Safety and Precautionary Measures

WARNING! 

Carefully review the following safety limitations and precautions before placing this device in service.

Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.

• Check function ( Function Tests on the Device) each day before use. MSA recommends carrying out a routine inspection prior to each day's use.
• It is recommended that a Bump Test is performed before each day's use ( Bump Test) to verify proper device operation. The device must pass the bump test. If it fails the test, perform a calibration ( Calibration) before using the device.
• For PID sensors manufactured from March 2020 to June 2023, a bump test or manual gas check must be performed each time that the unit is powered on.
• The ALTAIR 5X PID Detector is designed to detect gases and vapors in air only.
• Bluetooth Operation is dependent upon signal availability of the wireless service(s) necessary to maintain the communication link. Loss of wireless signal will prevent communication of alarms and other information to linked devices. Take appropriate precautions in the event a loss of wireless signal occurs.

WARNING! 

It is very important to have an understanding of PID basics when changing PID settings. Failure to properly identify the VOC gas being measured and/or failures to select the correct Response Factor alarm values (exposure, STEL, TWA) that match the desired Response Factor and/or the correct lamp will result in erroneous readings or erroneous alarm limits that could cause death or serious personal injury.

 

• Perform a Bump Test more frequently if the device is subjected to physical shock or high levels of contaminants. Also, check calibration more frequently if the tested atmosphere contains the following materials, which may desensitize the combustible gas sensor and/or VOC sensor (PID) and reduce its readings:
○ Organic silicones
○ Silicates
○ Lead-containing compounds
○ Sulfur compound exposures over 200 ppm or exposures over 50 ppm for one minute
○ High concentration of VOC gas may affect CO sensor performance
• The minimum concentration of a combustible gas in air that can ignite is defined as the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL). A combustible gas reading of XXX indicates the atmosphere is above 100 % LEL, and an explosion hazard exists. Move away from hazardous area immediately.
• Do not use the catalytic or electrochemical sensors to test for combustible or toxic gases in the following atmospheres as this may result in erroneous readings:
○ Oxygen-deficient or oxygen-rich atmospheres
○ Reducing atmospheres
○ Furnace stacks
○ Inert environments
○ Atmospheres containing combustible airborne mists/dusts.
• Do not use the catalytic combustible sensor of the ALTAIR 5X PID Multigas Detector to test for combustible gases in atmospheres containing vapors from liquids with a high flash point (above 38 °C, 100 °F) as this may result in erroneously low readings.
• Allow sufficient time for device to display accurate reading. Response times vary based on the type of sensor being utilized ( Performance Specification). Allow a minimum of 1 second per foot (3 seconds per meter) of sample line to allow the sample to be drawn through the sensors.
• Sampling lines made from 0.062 inch (1.57 mm) inner diameter tubing provide fast transport times to the device; however, they must be limited to 50 feet (15 m) in length.
• Sampling of reactive toxic gases (Cl2, ClO2, NH3) must only be done with the reactive gas sample line and probe kits listed in Ordering Information.
• Sampling lines made from 0.125 inch (3 mm) inner diameter tubing must be limited to 100 feet (30 m) in length.
• All device readings and information must be interpreted by someone trained and qualified in interpreting device readings in relation to the specific environment, industrial practice and exposure limitations.

Observe Proper Battery Maintenance

Use only battery chargers made available by MSA for use with this device; other chargers may damage the battery pack and the device. Dispose of in accordance with local health and safety regulations.

Be Aware of Environmental Conditions

A number of environmental factors may affect the sensor readings, including changes in pressure, humidity and temperature. Pressure and humidity changes also affect the amount of oxygen actually present in the atmosphere.

Be Aware of the Procedures for Handling Electrostatically Sensitive Electronics

The device contains electrostatically sensitive components. Do not open or repair the device without using appropriate electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection. The warranty does not cover damage caused by electrostatic discharges.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including any interference that may cause undesired operation.

WARNING! 

This is a class A product in accordance with CISPR 22. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.

This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Be Aware of the Warranty Regulations

The warranties made by MSA The Safety Company with respect to the product are voided if the product is not used and maintained in accordance with the instructions in this manual. Please protect yourself and others by following them. We encourage our customers to write or call regarding this equipment prior to use or for any additional information relative to use or service.

Be Aware of the Product Regulations

Follow all relevant national regulations applicable in the country of use.