Here are the 10 features that will make a genuine difference to workplace safety, help you stay compliant with WorkSafe requirements, and deliver proper value for money.
Selecting the right gas monitor for your workplace shouldn’t be rocket science, but with suppliers throwing around terms like “must-have” and “industry-leading,” it’s easy to get overwhelmed. What features actually matter for keeping your team safe?
We’ve cut through the marketing noise to bring you a straightforward guide on what really counts. Here are the 10 features that will make a genuine difference to workplace safety, help you stay compliant with WorkSafe requirements, and deliver proper value for money.
The Non-Negotiables: Features You Can’t Do Without
1. Detects the Right Gases for Your Site
It sounds straightforward, but getting the wrong gas detection setup is one of the most common—and dangerous—mistakes in workplace safety. Your monitor must be configured to detect the actual hazards in your specific environment, not just the standard gases that come with most units.
Consider your workplace risks: Are you dealing with oxygen-deficient confined spaces? Combustible gases near machinery or storage areas? Toxic gases like carbon monoxide from engines or hydrogen sulphide from waste treatment? Each situation demands specific detection capabilities.
What to look for: A multi-gas monitor with customisable sensors covering oxygen (O₂), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), and combustible gases (LEL). If your work involves solvents, paints, or chemical processes, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) detection is essential.
The MX6 iBrid™ from Industrial Scientific exemplifies this flexibility as it supports up to six sensors, including PID for VOCs, infrared LEL detection, and all the core toxic and life-safety gases. Its full-colour LCD provides clear, immediate readings in all lighting conditions, ensuring you get the accuracy needed for both safety and WorkSafe compliance.
Need help identifying the right gas detection setup for your workplace? Contact us for expert guidance on purchase or rental options tailored to your specific hazards.
2. Proper Alarm Thresholds & Customisation
Your gas monitor’s alarm thresholds need to match your workplace hazards and comply with New Zealand regulations. Getting this wrong can lead to dangerous false alarms that disrupt operations, or worse, missed alarms that put workers at risk.
What to look for: Monitors with clearly defined Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) and Upper Explosive Limit (UEL) detection capabilities. Make sure the alarm settings can be customised to meet WorkSafe New Zealand requirements and your specific site conditions.
3. Clear Alarms & Visual Prompts
When gas levels become dangerous, your monitor needs to grab attention immediately—even in noisy industrial environments or when visibility is poor.
What works: Look for monitors offering multiple alert types: loud audible alarms (95 dB minimum), bright LED indicators, and vibration alerts. The best systems use full-screen display modes during emergencies, showing clear instructions like “EVACUATE” or “DON BREATHING APPARATUS.”
A good example is the Ventis Pro Series, which features a powerful 95 dB alarm, four LED lights (two red for high alarms, two blue for low alarms), and strong vibration alerts. During alarm events, the backlit LCD switches to full-screen mode, clearly displaying air quality levels and necessary actions.
This multi-layered approach ensures workers can quickly identify threats and respond appropriately, regardless of working conditions.
4. Maintenance Reminders (Bump Tests & Calibration)
A gas monitor that’s not properly maintained is worse than useless – it creates a false sense of security. Choose monitors with built-in maintenance scheduling that prompts users when bump tests or calibrations are due.
Why it matters: On-screen reminders like “BUMP TEST DUE” ensure your equipment stays reliable and compliant. This is particularly important when monitors are shared between team members, as everyone can quickly check the device’s status before heading into hazardous areas.
5. Rugged & Portable Design
Your gas monitor will likely face drops, moisture, dust, extreme temperatures, and general rough handling. It needs to be built accordingly while remaining comfortable to carry all day.
What to look for: IP68 rating (waterproof to 1.5 metres), operating temperature range from -40°C to +50°C, and robust construction with protective housing. Despite this durability, the monitor should remain lightweight – around 400 grams is ideal, even with additional features like pumps attached.
The Ventis Pro Series multi-gas detector is a solid example of this balance. It’s built with polycarbonate housing and rubber overmould, rated IP68 (submersible to 1.5m for an hour), and backed by a “Guaranteed for Life” warranty. It operates reliably from -40°C to +50°C, supports up to five sensor channels, and weighs around 390 grams even with a pump attached, making it comfortable for all-day use in harsh industrial environments.
Optional (But Valuable) Features
These features aren’t essential for basic safety, but they can significantly improve efficiency and future-proof your investment:
6. Remote Sampling (Slide-On Pump)
Slide-on pumps allow you to test atmospheres from a safe distance, particularly valuable for confined space work or when checking hazardous areas before entry.
Benefits: Enhanced worker safety, extended battery life, and improved ergonomics. The ability to sample remote areas without exposing workers to potential hazards is a game-changer for many operations.
Working in confined spaces? Get in touch to discuss gas monitors with slide-on pump accessories available for purchase or hire.
7. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Connectivity
Modern monitors can communicate with each other, instantly sharing alarm information and man-down alerts across your team.
Why it’s valuable: Research shows that over 60% of confined-space fatalities involve would-be rescuers. Peer-to-peer connectivity helps prevent these secondary incidents by providing real-time alerts to all nearby workers..
8. IIoT/Real-Time Cloud Monitoring
Real-time cloud monitoring is becoming standard practice across industries, allowing safety managers to track workers, hazards, and emergencies from a central location.
Future-proofing: Even if you’re not using these capabilities today, choosing IIoT-enabled monitors ensures you’re ready when your safety programme evolves. Real-time monitoring dramatically improves emergency response times and overall safety outcomes.
9. Automated Docking Stations
Docking systems handle the routine tasks that often get forgotten: daily bump tests, calibrations, firmware updates, charging, and data logging.
The advantages:
- Devices are automatically tested before each shift
- Complete data traceability for compliance and auditing
- Centralised fleet management for multiple detectors
- Reduced human error in maintenance procedures
The DSX Docking Station is a prime example, automating daily bump tests, calibrations, firmware updates, charging, and data logging. With scheduled maintenance and on-dock certification features, it ensures devices are always shift-ready while providing full traceability through automatic USB or cloud uploads—essential for audits and compliance.
10. Advanced Touchscreen Interfaces
While not essential for basic operations, touchscreen displays with icon-driven navigation can reduce training time and improve decision-making under pressure. Modern industrial touchscreens work reliably with gloves and in harsh conditions.
Feature Overview
| Feature | Must-Have | Optional |
| Correct gas detection | ✅ | |
| Configurable alarm thresholds | ✅ | |
| Full-screen audible/visual alerts | ✅ | |
| Bump test/calibration reminders | ✅ | |
| Durable, portable design | ✅ | |
| Remote sampling (pump) | ⚠️ | ✅ Confined-space use |
| Peer-to-peer connectivity (mesh) | ⚠️ | ✅ Team/zone monitoring |
| IIoT / cloud monitoring | ⚠️ | ✅ Fleet management, remote operations |
| Automated docking station | ⚠️ | ✅ Large device fleet compliance |
| Advanced touchscreen interface | ⚠️ | ✅ High-stress or fast-paced environments |
Making the Right Choice for Your Workplace
When selecting a gas monitor, focus first on the non-negotiables—proper gas detection, reliable alarms, and robust construction. These features form the foundation of effective workplace safety.
The additional features should be evaluated based on your specific operations, team size, and compliance requirements. Remember, the best gas monitor is one that your team will actually use consistently and correctly.
Don’t let marketing claims drive your decision. Stick to proven features that address real workplace hazards, comply with New Zealand safety regulations, and provide genuine value for your investment.
Your workers’ safety depends on making the right choice—take the time to get it right.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many gases do I need to detect?
Ideally, your monitor should test for all hazards relevant to your work, typically oxygen (O₂), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), and combustible gases (LEL). If you work with solvents or chemicals, consider adding VOC detection too.
What’s the difference between bump testing and calibration?
Bump test (daily): A quick pre-use check to confirm the monitor alarms respond correctly—essential every shift.
Calibration (monthly): Adjusts sensors to ensure ongoing accuracy.
What alarm thresholds should I use?
Set alarms (Low, High, STEL, TWA) based on regulatory standards such as NZ WorkSafe WES, OSHA, or HSE. Include LEL/UEL settings for combustible gases to avoid explosion risks.
Can I ignore a low-level alarm?
Absolutely not. Every alarm—including low-level ones—signals potential danger. Always stop work, investigate, and follow the action prompt (like “EVACUATE” or “WEAR SCBA”).
Are slide-on pumps necessary?
Slide-on pumps are essential for confined-space or remote monitoring. For open-air work, they’re optional—but they do enhance safety.
Is peer-to-peer connectivity important?
For teams working in confined spaces or large areas, P2P (mesh) connectivity enables shared alarms and location alerts in real-time, crucial for safety. Solo operators may not need it.
What is IIoT/real-time cloud monitoring?
IIoT-enabled detectors automatically upload data to the cloud, offering live tracking, faster response to incidents, and fleet management tools. Best for larger teams and remote oversight.
Quick answer: highly beneficial for scale, optional for small operations.
Do I need a docking station?
Docking stations automate bump tests, calibrations, battery charging, software updates, and compliance logging. They’re invaluable for fleets, but optional for single-device setups.status alerts, clear alarms, durability, user-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness, the gas monitor can provide accurate and reliable gas detection.
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