ChemDAQ launches SafeCide™ Personal Sampler, enabling real-time monitoring of PAA exposure to enhance worker safety in food processing facilities.
ChemDAQ, a global leader in hazardous gas detection technologies, has announced the launch of its SafeCide™ Personal Sampler (SPS), a continuous, real-time monitoring solution developed to help food and beverage processing facilities more effectively manage worker exposure to peracetic acid (PAA). Designed as a portable, easy-to-use device, the SafeCide™ Personal Sampler strengthens workplace safety programs by delivering immediate visibility into hazardous chemical vapors that are widely used in pathogen control and sanitation processes.
In food and beverage manufacturing environments, antimicrobial and disinfectant agents such as PAA play a vital role in eliminating harmful pathogens and ensuring consumer safety. While these chemicals are indispensable, they also pose occupational health risks if worker exposure is not carefully controlled. Traditional approaches based on periodic or spot monitoring may fail to capture fluctuations in chemical concentrations throughout a shift. Recognizing this challenge, ChemDAQ developed the SafeCide™ Personal Sampler to provide accurate, real-time exposure data, enabling more proactive and informed risk management in fast-moving processing environments.
The SafeCide™ Personal Sampler is a battery-powered device that can be worn on a belt or used as a handheld unit, offering flexibility for a wide range of operational tasks. It is specifically engineered for portable detection of PAA and is paired with ChemDAQ’s proven E-Cell® Sensor technology, known for delivering reliable and precise measurements. The device integrates seamlessly with ChemDAQ’s widely used SafeCide Monitoring System, allowing facilities to incorporate personal exposure data into their existing safety and compliance frameworks.
At the heart of the SPS is an advanced micro-diaphragm pump that supports continuous air sampling. The pump draws air from operator-selected locations and delivers the sample directly to the sensor. Once analyzed, the real-time exposure data is transmitted to a handheld monitor running proprietary SafeCide software, where results are clearly displayed and automatically logged for documentation and analysis. After measurement, the air sample is routed through a specially designed PAA-scrubbing filter, ensuring that the filtered air is safely vented back into the surrounding environment.
The system is designed for versatility and ease of use. Operators can quickly alternate between a lapel-clip personal breathing-zone inlet, ideal for industrial hygiene monitoring, and a retractable 36-inch (0.9-meter) remote sampling wand. Both inlet options are interchangeable without the need for tools and provide immediate access to PAA concentration data. The device also instantaneously calculates time-weighted averages, supporting compliance with occupational exposure limits and internal safety standards.
User awareness and reliability are central to the SPS design. Clear visual indicators and audible alarms keep operators informed about critical system conditions, including battery status and airway integrity. These features help ensure consistent performance and maintain confidence in the accuracy of exposure measurements.
Commenting on the launch, Alex Hiliker, Executive Vice President at ChemDAQ, emphasized the company’s commitment to worker safety. He noted that ChemDAQ customers depend on its technology daily to protect teams from overexposure to PAA, a chemical that is essential for preventing foodborne illnesses worldwide. According to Hiliker, the new personal sampling system represents a significant advancement in occupational exposure monitoring, offering enhanced accuracy, precision, and practical value.
Beyond immediate safety improvements, Hiliker highlighted the broader strategic benefits of continuous monitoring, including improved planning, more targeted investments in safety controls, and a reduced risk of exposure-related downtime.
Looking ahead, ChemDAQ plans to expand the SafeCide™ Personal Sampler product line, with models specifically configured to monitor hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ethylene oxide (EtO) vapors expected to be introduced later this year.
