Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to ensure that the procurement of new gas detection and gas alarm systems at NTNU is carried out in a consistent manner, and that the systems are compatible with fire control panels and alert systems. The procedure also aims to standardize new equipment being introduced.

Scope and Basis

This procedure is governed by the Guidelines for the Handling and Use of Chemicals and Gases.
The procedure applies to anyone procuring or upgrading gas detection or gas alarm systems in their premises or areas of responsibility.
Limitation: Does not apply to the replacement of individual components or the expansion of existing systems.

Definition

See the Guidelines for the Handling and Use of Chemicals and Gases.

Responsibility

Line managers are responsible for communicating this procedure and ensuring it is followed within their unit.

Procedure for Procurement of Gas Detection and Alarm Systems
Procurement responsibility should be assigned to one or a few individuals within the unit.
NTNU Property Division must be informed in advance of planned changes to existing systems or new procurements.
Information should be sent to: kontakt@eiendom.ntnu.no
 

Technical Requirements

System

• Monitoring, emergency stop, and shutdown:
  The system must monitor gas levels and automatically shut off gas supply during unwanted events.
• Lifespan:
  Systems and components should have a lifespan of at least 15–20 years.
• Installation:
  Must be installable in labs via cable trays, racks, etc. Control panels should be placed in safe zones.
• Compatibility:
  Must connect to NTNU’s alert system. New systems must integrate with existing top-level systems.
• Regulations and standards:
  Must comply with applicable laws and standards.
• EX-approved equipment:
  Must include EX-approved components for explosive environments.
• Ingress protection:
  IP20 for indoor use, IP44 for outdoor.
• User-friendliness:
  Clear displays, e.g., on each floor.
• Scalability:
  Must be flexible and expandable.

Safety

• Emergency power:
  Must connect to building UPS. Local UPS should be considered if central UPS is unavailable.
• Access restriction:
  Access must be password/code protected.
• Robustness and security:
  Software and system must be secure and reliable.

Detectors and Sensors

• Gas types:
  Must detect flammable and toxic gases such as H₂, CH₄, C₃H₈, hydrocarbons, O₂, CO, HCl, H₂S, Cl₂, NO, NH₃, B₂H₆, SiH₄, BCl₃, PH₃, HBr.
• Cross-sensitivity:
  Must be evaluated and communicated to users.
• Calibration:
  Must support calibration and sensor replacement.
• Sensitivity:
  Sensors must have varying sensitivity levels.
• Installation:
  Flexible mounting options.
• Cost and lifespan:
  Must be cost-effective. Price and lifespan must be documented.

Gas Alarm and Notification

• Two local alarm levels:
  Level 1 (low alarm), Level 2 (high alarm).
• Local alerts required for system faults or loss of critical infrastructure.
• Remote monitoring must be supported.
• Alarm transmitter must support email and SMS alerts to users, NTNU Watch and Service, technical emergency teams, and building operations.
• Gas alarm indicators:
  Level 1: Blue light, sound alarm, explanatory signs in Norwegian and English.
  Level 2: Red light, sound alarm, explanatory signs in Norwegian and English.
  Red light and signs must be placed above lab entrances.
• Process alarm:
  For non-gas-related safety issues (e.g., ventilation failure). Only blue light and signs, no sound.
• Standardized alert system across NTNU.
• Alert text:
  Clear and simple, including building number, room number, gas type, alarm level, and time.
• Connection to NTNU alert system for fault and disconnection alerts.
• Time-delayed disconnection:
  Manual override possible (e.g., during gas bottle replacement).
• Local alerting:
  Must support evacuation signals to fire control panel.
• Neighbor alert:
  Must support neighbor alerts based on risk assessment.
• Shutdown:
  Must shut off gas supply during fire/gas alarms per risk assessment/fire concept.

Software and Training

• Continuously updated software and long-term licenses.
• Simple programming for activation/deactivation.
• Training and internal procedures/resources must be established.

Service

• NTNU’s service and maintenance framework agreement should be used.
• Service agreement with warranty period required.
• Annual inspection, calibration, and software updates must be included.
• Access to expert advice must be ensured.
• Response and dispatch times must be defined.

Alarm Signals and Interlocks

• Fire control panel signal only for full building evacuation. Other signals go directly to external equipment.
• Wiring between interlocks must be monitored for faults.
• Standalone gas alarm systems must have their own alarm transmitter with 110-center connection.
• External equipment signals must be easily overridden/disconnected during service.
• Disconnection and status must be clearly displayed.
• Permanent removal of detectors:
  Must be easily deactivated and removed physically and in the display system.

Documentation

• FDV documentation must follow NTNU standards ST10002 and ST10004. System code for gas alarms: 546. Serial number provided by Property Division.
• All physical components must be permanently labeled per NS3457-9:2021.
• Service reports must be sent to the FDV office (fdv@eiendom.ntnu.no).
• Logbook:
  Changes must be logged with justification; events must be searchable.

Procurement

Procurement must follow NTNU Procurement Guidelines and Laws and Regulations for Purchasing – NTNU.
Use framework agreements where available.
If the procurement exceeds NOK 100,000 excl. VAT per year and is outside the framework supplier’s range, contact your local procurement advisor or use the Procurement Mapping Form – NTNU Help.