Phosgene SafeAir Color Comparator

Color change for Phosgene is from yellow to red.

The SafeAir Phosgene badge may be used for personnel or area monitoring for exposure times from 1 minutes to 3 days. Use with the Phosgene badge for match the dose as in the exposure window.

Introduction

Phosgene is a colorless, highly toxic gas with an odor resembling moldy hay. It is an insidious poison. There is no immediate irritation even when fatal concentrations are inhaled. It may cause severe pulmonary edema (abnormal fluid build up in the lungs) or pneumonia. Inhalation of high concentrations causes choking, painful breathing and coughing. OSHA PEL (permissible) exposure limit for phosgene is 0.1 ppm (averaged over an 8-hour work shift). NIOSH IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) exposure limit for phosgene is 2 ppm.

Phosgene is used in the manufacturing of numerous organic chemicals. It is also used in the production of glass, resins, dyes and plastics.

Principle of Operation

The SafeAir phosgene badge is a monitoring system designed to indicate the presence of phosgene at concentrations below the permissible exposure limit. The SafeAir phosgene badge detects the presence of phosgene by forming a color change in the shape of an exclamation mark inside the triangle. This indication is produced by a color-forming reaction, which occurs when phosgene reacts with a flat indicator layer.

Operating Instructions

1. Remove the pouch from the refrigerator and allow it to warm to room temperature.

2. Remove the badge from its protective pouch.

3. Remove activation label before monitoring.

4. For personnel monitoring, attach the badge near the user’s breathing zone (i.e. the collar) with the front side exposed to the surrounding atmosphere.

5. For area monitoring, attach the badge to a stand and mount in a centralized area with the front side exposed to the surrounding atmosphere.

6. The exclamation mark appears within the triangle when phosgene is present. Please note that the exclamation mark will appear underneath the printed exposure dose (sensitivity).

7. To obtain the average concentration, divide the exposure dose (ppm∙min) by the exposure time in minutes (min).

Storage

The ChromAir phosgene monitor should be refrigerated in its sealed bag at all times.

Sampling Parameters

Downloads

383016 & 382036 Manual

Phosgene Information