,
allow a minimum of 1 second per foot (3 seconds per meter) of sample
line to allow the sample to be drawn through the sensors.
•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.

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INSTRUMENT SAFETY MSA
8ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual
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.
Use of the GALAXY TM Automated Test System is an alternate approved
method for calibrating ALTAIR 5 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.

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MSA INSTRUMENT SAFETY
ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual 9
1.3. Warranty
ITEM WARRANTY PERIOD
Chassis and electronics Two years*
COMB, O2, H2S, CO, Cl2 sensors Two years*
ClO2, NH3, HCN, NO2, PH3, SO2 sensors One year*
*For extended warranty offerings please contact MSA
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
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
10 ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual
2. Description
2.1. Instrument Overview
Figure 2-1 Instrument view
1 Alarm LEDs (2) 8
[
]
Button
2 Communication 9 [
]Button
3 Sensor Inlets 10 Belt Clip
4 Pump Cap 11 Charging Connection
5 Horn 12 Screws
6 Display 13 Pump inlet
7 [
]Button 14 Filter
The instrument monitors gases in ambient air and in the workplace.
12
13
12
12
12
10 1111
3
1 1
4
5
6
7
8
9
2
14

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MSA DESCRIPTION
ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual 11
It 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).
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.

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DESCRIPTION MSA
12 ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual
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.
[ ] The []Button is used to move forward through data screens or
to decrease 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.
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 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 TM
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 TM software.
2.2.5 Horn
The horn provides an audible alarm.

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MSA DESCRIPTION
ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual 13
2.3. On-Screen Indicators
2.3.1 Monochrome Display
Figure 2-2 Monochrome Display
1 Gas Concentration Units 5 Numeric Indicator
2 Gas Type 6 Battery Condition
3 Current Time 7 Motion Alert Icon
4 Next Page 8 Previous Page
COMB
COMB - Gas Concentration
Unit
NO2
NO2Sensor – Indicates the
NO2channel use.
O2
O2Sensor – Indicates the O2
channel use. 20.8 Numeric Value – Indicates
the reading or set value of
gas concentration
CO
CO Sensor – Indicates the CO
channel use. 1:30 PM Indicates current time
H2S
H2S Sensor – Indicates the
H2S channel use.
PEAK
Indicates the name of next
page – here a PEAK reading
mode
5
7
6
1
2
3
4 8

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

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MSA DESCRIPTION
ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual 15
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.
1:30 PM MSA
LOW BATTERY
%
PPM
PPM
0
0
0.0
Vol %
PPM
20.8
0
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.
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 the instrument is turned OFF
or battery shutdown occurs.

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DESCRIPTION MSA
16 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 the battery.
Battery Charging
WARNING
Risk of explosion: Do not recharge instrument in hazardous area.
WARNING
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).

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MSA DESCRIPTION
ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual 17
To Charge the Instrument
•Firmly insert the charger connector into the charge port on the back of
the instrument.
•An LED in the Battery is used to check 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 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.
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:
(For the monochromatic display the name of the page is displayed, for the
color version it is represented by an icon.)
2.4.1 Peak Readings (PEAK page)
Monochromatic display Color 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 Color display
MIN
This page shows the lowest level of oxygen recorded by the instrument
since turn-ON or since the MIN reading was reset.
To reset the MIN readings:
(1) Access the MIN page.
(2) Press the [
]button.

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DESCRIPTION MSA
18 ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual
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.
Monochromatic display Color 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

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MSA DESCRIPTION
ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual 19
2.4.4 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.
This page shows 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:
Monochromatic display Color display
TWA
•Alarm sounds,
•Alarm LEDs flash
•“TWA ALARM” message flashes.
To reset the TWA:
(1) Access the TWA page.
(2) Press the [
]button.
The TWA alarm is calculated over an eight-hour exposure.
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

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DESCRIPTION MSA
20 ALTAIR 5 - Operating Manual
2.4.5 Date Display
Current date appears on the display in the format: MMM-DD-YY.
2.4.6 Last Cal Page
Displays the instrument's last successful calibration date in the format:
MMM-DD-YYYY
2.4.7 Cal due page
Displays the days until the instrument's next calibration is due (user
selectable).
2.4.8 Motion Alert Activation
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 appear. 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.
2.5. 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.
For the toxic sensors, the Sensor Missing feature is checked when the
instrument is turned ON.
The combustible Sensor Missing feature is continually monitored.
Monochromatic display Color display
SENSOR MISSING SENSOR MISSING
If a sensor is detected as missing, the following occurs:
•"SENSOR MISSING" flashes on the display.
•The flag above the sensor detected as missing flashes on the display.
•Alarm sounds and lights flash.
•The alarm can be silenced for five seconds by pressing
the [
]button; no other pages can be viewed.
•If there is a sensor error at startup, the instrument shuts OFF in
60 seconds.