1.0: Purpose

To ensure that there is a systematic process for the inspection of the fixed gas detector on-board Quandamooka

                                          AUSTECH 12 channel control unit (Bridge)

2.0: Scope

This process applies to personnel assigned to carry out periodic checks on-board Quandamooka.

3.0: Introduction 

Quandamooka was fitted with an Austech 12 channel gas detector unit in March 2015. Daily, Monthly & Six monthly checks are to be carried out on the unit as per the manual.

 Reference to the daily or 6 monthly checks can be found in the manual. 

The procedure below only refers to the Monthly checks.

4.0: 12 Channel Gas detector unit

The main control unit for the gas detector is fitted on the bridge with an audible alarm which will activate when the gas level reading at any of the sensors reach 20%. The system has the capacity for 12 channels (sensors) but, only 7 channels are in use on this vessel. 

The master can immediately locate which area the gas is detected by looking on the LCD screen which will indicate which sensor has detected the gas and the percentage level the gas is at. 

There is also a visual alarm (red flashing light) fitted on the ceiling in the galley of the Café area. This will activate at 20% and then an audible alarm at 50%.

The vessel has 7 gas detector sensors fitted in total. 6 on the main vehicle deck and 1 fitted under the main superstructure under the café . The positions of the sensors are referenced on the LCD screen when scrolling through the menu by pushing the “Select” button.

5.0: Sensor positions

• Sensor 1 – Port Bow
• Sensor 2 – Port Mid-ships
• Sensor 3 – Port Aft
• Sensor 4 – Under Café – Hose already connected and can be located in the office. (Café)
• Sensor 5 – Starboard Bow
• Sensor 6 – Starboard Mid-ships
• Sensor 7 – Starboard Aft

IMPORTANT: To accelerate the check. Block the holes on the sensor chamber when flooding it to prevent excess gas escaping so alarm parameters can be reached quicker when testing the unit.

6.0: Challenge kit

The vessel has been supplied with a gas detector challenge kit to enable the crew to conduct the monthly checks.

The following items are contained inside a padded, black plastic case which contains an MSDS for the gas bottle,  1 x gas bottle, 1 x regulator, and a transparent hose.

The challenge kit is kept in the engineers office in the port bow.

7.0: Data-web

The procedure for this check is on data-web and is to be read, understood and signed off by using your PIN issued to you to enable crew to submit the monthly check.

All data collected, defects and additional information from each monthly gas detector check are to be submitted on data-web on completion.

The Montlhy check form is available on the DataWeb under the Vessel Forms Page (HERE)

8.0: Monthly Check Procedure

Note: Checks of the sensors are recommended to be carried out in the following order. (Sensor 4, 1,2,3,5,6,7)

8.0.1: Crew 1:
A crew member is required to monitor the control unit on the bridge. 

This will generally be the master. 

• Monitor the control unit and select the sensor (1-7) being checked by pressing the “SELECT” button until the desired channel is on the LCD.
• Take notes of when (20% or 50%) the alarms on the bridge and café (audible & visual) for each sensor being checked is activated.
• On completion of each sensor check the “RESET” button can be pressed to cancel out the alarms once the gas percentage on the LCD is below 20%.
• The information collected on completion of the checks are to be placed on the “Gas detector monthly checks” on data-web and submitted.  

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                            Main Control Unit (Bridge)

8.0.2: Crew 2:

• Monitor the visual & audible alarms in the café 
• Transmit to the master when each alarm is activated.

8.0.3: Crew 3:

• Attach the regulator from the challenge kit onto the gas cylinder & connect the hose to the regulator.
• Connect the other end of hose to the filling point on the bottom side of the sensor units 1-3 & 5-7. (See “Sensor Positions” above  for Sensor 4)
• Block the holes on the side of the sensor chamber where practicable.
• Notify the master when ready and about to flood the sensor chamber.
• Turn gas cylinder regulator fully on and then off once master has notified that the alarm has been activated.
• Unblock the holes on the sensor chamber.
• By removing the hose from the regulator end and blowing into it will purge the sensor chamber quicker if desired.

                                        Sensor fitted

9.0: Six monthly service checks.

In addition to the monthly checks, the service agent (AEGIS) will be engaged to carry out the six monthly calibration check on the unit and make any adjustments or repairs that may be required to ensure the unit is compliant & operational.