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!

Choose Programmable Gas Detectors in San Jose, CA Over Spec Controllers

A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) monitors input devices and adjusts systems based on the data it collects. The PLC became an essential part of gas detectors in San Jose, CA over the years and this has made businesses safer and able to operate more smoothly. There is confusion sometimes because gas detectors also come with spec controllers provided by the manufacturer. Here is why a custom PLC setup is a better option over the spec controller:

• Remote access: You do not have to be on site to access the PLC. Many models can be programmed using text messaging or email. They can also provide an alarm through remote means, and that allows the staff member on call to make the needed adjustments, often needing only their smart phone. Less travel time for workers saves you costs and allows for issues to be solved quickly. Many industries realize the cost savings and convenience of remote access, and those advantages are available in gas detection, too.
• Easily operated: While you still require specialized professionals to operate the PLC, many people in those sectors find the PLC to be a preferred choice. The main reason is its universal nature. There is no need to constantly switch out controllers because an upgrade also means a change of manufacturer. It only needs adjustment to the new system, and you are once again good to go.
• Better sensors: PLC devices pick up on gas leaks before they become a serious problem. You no longer wait until employees complain of nausea or headaches, and it allows more lead time to solve the problem or evacuate the premises. This creates a safer work environment, which also reduces your overall costs.
• Direct software access: Many industries use the Supervisory Control and Data Access (SCDA) system. This advanced design uses computers, networks, data communication and graphic interface to manage processes. Peripheral tools like logical and PID controllers offer additional opportunities to make accurate adjustments. The PLC accesses this system directly, so changes can be made quicker and, again, remotely. It operates in real time, so if a gas leak or other emergency arises, solutions occur quicker than if they relied solely on human intervention. In non-emergency situations, it also allows for changes needed for efficiency and good functioning.
• Expands possibilities: SCDA developed as a universal system for allowing remote access to several types of control modules. These systems work across manufacturing brands and industries. It allows for better system integration than anything that was possible before. When you have PLC and SCDA intertwined, you not only have an efficient system, but one that easily expands. Today’s industries are about adjusting to current demands, and the spec controller does not have the same ability to work with multiple brands. Your systems will be as simple or complex as they need to be.

MDC Systems Inc. uses PLC with its gas detectors in San Jose, CA. Contact us today if you require assistance with your gas detection system.

An Overview of False Alarms in Toxic Gas Detection Systems in San Jose, CA

Gas detection systems in San Jose, CA are designed to pick up on potential toxic gas leaks to keep every person in your facility safe, which is why it’s crucial that you have the right gas detection device in place. This is not only because hazardous gases have the power to knock out an entire workforce, but because many are also flammable. From gas poisoning to fires and explosions, gas detection alarms must be taken seriously, no matter what—including false alarms. But even though the alarms might be false, you cannot allow employees to stop reacting to them.

As a reminder to everyone working in your facility, here’s an overview of false alarms produced by toxic gas detection systems in San Jose, CA.

What is a false alarm?

We’ve all probably encountered a false alarm either at home or at our place of employment. The most common type of false alarm is the smoke detector going off. That loud beeping is meant to be annoying in order to alert you to the presence of smoke, but when you don’t see smoke, you may go looking for a source that’s not there. False alarms lead to panic, and in an office building or factory, it’s likely to bring out the fire department.

But for your facility that’s around any number of gases, alarms—though they may be false—can be extremely scary. A toxic gas detector is a device installed to alert everyone on site that a dangerous level of a specific hazardous gas has been detected; in some instances, that gas is not actually loose in the air.

Main causes of false alarms

• Your gas detector could be reacting to a certain hazardous gas, which may create an electrical noise or signal that leads to a false alarm. This is also known as cross-sensitivities caused by a chemical reaction.
• Maintaining your gas detection system plays a huge role in whether or not false alarms occur—especially since sensors can lose their sensitivity after a certain amount of time. This means they are more likely to malfunction and produce false alarms on a regular basis before completely dying off. Depending on the manufacturer, sensor life is typically 6 to 24 months, but with scheduled maintenance services, you can have them replaced well before they start losing their accuracy.
• Another possible cause of false alarms in your facility is the age of the detection device. Old technology and equipment may have proven worthy for a good length of time, but you want to consider replacing your old system with a newer, more efficient one to stop nonsensical alerts and to ensure workplace safety.

When you own one of many gas detection systems in San Jose, CA, you are responsible for keeping it maintained. Your employees depend on you to keep them safe at the workplace, which is why you should schedule regular system maintenance and sensor checks with the experienced team at MDC Systems, Inc. Don’t hesitate to call us with questions or to make an appointment!