SHIPBOARD DAMAGE CONTROL, PERSONNEL PROTECTION, FIREFIGHTING AND CBR-D
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DAMAGE CONTROL MUSEUM
DC EQUIPMENT Museum
 
Gas Free Equipment
 
Toxic Gas Indicators
 
Toxic gas testers were used to test for carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide, fuel vapors (e.g., Hyrazine, Unsymmetrical Dimethol-MAF-UDMH), nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen. The nitrogen detector, IRFNA, was used where there were heavy concentrations of gasoline or diesel exhaust and in weld shops. For testing with the tube and aspirator bulb type, the tester selected the desired test tube, broke the ends, and inserted it in the bulb. The required number of compressions was applied by squeezing the aspirator bulb. The result appeared on the test tube, indicated by color change. A color guide for toxic gases was used to interpret the results. When the Draeger test kit was used, the operator selected the desired test tube, broke the ends, inserted it in the bellows, and applied the number of compressions specified for the test. For a class “A” or “C” fire, the minimum tests to be conducted were for carbon monoxide (the product of incomplete combustion), carbon dioxide (the product of complete combustion), hydrochloric acid (the product of burned PVC cables) and hydrocyanic acid (the product of chilled water piping insulation). For a class “B” fire, they could also test for hydrocarbons. In later years, if Halon was used, a test for hydrogen fluoride was done, and if AFFF was used, the space was tested for hydrogen sulfide. Spaces with freon were tested for phosgene. When the main space fire doctrine (MSFD) was developed, the tester could refer the MSFD for a list of gases to test for after main space fires.
 
Image of Toxic Gas Indicator
 
For more information, see the Index.