The shift toward mobile gas sensing in safety-critical industries

13. august 2025 | Hamamatsu Photonics Norden AB

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Oil rigs, gas plants, underground mines, and firegrounds are classed as high-risk environments, as workers often face dangers such as heat, explosions, crush or fall injuries, and exposure to hazardous gases. Gases pose a significant safety risk, as poorly ventilated, confined spaces can quickly become life-threatening when flammable or toxic compounds are present. Measuring these gases is therefore key to ensuring employee well-being. Unfortunately, traditional fixed gas monitoring systems aren’t always practical, especially when personnel are constantly on the move or working in remote locations. That’s why there’s a growing shift towards wearable and handheld gas sensors that are designed to clip onto clothing or fit in a pocket, providing real-time notifications to alert workers of potential danger.[1,2] These devices are increasingly being treated as essential personal protective equipment (PPE), especially in industries where exposure to methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) poses a serious risk.[3] Despite their small size, these sensors also need to have a high sensitivity and long battery life, as they’re often relied upon in environments where access is limited and maintenance isn’t always possible. This blog discusses how optical sensing technologies – particularly non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) systems sensing in the mid-infrared (MIR) range – support the development of small, reliable gas sensors for demanding industrial environments.