Before You Start
WARNING!
Carefully review the following safety limitations and precautions before placing this device in service. Do not alter or modify the device.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
Before getting started with the ALTAIR io 4, there are several things to know. Please read this user guide carefully before using the device. The device will perform as designed only if it is used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction. Otherwise, it could fail to perform as designed and persons who rely on this device for their safety could sustain serious personal injury or death. In addition to manufacturer instructions, applicable national regulations should be considered for safe use.
General Warnings and Precautions
WARNING!
| • | Use the device only to detect gases/vapors for which a sensor is installed. |
| • | Do not use the device to detect combustible dusts or mists. |
| • | Do not open the device in an explosive atmosphere. |
| • | Do not use the device if: |
| ○ | the function test is unsuccessful, |
| ○ | the device is damaged, |
| ○ | a competent servicing/maintenance has not been completed, or |
| ○ | genuine MSA spare parts have not been used. |
| • | If the device is subjected to physical shock, the device must pass calibration before continuing use. |
| • | Charging the device in a hazardous environment poses a risk of explosion. Do not charge the device in a hazardous area. |
| • | Do not use silicone-type lubricants when assembling the detector, and do not allow silicone vapors to be drawn into the flow system while in operation. Silicone can desensitize the combustible gas sensor, thereby giving erroneously low readings. |
| • | For Brazil Only: This equipment is not entitled to protection against harmful interference and may not cause interference to properly licensed systems. For more information, see ANATEL's website at https://www.gov.br/anatel/pt-br/ |
Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death.
Functional Check
Before each day’s use, check the function of the device. To power on the device to check its functionality, refer to the Power On and Off section. Once the device is powered on, the display will activate and the device will complete a start-up sequence, during which you should observe proper function of the:
| • | Display |
| • | Alert LEDs |
| • | Horn |
| • | Vibration |
Gas Measurement
Combustible Gas
Do not use the device 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.
CSA requires (per CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60079-29-1) that combustible sensor sensitivity be tested before each day's use on a known concentration of methane equivalent to 25 to 50 % of full-scale concentration. Accuracy must be within 0 to +20 % of actual.
When the combustible gas sensor reading reaches its maximum range, the device enters a locked alarm state to protect the sensor, the sensor shuts down, and the user interface displays "overrange" in the combustible sensor tile. This state can be reset by turning the device off and on in a fresh-air environment. Keep the device in the fresh air environment until sensor readings have stabilized and then zero the sensors.
WARNING!
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 “overrange" indicates that the atmosphere is above 100% LEL and an explosion hazard exists.
Do not use the device for prolonged periods in an atmosphere containing a concentration of fuel or solvent vapors that may be greater than 10% LEL. Move away from the hazardous area immediately.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
Physical Shock
If the device is subjected to a physical shock, complete the steps in Calibration.
Sensors
| • | Do not block sensor openings as this may cause inaccurate readings. |
| • | Do not press on the face of the sensors, as this may damage them and cause erroneous readings. |
| • | Do not use compressed air to clean the sensor holes, as the pressure may damage the sensors. |
Allow sufficient time for device to display accurate reading. Response times vary based on the type of sensor being utilized.
NOTE: While the device can detect up to 30% oxygen in ambient air, it is approved for use only up to 21% oxygen in hazardous locations.
Battery
Use only battery chargers made available by MSA for use with this device; other chargers may damage the battery pack and the device. As the battery pack ages, there will be a reduction in usable device runtime. The Li-Polymer battery pack (3.7V, 2Ah) is NOT a field replacement part.
WARNING!
If a Critical Battery Alarm activates while using the device, leave the area immediately, as the end of battery life is approaching.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.
Environmental Conditions
General
WARNING!
| • | Do not use the device to test for combustible or toxic gases in the following atmospheres as this may result in erroneous readings: |
| ○ | Reducing atmospheres |
| ○ | Furnace stacks |
| ○ | Inert environments |
| ○ | Atmospheres containing combustible airborne mists/dusts. |
| • | Do not use the device to test for toxic gases in oxygen-deficient (<19.5 % vol) or oxygen-rich (>20.8 % vol) atmospheres, as this may result in erroneous readings. |
| • | Do not use the device to test for combustible gases in atmospheres <10% vol oxygen, as this may result in erroneous readings. |
| • | Use the device only to detect gases/vapors for which a sensor is installed. |
Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death.
Many environmental factors may affect the sensor readings, including changes in atmospheric pressure, humidity and temperature. Pressure and humidity changes also affect the amount of oxygen present in the atmosphere.
Pressure
If pressure changes rapidly (e.g., stepping through airlock), the oxygen sensor reading may temporarily shift and possibly cause the device to go into alarm. While the percentage of oxygen may remain at or near 20.8 Vol %, the total amount of oxygen present in the atmosphere available for respiration may become a hazard if the overall pressure is reduced by a significant degree.
It is recommended that an oxygen calibration be performed at the temperature and pressure of use. Ensure that the device is in known fresh air before performing a calibration.
Humidity
If humidity changes by any significant degree (e.g., going from a dry, air conditioned environment to outdoor, moisture laden air), oxygen readings can be reduced by up to 0.5 %, due to water vapor in the air displacing oxygen.
The oxygen sensor has a special filter to reduce the effects of humidity changes on oxygen readings. This effect will not be noticed immediately, but slowly impacts oxygen readings over several hours.
Temperature
The sensors have built-in temperature compensation. However, if temperature shifts dramatically, the sensor reading may shift. Zero the device at the work site temperature to minimize the effect of temperature changes.
Storage
When not in use, store the device in a safe, dry place between 18 °C (64 °F) and 30 °C (86 °F).
WARNING!
Do not store the device where silicone vapors are present or in the presence of silicone components, lubricants, cleaners or other substances containing silicone. Silicone can desensitize the combustible gas sensor, thereby giving erroneously low readings. Calibrate the detector upon removal from storage and prior to use.
Failure to follow this warning can result in serious personal injury or death.