Hazardous gases are an unavoidable part of many industrial operations. Whether they’re used in refrigeration systems, generated during manufacturing processes or present in confined spaces, they can pose serious risks to both people and business operations.

The challenge is that many dangerous gases can’t be detected by human senses. Some are colourless, odourless and tasteless, while others can quickly overwhelm a person’s sense of smell. Without reliable gas detection, workers may have little warning before conditions become dangerous.

A well-maintained gas detection system provides continuous monitoring and early warning of gas leaks, helping protect your people, minimise downtime and support workplace health and safety requirements.

At Electrical & Automation Solutions (EAS), we help industrial businesses specify, supply, install, commission, inspect, test and maintain gas detection systems that perform when they’re needed most.

Why Gas Detection Matters

Gas detection isn’t just about sounding an alarm – it’s about giving people time to respond safely.

An effective gas detection system helps to:

• Protect workers from exposure to toxic gases.
• Detect combustible or flammable gas leaks before they become a major hazard.
• Identify oxygen-deficient environments that can lead to asphyxiation.
• Support safe entry into confined spaces.
• Reduce the risk of unplanned shutdowns and production losses.
• Assist with meeting workplace health and safety obligations.

For many industrial sites, gas monitoring is a critical layer of protection for both people and plant.

Common Hazardous Gases in Industry

Different industries face different gas hazards. Some of the most common include:

• Ammonia (NH₃)
  Widely used in industrial refrigeration systems throughout the dairy, food processing and cold storage industries.
  Exposure can cause eye irritation, respiratory damage and burns at higher concentrations, making early leak detection essential.
• Hydrogen Sulphide (H₂S)
  Commonly found in wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, sewer networks and effluent systems.
  Hydrogen sulphide is highly toxic and particularly dangerous because exposure can quickly reduce a person’s ability to smell the gas.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO)
  Produced by internal combustion engines, boilers and gas-fired equipment.
  Because carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless, reliable detection is essential wherever combustion equipment operates.
• Chlorine (Cl₂)
  Used in water treatment, chemical processing and some manufacturing applications.
  Even relatively small leaks can create serious health risks.
• Combustible Gases
  Hydrocarbon gases and vapours are used across many industrial processes. Monitoring helps detect leaks before gas concentrations reach explosive levels.
• Oxygen Deficiency
  Some industrial processes can displace oxygen, creating an invisible but potentially fatal hazard—particularly in confined spaces and enclosed plant rooms.

Fixed and Portable Gas Detection

Fixed Gas Detection Systems

Fixed systems continuously monitor critical areas and provide automatic warning when gas levels exceed safe limits.

Depending on the application, they can:

• Operate 24 hours a day.
• Activate audible and visual alarms.
• Interface with PLC or SCADA systems.
• Trigger ventilation or other safety systems.
• Alert operators to developing hazards.

They’re commonly installed in refrigeration plant rooms, chemical storage areas, wastewater facilities, boiler rooms and process plants.

Portable Gas Detectors

Portable detectors provide personal protection for workers carrying out activities such as confined space entry, shutdown work and maintenance.

While portable monitors are an important safety tool, they should complement – not replace – permanently installed systems where continuous monitoring is required.

Selecting the Right Equipment

No two sites are the same.

Choosing the right gas detection equipment depends on factors such as:

• The type of gas being monitored.
• Where the gas is likely to accumulate.
• Environmental conditions.
• The process or equipment involved.
• Manufacturer recommendations.
• Site-specific operational requirements.

Different gases require different sensing technologies, so selecting the correct equipment is essential for reliable performance.

EAS can help you specify the most suitable gas detection equipment for your application, then professionally install and commission the system to ensure it operates as intended.

Correct Installation Matters

Even the best gas detector won’t perform effectively if it’s installed in the wrong location.

Gas detectors must be positioned with consideration for factors such as:

• Whether the gas is lighter or heavier than air.
• Potential leak sources.
• Ventilation and airflow.
• Occupied work areas.
• Alarm visibility and accessibility.
• Integration with existing control systems.

Our experienced team works with customers, equipment suppliers and consulting engineers to ensure gas detection equipment is installed correctly and commissioned to manufacturer requirements.

Calibration Keeps Your System Reliable

Gas detectors naturally drift over time.

Without regular testing and calibration they may:

• Fail to detect dangerous gas levels.
• Produce nuisance alarms.
• Display inaccurate readings.
• Fall outside manufacturer specifications.

A detector that hasn’t been calibrated shouldn’t be relied on to protect people.

Routine inspection, functional testing and calibration confirm that sensors respond correctly and alarms activate when required.

Inspection, Testing and Preventative Maintenance

Gas detection systems are safety-critical assets and should be maintained accordingly.

EAS can tailor a preventative maintenance programme to suit your facility, including:

• Routine inspections.
• Functional testing.
• Sensor calibration.
• Alarm testing.
• System health checks.
• Asset register updates.
• Compliance documentation.

Maintenance may be scheduled monthly, six-monthly or annually, depending on your equipment, operating environment and manufacturer recommendations.

To make life easier, we can also schedule automatic service reminders so your gas detection system stays up to date.

Supporting Your Compliance

Every inspection and calibration is backed by clear documentation, including:

• Calibration certificates.
• Inspection reports.
• Test records.
• Asset registers.
• Maintenance history.

This provides confidence that your gas detection equipment has been maintained and gives you the records needed to support your internal maintenance and health and safety systems.

Why Choose EAS?

Gas detection systems only protect people if they’re working correctly.

That’s why our focus doesn’t stop at installation—we’re committed to helping customers keep their systems reliable for the long term.

Our services include:

• Assistance specifying suitable gas detection equipment.
• Supply, installation and commissioning.
• Inspection, testing and calibration.
• Preventative maintenance programmes.
• Asset registers and compliance documentation.
• Integration with PLC and SCADA systems.
• Ongoing technical advice and support.

With extensive experience across dairy, food processing, manufacturing, water and wastewater, utilities and industrial processing, we understand the environments where reliable gas detection matters most.

Keep Your Gas Detection System Ready

Whether you’re installing a new gas detection system or maintaining an existing one, regular inspection, testing and calibration are essential to protecting your people and your business.

If you’d like advice on gas detection, or it’s time to service your existing system, we’d be happy to help.

Contact the EAS team today on 07 834 0505 to discuss your gas detection requirements or arrange an inspection.