Bob Henderson Contributor Bio

Bio

Bob Henderson is President of GfG Instrumentation, Inc. in Ann Arbor, Michigan.Robert has been a member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association since 1992. He is an active member of the AIHA Real Time Detection Systems Technical Committee, and the AIHA Confined Spaces Committee. He is also a past chair of the Instrument Products Group of the International Safety Equipment Association. Robert has over 37 years of experience in the design, sale and marketing of atmospheric monitoring instruments used in confined space, industrial safety, and industrial hygiene monitoring applications.

Articles by Bob Henderson

Confined Spaces: Standards and Guidelines to Know

Confined spaces open the door to a host of associated hazards. Learn what a confined space is, and how to stay safe when working in one.

Q&A by Bob Henderson

What are the most common toxic gases in confined spaces?

Gas hazards are common in confined spaces. Find out which gases put entrants at risk and must be monitored for their safety.
What is a hazardous atmosphere?

According to OSHA, a “hazardous atmosphere” is an atmosphere that may expose employees to the risk of death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue, injury, or acute illness from one or more of the following...
What is oxygen deficiency?

Fresh air contains approximately 20.9% oxygen (O2). According to OSHA, atmosphere that contains less than 19.5% by volume is hazardous due to oxygen deficiency. As the O2 concentration drops below 19.5%, people begin to...
What is a confined space?

According to 29 CFR 1910.146, a confined space is characterized by the simultaneous existence of three conditions:It must be large enough and so configured that it is possible for a person to bodily enter and perform workIt...
What is a hazardous combustible gas atmosphere?

In order for an atmosphere to be capable of burning explosively, four conditions must be met.Adequate oxygenAdequate fuelA source of ignitionSufficient molecular energy to sustain the fire chain reaction.These four...
What is a permit required confined space (PRCS)?

Many confined spaces are associated with serious safety hazards, and require special procedures to ensure worker safety.According to 29 CFR 1910.146, a permit-required confined space (or permit space) is a confined space...
What kinds of sensors are used to detect LEL combustible gas?

Confined space instruments almost always include a sensor used to measure percent LEL combustible gas. There are two types of widely used LEL sensors; catalytic “Wheatstone bridge” or infrared (IR) sensors. Each type of...
What is oxygen enrichment?

The concentration of oxygen in confined spaces is a concern from two standpoints. Too little oxygen can cause asphyxiation. Excessively high or "enriched" levels of oxygen above normal concentration in fresh air can...
What combustible gases are associated with confined spaces?

Combustible gases and vapors can be produced by materials used or stored in confined spaces, as well as natural processes. The most common combustible gas found in confined spaces is methane (CH4), which can be easily...