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What to Expect from Your Routine Gas Detector Checkup

Your brand new gas detection system has been installed, tested and is ready to go, but that’s not the end of the story. Just like any other high-functioning mechanism, your gas detection system will require regular maintenance. In fact, in order to meet industry regulations and operational standards, your gas detection systems must be checked every 6 months to a year. This is not only to ensure peak performance, but also your safety and peace of mind. But if you’re thinking you need to start a whole new search to look for a company that performs gas detector checks, think again. MDC Systems Inc. is here to help with the routine checkups for your gas detection systems in San Jose, CA, too.

At MDC Systems Inc., we are dedicated to assisting you in maintaining your gas detection system throughout the life of its operation. We take a full-circle approach to delivering the ongoing upkeep and testing services required to meet NIST standards and to ensure that your system is continually operating at peak performance. No matter what type of gas detection system you have installed, from a thermal conductivity system to an electrochemical sensor, our techs are trained to help you maintain the system and ensure it is always operating correctly. Here’s what you can expect from a routine gas detector checkup from MDC Systems Inc.:

  • Delivery of the specific certified gas sample to each sensor type.
  • Connecting to the sensor electronically, to verify electrical readings when no sensor readout is available, to ensure proper set points are reached.
  • Using pressure demand regulators for sample draw type sensors, in order to verify the pumps integrity, as well as the sensor’s reaction to the gas.
  • Using set rate regulators with the specified manufacturer’s calibration cup, for a tight seal for diffusion-type area sensors.
  • Building Calibration Reports documenting the sensors’ ID, gas type, range, alarm set points and calibration set points.
  • Documenting the pre-findings and post-settings on the calibration report.
  • Affixing calibration stickers to each sensor passing the calibration service.
  • Delivering a completed calibration report for maintenance recordkeeping purposes.
  • Preparing cost estimates for repairs to the system upon completion of the calibration services, if some of the sensors failed calibration and are in need of replacement.

At MDC Systems Inc., we are dedicated to providing our clients with quality gas detection systems in San Jose, CA that exceed expectations when it comes to performance, reliability and accuracy. However, even the most efficient gas detector requires regular maintenance to ensure that it is operating at peak performance. That’s why we are dedicated to offering our clients regular maintenance service and system checkups in addition to our top-notch installation services. We want to not only make sure that your system meets industry regulations and operational standards, but that you are confident in your system’s continued performance. To learn more about our maintenance services or to schedule your routine system checkup, give us a call today!

Why You Require Better Ammonia Detection in San Jose, CA

Ammonia detection is most needed in food industries where refrigeration leaks can threaten worker safety. The tech industry, chemical manufacturing and pretty much every boiler room in the country can also pose this threat. When you face this possibility, you must ensure your ammonia detection is up to the challenge. Here are five reasons why you need better ammonia detection in San Jose, CA:

  • OSHA penalties: OSHA is serious about protecting workers from ammonia. In 2015, it issued a levy against Reinhart Food Service, LLC after ammonia leaks resulted from a malfunctioning check valve. The order admonished the company for falling behind on repair and maintenance, while also indicating ammonia sensors were inadequate. Since you likely do not want to face fines on top of any repair costs, detecting ammonia when it becomes a problem is vital to staying on OSHA’s good side.
  • EPA sanctions: The EPA also takes ammonia poisoning very seriously. In fact, new standards look to remove anhydrous ammonia from the ice and cold storage process altogether. When an ammonia leak also causes environmental effects on land and water, that is another way to collect sanctions and face an economically nervous situation. Sensors find the problem before it threatens to poison the public. This is not only good for saving costs, but also for being a good corporate citizen.
  • Worker productivity: Ammonia fumes cause headaches, nausea, skin and eye lesions and lung irritation. People also report losing their sense of smell. Your employees cannot work well while suffering these symptoms, and if they develop health consequences, the responsibility will be on you and your workers’ compensation insurance. Rather than risk reducing protectivity and morale, install sensors so you can focus on prevention rather than on damage control.
  • Lawsuits: The fumes from ammonia are especially dangerous to asthma sufferers. It is not a stretch to imagine a wrongful death happening at your site because an asthmatic employee or customer reacts to the fumes. Ammonia exposure will not affect healthy individuals right away, but one who suffers respiratory limitations is likely to be a liability disaster in the making. You never know who will visit your site or work for you, so it is better to be overly cautious and make this effort to keep everyone safe.
  • Objective evidence: Ammonia has a strong odor and is easily detected at less than 10 times the OSHA permissible exposure level. However, since people have various degrees of smell sensitivity, there is a tendency to ignore complaints about odors until it is too late. The sensors act as a backup; even if visitors and workers cannot distinguish between safe and dangerous ammonia concentration, the sensors have that ability. However, we recommend that you listen to your employees on these complaints, especially if ammonia fumes are not normal in your workplace.

For new and effective ideas in ammonia detection in San Jose, CA, contact MDC Systems Inc. today. We are leaders in gas detection and can keep your premises safe and productive.

Five Considerations When Choosing Carbon Monoxide Detectors in San Jose, CA

Carbon monoxide detectors save lives. Whether it is time to upgrade your current system or install new monitors in a new facility, you need to make a good choice when you add this essential equipment. Otherwise, your safety precautions may be pointless, which places workers and customers at risk. Here are five factors to consider when you’re getting ready to choose new carbon monoxide detectors in San Jose, CA:

  • Alarm volume: There is no point in installing carbon monoxide detectors if no one on the premises hears them. If you have a noisy manufacturing operation or machine shop, you will need to find a loud alarm—especially if your workers wear OSHA-certified hearing protection. There are models available made especially for loud environments. Consider those if you are concerned about volume. The minimum volume level required by Underwriters Libraries is 85 decibels, but depending on your workplace conditions, you may need to find something louder.
  • Interconnectivity: Detectors must be able to communicate with each other. This is especially essential if they also provide remote alerts via smartphone. You cannot install one brand in one area and expect them to effectively communicate with a different model in another area. It is also unlikely that a new system will work with an older app if you have remote alerts. When you install new systems, the changes must be uniform throughout the premises. That is the only way you can assure alerts are issued in a timely manner to evacuate a plant or send help to make repairs.
  • Lifespan: Carbon monoxide detectors, like other technology, have a maximum useful life. Sensors eventually wear out or are replaced with new technology. Models with low-battery and “end of life” warning features assure you make upgrades and repairs on time. Also, seek detectors with a long warranty. If they wear out prematurely, that will help you avoid losses after you invest time and money in a new system.
  • Ability to test: There should be an easy testing process for your detectors. Tests should include all functions like alarm volume, remote alerts and sensitivity level. If your detectors only sound an alarm when carbon monoxide levels are especially high and dangerous, your workers may feel symptoms before they receive a warning. You want your alarms to issue warnings before workers feel symptoms. Otherwise, you risk illness and worker compensation claims. You cannot assure this safety precaution unless you choose a model that is easily tested.
  • Local regulations: Your state or municipality may have standards for carbon monoxide detection in your industry. Check those first before investing in a system. Investing in a system only to find it does not meet those requirements does not work for your bottom line or workplace safety policies. Since laws can change, it is better to exceed requirements than settle for just barely meeting them.

MDC Systems Inc. provides carbon monoxide detectors in San Jose, CA to shops and businesses in the area. Call today to learn about our systems.

Toxic Gas Detection in San Jose, CA Can Sense Hazardous Gases Emanating from Reused Landfill Sites

Has it ever crossed your mind to invest in a quality system specifically for toxic gas detection in San Jose, CA? Though most commercial and industrial business buildings should install such systems, those built on top of repurposed landfill sites are more at risk of toxic gas exposure. Let’s take a look at what landfill gas is, and review the most common hazardous gases that are produced.

What is landfill gas?

When we refer to “landfill gas,” we are not talking about one particular type of gas. In fact, landfill gas contains a number of different gases (like methane and carbon dioxide) that are produced over time when organic waste is broken down with the help of bacteria in the soil.

There are several factors that come into play in the making of landfill gas, as well as the amount produced. The age of the landfill, the type of waste that was dumped, the temperature and the oxygen and moisture content are all a part of gas production. In addition, although a production of gas typically peaks between five and 10 years, a used or unused landfill can potentially produce gas for more than 50 years.

The toxic gases that emanate from reused landfill soil can easily move through all sorts of soil density, not to mention that old, undesirable garbage odors are also still present. Unfortunately, although previous landfill sites are covered over with more dirt and other materials that are good for new construction surfaces, these gases can still move through the soil and settle inside buildings and linger in the air. This can put you at risk for exposure to hazardous gases, since they are liable to accumulate in structures that are built directly on top of old landfills.

Common hazardous gases

If you are planning on a new building construction over a repurposed landfill site, or are already doing business on top of one, then you need to be aware of the most common hazardous gases that are likely coming up from the soil. Contact the pros at MDC Systems Inc. to learn more about the proper way to follow through on toxic gas detection in San Jose, CA:

  • Methane: First and foremost, it’s important to know that methane is flammable and can be explosive indoors at high concentrations. This happens more often when methane gas gets trapped in closed off areas inside buildings, such as basements, attics and crawlspaces.
  • Carbon dioxide: Like methane, this natural gas is odorless and tasteless. Both gases will displace oxygen in enclosed spaces, which can be deadly not because of the gases themselves, but because there is so little available oxygen to breathe.
  • Ammonia and hydrogen sulfide: Ammonia and hydrogen sulfide are responsible for a lot of the odors found in landfills. But when introduced to the inside of buildings, the combination can cause unpleasant side effects, including headaches, coughing, nausea, eye irritation and breathing difficulties.

At MDC Systems Inc., we offer the systems your commercial building needs to ensure that your workers stay healthy and products are safe for consumers. Contact us to discuss the best system for toxic gas detection in San Jose, CA for your business.

Benefits of Gas Detection Systems in San Jose, CA for Commercial Buildings

Certain types of commercial and industrial facilities have the potential for gas-related hazards, more so than many other kinds of business settings. Types of gas hazards include oxygen depletion, explosive gas presence and toxicity. But with the right gas detection system in place, you can rest easy knowing both occupied and unoccupied areas of your facility are getting continuous monitoring to better avert dangerous situations.

Here are some benefits of gas detection systems in San Jose, CA when you install them in your commercial or industrial building.

Round-the-clock monitoring

Large industrial and commercial structures are bound to house all sorts of gases. These gases could be produced during product manufacturing processes, they may be naturally occurring in the environment or they may even present after an internal gas leak. The best way to keep your employees safe and your property protected is to take advantage of the benefits that gas detection systems offer. The right system for your facility will offer continuous monitoring, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to make sure gas levels never reach a critical state.

The most important thing is the safety of you and the people who work for you. With quality gas detection systems in San Jose, CA, you are protected from risks like asphyxiation, gas poisoning, even building explosions or fires.

Less worry

Because gas detection systems are made to detect hazardous gases before someone enters a room—or while employees are working in an area—on-the-job safety risks are minimized. The system takes on the responsibility that would otherwise have you manually monitoring a gas detection device, thus reducing the amount of time it takes to completely assess individual areas. You also don’t have to worry when you know your employees will receive early warnings if a hazardous gas is detected.

Save money

Not having to post someone up for manual gas detection monitoring is another benefit of installing an automated detection system. This change saves time and money on labor that could be used in other areas of your business. Also, installing a good quality system may require a greater initial cost, but money is saved over time in labor and maintenance.

Easy to maintain

Not only are commercial and industrial gas detection systems affordable, but they also require little maintenance and are relatively simple to install. Additionally, they are typically installed in closed off areas or placed up high, making them less susceptible to damage. For these reasons, maintenance is low, as long as your system is regularly calibrated.

On another note, although you could install a basic system yourself, for more intricate building layouts and to reach all enclosed spaces—such as crawlspaces, storage closets and basements—you may want to seriously consider hiring a professional. Inquire about professional installation services when you are looking into purchasing a new gas detection system.

If you own a commercial or industrial site, make sure gas detection systems in San Jose, CA are at the top of your safety upgrade list. For more information, schedule a time to speak with a professional installer at MDC Systems Inc. Contact us today!