Working in the pharmaceutical industry often involves handling chemicals and gases that can potentially be hazardous if leaked or improperly controlled. Gas detection systems help in monitoring and detecting leaks promptly to prevent potential incidents or exposure to harmful substances. These fixed systems play a critical role in ensuring the safety of personnel, maintaining product quality, and meeting regulatory standards such as;
Health and Safety workplace exposure limit EH40: This recommends an exposure limit of 50ppm an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) or 100pm 15-minute short-term exposure limit (STEL).
What is toluene?
Toluene is a volatile organic compound (VOC) widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, primarily as a solvent in the manufacturing of drugs, intermediates, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Detecting toluene gas is critical for several reasons:
- Toxicity: Toluene is hazardous when inhaled. It can cause a range of health issues, including dizziness, headaches, respiratory irritation, and more serious conditions such as liver and kidney damage with prolonged exposure. Chronic exposure can also affect the central nervous system.
- Occupational Exposure: Workers involved in processes where toluene is used are at risk of inhaling fumes, especially in enclosed areas, so monitoring concentrations ensures exposure stays within safe limits.
- Flammability: Toluene is highly flammable, and even low concentrations of toluene vapours can pose a risk of fire or explosion if they accumulate in confined spaces.
- Air Quality Control: Many environmental regulations limit the emission of VOCs like toluene due to their contribution to air pollution and potential environmental harm.
- Waste Management: In pharmaceutical manufacturing, toluene vapours can also be released during waste disposal or solvent recovery processes.
- Contamination Risk: When used in manufacturing, toluene must be properly contained to prevent contamination of final products.
Methods for toluene gas detection
Fixed detection systems can be installed in critical areas such as storage rooms, production facilities, and solvent recovery systems. These fixed systems provide continuous monitoring of toluene concentrations and will trigger alarms if safety thresholds are exceeded.
Portable gas detectors can also be used by workers to ensure personal safety during maintenance, solvent handling, or in confined spaces. These portable devices can detect toluene in real-time, alerting workers if they are exposed to hazardous concentrations.
Photoionization detectors (PIDs) are commonly used to detect low concentrations of VOCs like toluene and can be deployed in both fixed and portable instrumentation formats.
Monitoring solutions from Shawcity
The use of reliable fixed detection systems, combined with regular monitoring and safety protocols, ensures the safe and effective use of toluene in pharmaceutical manufacturing. 
The SMART 3G series for fixed systems, from Sensitron, excels in detecting toluene across both classified and unclassified areas. These sensors are adept at identifying flammable substances, toxic gases, refrigerants, and oxygen, boasting certifications in ATEX, IECx, and SIL2/3 for comprehensive detection in demanding environments.
Designed for effortless installation and maintenance, the Crowcon Xgard fixed system sensor is robust, resilient and capable of enduring challenging monitoring conditions. With versatile wall or ceiling mounting options, it can be installed in any location, while its high-grade industrial casing ensures uninterrupted performance around the clock.
Additionally, the ION Science FALCO PID fixed sensor is ideal for precise toluene detection. Its lifespan varies based on factors such as operating conditions, and frequency of use. Components such as the UV lamp typically last between 6 to 12 months, necessitating periodic maintenance and replacement as per manufacturer instructions.
Regular calibration of any fixed system is also crucial to maintain accurate detection capabilities.
Fixed gas detection systems from Shawcity
Shawcity is one of the UK’s leading providers of fixed gas detection systems and our complete service includes site surveys, installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance. We partner with world-leading manufacturers such as Analox, Crowcon, GDS Technologies, Honeywell, ION Science, Sensitron and Uniphos to ensure we have the most comprehensive independent offer for our customers.
For total peace of mind, we are accredited members of the Safe Contractor scheme, and all our engineers are CSCS and SSSTS certified. Shawcity is also ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001 certified.
Whether you’re seeking a specific solution for a new application or need support with your existing system, our team is ready to assist.
Contact the team on 01367 899419 or email solutions@shawcity.co.uk and arrange your free site survey.
01367 899553
info@shawcity.co.uk
