GAS SYSTEM TESTING - EQUIPMENT

The items in this section provide insights into the testing and necessary equipment for validations. Prior to putting the vehicle into service, the gas detection system should receive a final check. This insures that the system has not been compromised in some manner during transportation or possibly by the body builder, etc. This recommendation facilitates one of the three (3) per year vehicle gas detection validation processes required by CHP Title 13-2008, NFPA 52-2010 and SAE J2343. There are three two basic areas that need to be addressed for validation of the gas detection system:

• Validate multiple gas sensor/system components. Use certified gases -same gas/ climatic condition under which the vehicle is operated. Do not use alcohol, butane lighter, propane or other harsh materials.
• Validate that audible alarm can be heard by the driver prior to entering the vehicle.
• Validate visual alarm that can be seen prior to the driver entering the vehicle.

Gas Odorant verses Gas Detection

All gases fueled vehicle should have gas detection onboard. CNG, Propane, Hythane all may have some trace odorant within the gas. Odorants provide seriouschallenges as a means of providing primary safety. Their use is totally dependent on the driver, and in many cases, the passengers. Humans for the most part are not a good source for smelling leaking gases. There are serious challenges: use of cold or hay fever medicines, gas at 5% lower explosive range is very low, having a cold, hay fever or other nasal problem seriously reduces ability to smell odorant. School bus and transit drivers with rear engine buses are dependent on school children to be the first layer of alarm. Hythane is governed by NFPA 52 and requires vehicle gas detection.

Contents may not be distributed, forwarded or copied without permission of USAPRO Shoreline Technology, LLC. USA PRO Shoreline Technology assumes no responsibility for information provided. Data should not be considered final engineering, testing or installation recommendations or solutions to problems or regulatory demands as these demands are applications and date specific. Each installation shall have final approval by the installation provider.