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Gas detection systems protect people, property, and operations. But many decision-makers misunderstand how they work or where they’re needed. Misconceptions are especially common in industries like vehicle maintenance and repair, logistics, commercial property, cold storage, and light manufacturing, where gas hazards aren’t always obvious.

False assumptions can lead to poor system design, overlooked risks, and emergency shutdowns that could have been prevented. Here are seven myths we encounter regularly and what facility managers should know instead.

Myth #1: “Gas Detection Systems Only Matter In Chemical Plants.”

Gas hazards are present in more places than most people realize. Schools, restaurants, parking garages, auto shops, breweries, and 3D printing labs all have the potential for dangerous gas buildup. Gases like carbon monoxide, ammonia, refrigerants, methane, and carbon dioxide are common in many commercial and industrial environments.

One well-documented case involved a McDonald’s in Phoenix where a CO₂ leak from a beverage system triggered an emergency response. That incident helped shape detection code requirements for commercial food and beverage locations.

If your facility uses combustion appliances, compressed gases, vehicles, or chemical storage, a fixed gas detection system may be one of the only ways to catch a hazard before it becomes a threat.

Myth #2: “Once Installed, A Gas Detector Doesn’t Need Maintenance.”

This is one of the most dangerous assumptions. Sensors degrade over time, and most will eventually stop working. In some cases, the sensor still appears powered on but no longer responds to gas. The display may read zero even when a hazard is present.

We’ve visited facilities where sensors hadn’t been serviced in years. Staff assumed they were fine because the lights were on. In reality, those detectors weren’t protecting anyone.

Gas detectors need calibration at least once a year. Some environments call for more frequent service. Electrochemical sensors typically last two to five years. Infrared sensors can last longer but still require routine checks. Replacing sensor cartridges or elements is fast and affordable. Ignoring this step creates blind spots that no one will notice until something serious happens.

Myth #3: “All Gas Detectors Are The Same.”

Gas detectors are designed for specific gases and environmental conditions. Using the wrong type can cause false alarms or leave real hazards undetected.

For example, many people assume that a standard combustible gas detector will pick up all flammable gases. That’s not always true. An NDIR-based LEL sensor will detect methane but not hydrogen. A carbon monoxide sensor near a hydrogen source can show false readings due to cross-sensitivity.

Carbon dioxide sensors also come in a variety of ranges. Some are designed for ventilation monitoring at 0 to 2,000 ppm. Others handle general safety at 0 to 5,000 ppm. In environments with CO₂ enrichment, sensors might need to detect up to 5 percent. Choosing the right range matters just as much as choosing the right gas.

The right system depends on the specific gases present in your facility and how those gases behave in your space. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to detection.

Myth #4: “Portable Detectors Are Enough For Long-Term Safety.”

Portable gas detectors are valuable tools for confined space entry or spot checks. They are designed to protect individuals, not entire facilities. If no one is carrying a portable detector, the area is unmonitored. They also don’t help with leaks that happen overnight, in storage areas, or during off-hours.

Fixed systems provide continuous monitoring and broader coverage. They can trigger alarms, activate ventilation, and connect to fire panels or building automation. Portable units can be part of a safety plan, but they are not a full solution.

Myth #5: “Gas Detection Is Too Expensive To Justify.”

Gas detection systems do require an upfront investment, but the cost of not installing one can be far greater. One evacuation at a distribution center or logistics hub can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. That includes lost time, delayed shipments, and labor disruptions.

We’ve seen facilities evacuate over odor complaints, only to learn there was no gas involved. Without detection equipment, staff are forced to guess. Most will shut down operations to stay on the safe side.

Fixed gas detection systems provide real-time data so teams can make informed decisions. In some cases, utility companies offer rebates when facilities switch from full-time ventilation to demand-controlled ventilation triggered by gas sensors. That creates long-term savings and improves environmental efficiency.

Myth #6: “No News Is Good News.”

Silence is not always a sign that your gas detection system is working. Sensors can drift out of calibration or fail entirely while still appearing operational. Older systems may have no way to alert you to these failures.

We’ve found new systems that were never tested using the target gas. We’ve also seen facilities that have no maintenance records and no defined calibration schedule. Assuming your system is working because no alarms have sounded is risky. The only way to be sure is through regular testing and documentation.

Myth #7: “If I Don’t Smell Anything, There’s No Leak.”

Many hazardous gases are completely odorless. Argon, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and most refrigerants have no smell and are invisible. Even gases that normally have a smell may not be detectable at low concentrations or after prolonged exposure.

Chiller rooms, labs using liquid nitrogen, and restaurants with CO₂ systems for beverage dispensing are all common places where gas hazards can go unnoticed.

Trusting your nose is not a reliable safety measure. Proper detection equipment is the only way to catch a leak early.

Why These Myths Persist

Gas hazards are invisible. If a system fails silently, most people won’t know until there is a problem. These myths are common because everything seems fine when detectors are quiet. But when systems are not tested, not calibrated, or not properly selected, the risk is real.

We’ve encountered systems that were installed without ever being tested with gas. We’ve found expired sensors, disconnected wiring, and analog equipment that gives no warning when it fails.

A working system provides more than peace of mind. It gives your facility the information and response time needed to keep people safe.

What a Properly Designed System Can Do

A strong gas detection system provides more than a sensor on the wall. It helps your team make faster, better-informed decisions during routine operations and emergencies. A reliable system can:

• Monitor continuously, even during off-hours.
• Trigger alarms, ventilation, and shutdown systems.
• Connect to your fire panel or building automation.
• Scale to cover a single room or an entire facility.
• Track calibration and service history to meet safety and compliance standards.

When set up correctly, these systems improve response times, reduce unnecessary shutdowns, and build trust across your team.

Rethink Your Gas Detection Strategy

If your current system hasn’t been inspected in a while, now is the time to take a closer look. A quiet detector isn’t always a working one. And outdated or misapplied systems might not be giving you the coverage you think they are.

Every facility has unique risks. Your detection equipment should be tailored to match them and maintained to perform reliably.

Contact Hawk Equipment Services to schedule a system review or speak with a specialist about improving your gas detection approach.