The GasAlertQuattro and European Performance Protocols

It is important that this unit is used in compliance with the current protocols to ensure safety and the ability to accurately detect potentially harmful gases. While a full list and explanation of these regulations can be found on page 31 of the owner’s manual, let's take a quick look at some of the most relevant.

Powering Up the Unit and Low Battery Alarm Protocols

When activating the detector, it must be powered up in an atmosphere that contains 20.9% oxygen. There must be no other hazardous gases present in the area (to avoid accidental ignition). Additionally the GasAlertQuattro should be verified to be functioning properly before taking it into an area that contains hazardous gases. If the low battery alarm signals while you are in a hazardous area, you should leave immediately to change the batteries.

Bump Tests and Other Configuration Requirements

It is recommended that users perform a bump test before taking the monitor into the field. Sensor sensitivities and potential contaminants can be found on page 7 of the owner's manual.

Also, make certain that response times are accurate and fast enough to trigger an alarm before a hazardous condition occurs. The sensors should react to gas and start to display readings within ten seconds of exposure. Most sensors will work much faster than this, but 10 seconds is the maximum length of time a working sensor should take to read gases. If your sensors are slower to respond, it is recommended to set the safety levels BELOW normal limits to allow adequate detection and alert time.

Calibration and Configuration

If you know ahead of time that you will need to use the monitor in warmer, colder, or more humid conditions, you should attempt to calibrate the monitor in a similar environment. This will help make sure the readings are as accurate as possible. Failure to do so may result in incorrect sensitivity and readings.

Also, there are certain times when dust or other contaminants may interfere with how accurately the detector will measure certain gas concentrations. It is for this reason that intervals should be specified to take this into account. The more quickly a loss of sensitivity, the shorter the interval time should be.

The configuration software required for the GasAlertQuattro is FleetManager version 2.6.0 or higher. You can download the latest version of FleetManager by following the link above.

A few final measures that should be employed as that bump test should be carried out every single day the sensor is in use, IntelliFlash must be activated and low and high alarm values must not be set to 0.