In a significant step towards modernizing safety protocols for confined space work, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is expanding the implementation of the Industrial Scientific Radius BZ-1 Area Monitor.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce risk and provide mechanics with the safest possible working environment by leveraging the most advanced equipment available. The goal is simple: to ensure mechanics working in confined spaces are not exposed to dangerous atmospheres and are protected from unexpected environmental changes.
“This technology is a part of a growing effort the Confined Space Assessment Team is putting into modernizing how we control and monitor confined space hazards at PNSY. The objective of this effort is to provide an additional layer of protection from both the expected and unexpected conditions that can evolve in confined spaces during work at the shipyard,” said Darrel Morris, PNSY gas free engineer. “These monitors give us a tool that makes it possible to respond to any potential atmospheric hazards that are evolving in confined spaces before the situation actually becomes dangerous.”
The monitor supports continuous monitoring for up to three days on its internal battery, extendable to 14 days with external power supplies. Designed for flexibility in complex environments, the unit can simultaneously detected up to seven different gases or hazardous conditions, including lower explosive limit levels.
Clear local alarms ensure current readings and alerts are displayed directly on the unit, allowing personnel to quickly assess conditions in real time. Shipyard-driven innovation has enhanced the monitor’s functionality. PNSY teams have developed custom accessories, even using Inside Machine Shop 3D printers to create modifications for added functionality in difficult environments.
The journey to adopting the monitoring system has been a deliberate and collaborative process. PNSY has been working with the manufacturer, Industrial Scientific, since 2016 to test and configure the tool for the unique shipyard environment.
A formal trial began at PNSY in late 2024 on the USS Washington (SSN 787) Project, followed by extensive training for the workforce and ship’s force throughout 2025.
After this successful trial period, the initiative expanded. By January 2026, the push began to implement the monitors at PNSY Detachment San Diego with four units to support their unique scope of work. The goal of the initiative is to integrate the system to support availabilities on other shipyards.
Personnel can expect to see these monitors in use during any confined space work where the air quality could be altered, such as when using inert gas, spray painting, flame spraying, or Tungsten Inert Gas welding. The units are being installed and managed by tank coordinators, project teams, Occupational Safety Health and Environmental Department personnel, and Temporary Services and Support Department Navy Competent Persons.
The rollout is still in its early phase, with challenges to work through to ensure the process is efficient and minimally intrusive for mechanics. The next steps involve deploying personal monitors for more routine work, with the ultimate goal of integrating all devices into a single, comprehensive monitoring and notification system. This effort reinforces the shipyards commitment to protecting its most valuable asset — its people.