MSA ALTAIR PRO H2S User manual

Order No.: 10079352/00
Operating Manual
ALTAIR PRO Single Gas Detector

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

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MSA DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
ALTAIR PRO - Operating Manual 3
Declaration of Conformity
MANUFACTURED BY:
Mine Safety Appliances Company
1000 Cranberry Woods Drive
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 USA
The manufacturer or the European Authorized Representative
MSA AUER GmbH, Thiemannstrasse 1, D-12059 Berlin
declares that the product MSA ALTAIR PRO
Complies with the provisions of the council directive 94/9/EC (ATEX).
This declaration is based on the EC-Type Examination Certificate
FTZU 06 ATEX 0134 X
FTZU, Ostrava, Czech Republic, in accordance with Annex III of the
ATEX Directive 94/9/EC.
Quality Assurance Notification issued by Ineris of France, Notified Body number
0080, in accordance with Annex IV and Annex VII of the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC.
We additionally declare that this product is in conformance with the EMC Directive
89/336/EEC in accordance with the standards
EN 50270 Type 2 and EN 61000-6-4
MSA AUER GmbH
Dr. Axel Schubert
R & D Instruments Berlin, July 2006

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CONTENTS MSA
4ALTAIR PRO - Operating Manual
Contents
1. Safety Regulations .............................................................................................. 6
1.1. Correct Use ................................................................................................ 6
1.2. Liability Information .................................................................................... 6
1.3. Safety and Precautionary Measures to be Adopted ................................... 7
2. Description........................................................................................................... 8
2.1. Instrument Overview .................................................................................. 8
2.2. On-Screen Indicators ............................................................................... 10
2.3. Monitoring Toxic Gases............................................................................ 12
2.4. Monitoring the Oxygen Concentration ...................................................... 13
2.5. Duration of Use of the Instrument ............................................................ 14
3. Operation ........................................................................................................... 15
3.1. Changing Alarm Setpoints........................................................................ 15
3.2. Turning ON the Instrument....................................................................... 18
3.3. Toxic Gas Measurements ........................................................................ 21
3.4. Oxygen Measurements ............................................................................ 23
3.5. Displaying the Instrument Data - excluding the Steel Mill Version ........... 24
3.6. Displaying the Instrument Data - Steel Mill Version only.......................... 25
3.7. Turning OFF the Instrument ..................................................................... 26
3.8. Data Logging............................................................................................ 28
3.9. Function Tests on the Instrument............................................................. 29
3.10. Calibrating the Instrument ........................................................................ 31
4. Maintenance....................................................................................................... 36
4.1. Troubleshooting ....................................................................................... 36
4.2. Replacing the Battery............................................................................... 37
4.3. Replacing the Sensor............................................................................... 38

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MSA CONTENTS
ALTAIR PRO - Operating Manual 5
5. Technical Specifications/Certifications........................................................... 39
5.1. Technical Specifications........................................................................... 39
5.2. Certifications ............................................................................................ 41
5.3. Test Gases Table ..................................................................................... 42
5.4. Oxygen Typical Performance Specifications ............................................ 42
5.5. Toxic Performance Specifications ............................................................ 42
5.6. Data Logging Specifications ..................................................................... 43
6. Order Information .............................................................................................. 44

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SAFETY REGULATIONS MSA
6ALTAIR PRO - Operating Manual
1. Safety Regulations
1.1. Correct Use
The ALTAIR PRO is a portable instrument for monitoring toxic gases and oxygen
deficiency or excess in the workplace. It is used exclusively for monitoring and not
for measuring gas concentrations in the ambient air. It must be serviced and
repaired by qualified and authorised personnel.
It is imperative that this operating manual be read and observed when using this
instrument. In particular, the safety instructions, as well as the information for the
use and operation of the apparatus, must be carefully read and observed.
Furthermore, the national regulations applicable in the user's country must be
taken into account for a safe use.
Attention!
This product is supporting life and health. Inappropriate use,
maintenance or servicing may affect the function of the device and
thereby seriously compromise the user’s life.
Before use, the product operability must be verified. The product must
not be used if the function test is unsuccessful, it is damaged, a
competent servicing/maintenance has not been made, genuine MSA
spare parts have not been used.
Alternative use, or use outside this specification, will be considered as non-
compliance. This also applies especially to unauthorised alterations to the
apparatus and to commissioning work that has not been carried out by MSA or
authorised persons.
1.2. Liability Information
MSA accepts no liability in cases where the product has been used
inappropriately or not as intended. The selection and use of the product are the
exclusive responsibility of the individual operator.
Product liability claims, warranties also as guarantees made by MSA with respect
to the product are voided, if it is not used, serviced or maintained in accordance
with the instructions in this manual.

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MSA SAFETY REGULATIONS
ALTAIR PRO - Operating Manual 7
1.3. Safety and Precautionary Measures to be Adopted
Attention!
The following safety instructions must be observed implicitly. Only in
this way can the safety and health of the individual operators, and the
correct functioning of the instrument, be guaranteed.
Use instrument only for stipulated gases
The ALTAIR PRO is used for monitoring and detecting gases in the ambient air.
Thereby, it must be used only for gases for which a sensor is installed in the
instrument.
The sensor must not be blocked during use.
Observe oxygen concentration
Although the ALTAIR PRO unit will detect up to 25% oxygen, all ALTAIR PRO
versions are not certified or approfed for use in atmospheres containing more
than 21% oxygen.
Check function and alarm before each use
In case of failed function tests, the instrument must be removed from use.
Conduct additional tests after any significant impact
The instrument function should also be checked after severe mechanical stress
(dropping, impact etc.) and when the instrument or the sensors have been
exposed to silicon, silicates, lead-containing substances, hydrogen sulphide or
contaminated compounds.
Defective vibration alarm possible
At ambient temperatures < 0°C, the vibration alarm can give a false alarm or can
fail completely. In such conditions, do no rely solely on the vibration alarm.
Observe BG information
In Germany, observe the BG information BGI 836 (5).

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DESCRIPTION MSA
8ALTAIR PRO - Operating Manual
2. Description
2.1. Instrument Overview
Fig. 1 Instrument view
1 Alarm LED 5 Button
2 Infrared port 6 Display with backlight
3 Sensor cover 7 Stipulated gas type
4 Acoustic alarm transmitter
The instrument is a portable gas meter for monitoring gases in the ambient air
and in the workplace.
The instrument is available in three models:
!for monitoring oxygen
!for monitoring hydrogen sulphide and
!for monitoring carbon monoxide
The instrument can detect up to 25% oxygen in the ambient air.
However, all instrument models are calibrated and permitted only up to
21% oxygen-content.
2
3
4
5
6
7
1

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MSA DESCRIPTION
ALTAIR PRO - Operating Manual 9
The response levels for the individual gases are set at the factory and cannot be
changed during operation. After commissioning the instrument, changes are
possible only with the MSA FiveStar®LinkTM software version 4.4 or higher
(available as option; "Description of software).
If the ambient air contains higher gas concentrations, the instrument
ignores the Fresh Air Setup and goes directly to measuring mode after
the self-test.

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DESCRIPTION MSA
10 ALTAIR PRO - Operating Manual
2.2. On-Screen Indicators
Fig. 2 Display
1 Self-test in progress
2 Bump check indicator
3 Hour glass
4 Confidence indicator
5 Alarm indicator
6 Battery life indicator
7 Numeric indicator
8 Gas concentration units
Battery Life Indicator
Attention!
If an alarm is triggered while using the instrument as a monitor, leave
the area immediately.
Remaining on site under such circumstances can cause serious
damage to health or can even lead to death.
The battery condition icon continuously displays in the upper right-hand corner of
the display. As the battery is depleted, battery icon segments go blank until only
the outline of the battery icon remains.
Each battery indicator segment represents approximately 1/4 of the total battery
capacity.
1
6
7
3 4 5
8
2

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MSA DESCRIPTION
ALTAIR PRO - Operating Manual 11
Battery Warning
A battery warning indicates that a nominal two days of operation remain before
the instrument's battery is depleted.
The duration of remaining instrument operation during battery warning
depends on ambient temperature (colder temperatures may reduce
battery life) and the number and duration of alarms during battery
warning.
When the ALTAIR PRO goes into battery warning the:
!battery outline indicator flashes
!audible alarm sounds every 30 seconds
!alarm lights flash every 30 seconds
Battery Shut Down
Attention!
If a Battery Shutdown condition occurs, stop using the instrument and
leave the area immediately. The instrument can no longer alert you of
potential hazards since it does not have enough power to operate
properly.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or
death.
When the battery can no longer operate the instrument, the instrument goes into
Battery Shutdown mode:
!battery outline indicator flashes
!alarm icon turns ON
!alarm sounds every 30 seconds
!alarm lights flash
!no gas reading display
!display alternates between "BAT" and "ERR"
!no other instrument pages can be viewed
The instrument remains in this state until it is turned OFF or the battery is
completely depleted. The alarm lights and the audible alarm can be silenced by
pushing the button.
When the instrument battery is running low, remove it from service and
replace the battery.

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DESCRIPTION MSA
12 ALTAIR PRO - Operating Manual
Confidence indicator
The Confidence indicator flashes once every 60 seconds to notify the user that
the instrument is ON and operating normally. In addition, both LEDs will flash
briefly every 60 seconds.
Backlight
The backlight can be manually activated with a quick push of the button. The
backlight remains ON for 10 seconds.
2.3. Monitoring Toxic Gases
With the ALTAIR PRO, you can monitor the concentration of the following toxic
gases in the ambient air:
!Carbon monoxide (CO)
!Hydrogen sulphide (H2S)
The Altair PRO Detector displays the gas concentration in parts per million (PPM)
on the measuring page. The instrument remains on this page until another page
is selected or the instrument is turned OFF.
Attention!
If an alarm is triggered while using the instrument as a monitor, leave
the area immediately.
Remaining on site under such circumstances can cause serious
damage to health or can even lead to death.
There are four alarm setpoints in the instrument:
!High Alarm
!Low Alarm
!STEL Alarm
!TWA Alarm
The backlight turns ON for 20 seconds during an alarm condition.
If the gas concentration reaches or exceeds the alarm setpoint the instrument will
display and flash "LO” or “HI” and “ALARM" and enter an alarm sequence.
For more and detailed information "Section 3.3.

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MSA DESCRIPTION
ALTAIR PRO - Operating Manual 13
2.4. Monitoring the Oxygen Concentration
With the ALTAIR PRO the oxygen concentration is monitored in the atmosphere.
The alarm setpoints can be set to enrichment (concentration > 20.8%) or
depletion (concentration < 20.8%).
Attention!
If an alarm is triggered while using the instrument as a monitor, leave
the area immediately.
Remaining on site under such circumstances can cause serious
damage to health or can even lead to death.
When a set value is reached, an alarm is triggered:
!an acoustic signal sounds,
!alarm LEDs flash,
!a vibration alarm is triggered and
!in the display, "ALARM" is displayed in combination with "LO" or "HI"
and the corresponding oxygen concentration.
For more and detailed information "Section 3.4.
The LOW alarm (lower of the two %O2alarm settings) is latching and
will not reset when O2concentration rises above the LOW setpoint. To
reset alarm push the button
False oxygen alarms can occur due to barometric pressure (altitude)
changes 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.

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DESCRIPTION MSA
14 ALTAIR PRO - Operating Manual
2.5. Duration of Use of the Instrument
Normal Operation
The instrument is ready for operation
!as long as the battery warning indicator (Pos. 6 in Fig. 2) does not
display and
!the self-test is successful.
Weakening Battery
A weakening battery is indicated by
!the flashing battery warning indicator and
!the remaining operation time indicator going off.
Attention!
You are not allowed to use the instrument even if it still shows a gas
concentration.
Flat Battery
A flat battery triggers the following alarm:
!an acoustic signal sounds,
!alarm LEDs flash,
!battery warning indicator flashes and
!the display shows "ERR".
The alarm can be turnedoff by pressingthe button.
Attention!
It is not permitted to continue to use the instrument!
The instrument must be taken out of use.

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MSA OPERATION
ALTAIR PRO - Operating Manual 15
3. Operation
3.1. Changing Alarm Setpoints
Alarm setpoints can only be changed manually during instrument setup,
which can be entered after battery attachment or reattachment ("Fig. 3).
Alarm setpoints can also be changed electronically using the MSA
FiveStar® LINK®Software.
(1) Ensure instrument is turned OFF before proceeding.
(2) Remove and re-attach battery.
(3) Turn instrument ON. Press and hold the button for 3 seconds.
!ON displays during this time period.
The Steel Mill version cannot be turned OFF without removing the battery
or using MSA FiveStar® LINK®Software.
!"ALARM", "SET" and "?" are displayed.
(4) To change the alarm setpoints manually, press the button once while
"ALARM", "SET" and "?" are displayed.
If the button is not pressed, the instrument turns ON, as usual, after three
seconds.
!The Software Version displays for three seconds.
!The gas type displays for three seconds.
["CO", "CO+" (steel mill version), " H2S", or "O2", etc.].
!The following alarm Setpoints are displayed:
Low Alarm Setpoint for three seconds, "LO" and "ALARM" icons turn ON.
(5) To change the low alarm (LO), press the button when "LO" and "ALARM"
displays.
!"
LO", "ALARM", "SET" and "?" are displayed.
(6) By pressing the button, increase the value for the low alarm, until the desired
value is reached.
!On obtaining the maximum value, the display jumps and begins to count
upwards again with minimum value.
(7) Release the button and wait for 3 seconds.

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OPERATION MSA
16 ALTAIR PRO - Operating Manual
High Alarm Setpoint for three seconds, "HI" and "ALARM" icons turn ON.
(8) To change the high alarm (HI), press the button when "HI" and "ALARM"
displays.
!"
HI", "ALARM", "SET" and "?" are displayed.
(9) By pressing the button, increase the value for the high alarm, until the
desired value is reached.
!On obtaining the maximum value, the display jumps back and begins to
count upwards again from the minimum value.
(10) Release the button and wait 3 seconds.
Short Term Exposure Limits "STL" displays; then, the STEL setpoint displays
for three seconds.
(11) To change the STEL setpoint, press the button when the setpoint displays.
!"
ALARM", "SET" and "?" are displayed.
(12) By pressing the button, increase the value for the STEL alarm, until the
desired value is reached.
!On obtaining the maximum value, the display jumps back and begins to
count upwards again from the minimum value.
(13) Release the button and wait 3 seconds.
Time Weighted Average, "TWA" displays; then, the TWA setpoint displays for
three seconds.
(14) To change the TWA setpoint, press the button when the setpoint displays.
!"
ALARM", "SET" and "?" are displayed.
(15) By pressing the button, increase the value for the TWA alarm, until the
desired value is reached.
!On obtaining the maximum value, the display jumps back and begins to
count upwards again from the minimum value.
(16) Release the button and wait 3 seconds.

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MSA OPERATION
ALTAIR PRO - Operating Manual 17
Fig. 3 ALTAIR PRO Setup

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OPERATION MSA
18 ALTAIR PRO - Operating Manual
3.2. Turning ON the Instrument
Before the instrument can be used for monitoring possible toxic gases in
the atmosphere, it must be commissioned ("Fig. 4).
(1) Press and hold the button for 3 seconds.
!"
ON" displays during this time period.
The Steel Mill version cannot be turned OFF without removing the battery
or using MSA FiveStar® LINK®Software.
!An LCD functional test activates all display indicators.
!Acoustic alarm sounds, alarm LEDs light up and vibration alarm is
triggered.
!The software version is displayed for approx. 3 seconds.
!The gas type is displayed for approx. 3 seconds more (O2, H2S or CO).
!LO and ALARM as well as HI and ALARM are displayed alternately for
approx. 3 seconds.
!STL and ALARM followed by the STEL alarm setpoint are displayed for
approx. 3 seconds.
!TWA and ALARM followed by the TWA alarm setpoint are displayed for
approx. 3 seconds.
During the display of LO,HI,STL,TWA and ALARM the
corresponding setpoints can still be changed ("Fig. 4).
(2) If Calibration Due (CAL DUE) is enabled via FiveStar LINK software
(default is OFF):
!"
CAL" and the hourglass display.
!If calibration is due, "DUE" and the hourglass display for three seconds.
The instrument beeps and flashes "CAL" "DUE" every minute until
instrument calibration is performed.
!If calibration is not due, the hourglass, number of days to calibration, and
"DAYS" display.
(3) User is prompted for a Fresh Air Setup (FAS).
!"SET", "?" and “FAS” display.

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MSA OPERATION
ALTAIR PRO - Operating Manual 19
When performing a fresh air setup, the instrument must be in a known
clean air. The fresh air setup has limits.
If a hazardous level of gas is present, the instrument displays "FAS/ERR".
Press the button to acknowledge the error and perform an instrument
calibration.
(4) If Fresh Air Setup is desired, immediately press the button.
!"
HOURGLASS", "SET" and “FAS” display.
(5) If Fresh Air Setup is not desired, do not press the button.
!The instrument continues the ON sequence.
(6) If the instrument was configured for Oxygen, it displays
!Oxygen reading,
!% icon and
!battery indicator.
(7) If the instrument was configured for a toxic gas, it displays
!gas reading,
!ppm icon and
!battery indicator.

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OPERATION MSA
20 ALTAIR PRO - Operating Manual
Fig. 4 Turning ON the instrument