Which instruments are suitable for testing for acute oxygen deficiency?

The suitable instruments for testing for acute oxygen deficiency are specifically designed to provide accurate measurements of the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere. Flame safety lamps are one such instrument; they operate based on the principle that a flame will extinguish if the oxygen level falls below a certain threshold, typically around 17%. This makes them useful in underground mining settings where oxygen levels can fluctuate, indicating whether the atmosphere is safe for workers.

Oxygen meters, while also a valid option for measuring oxygen levels electronically, may not be included in this context depending on the specific requirements for testing acute deficiency in relation to flame safety. Therefore, flame safety lamps are often highlighted due to their straightforward use in determining if oxygen is at a dangerous low, predominantly when rapid and immediate assessment is necessary.

In contrast, thermal cameras are primarily used for detecting heat, and gas chromatographs serve to analyze gas mixtures but are not designed for immediate on-site detection of oxygen deficiency, particularly in high-risk environments like mines.