Abstract
Reliable direct-reading instruments are valuable tools in responding to emergency situations in a timely fashion. Moreover, they enable field industrial hygienists interested in screening workplaces to determine whether more extensive monitoring is necessary. The Brüel-Kjaer 1302 Multi-Gas Monitor (MGM), a new, portable photo-acoustic analyzer, was evaluated in the laboratory and in the field monitoring different chemicals (nitrous oxide and Forane). Instrument performance was evaluated by comparing results obtained using the MGM with data obtained using a gas chromatograph connected to a mass selective detector and personal passive samplers. The correlation between data obtained using both methods was excellent. Effects of instrument resolution and sample storage stability were investigated. The linear range of the MGM is more than adequate for the sample concentrations determined in this study. Some advantages of the MGM include ease of programming and calibrating, minimal training or supervision for field use, and instantaneous detection of accurate and specific information about a work environment. Ghittori, S.; Fiorentino, M.L.; Imbriani, M.: An Evaluation of a New Portable Multi-Gas Monitor. Appl. Occup. Environ. Hyg. 8(4):283-287; 1993.