The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System - Illinois (MABAS-IL), a statewide mutual-aid response system for fire, emergency medical services (EMS) and specialized incident-operations teams has purchased 24 of RAE Systems’ wireless AreaRAE Steel multi-gas detection Rapid Deployment Kit (RDK) systems, the company has announced.

Allowing first responders to back off to a safe position and monitor readings from up to about two miles away (3 kilometers), the wireless AreaRAE Steel RDK can be used to quickly establish a perimeter around an atmospheric incident. For withstanding harsh environments, its welded stainless-steel enclosure makes the monitor rugged and weather-resistant.

The product combines a PID (Photoionization Detector) with the standard four gases of a confined space monitor (O2 (News - Alert), LEL, and two toxic gas sensors) in one compact monitor with sampling pump.

“The Illinois MABAS is widely considered a national leader in the allocation of emergency-response equipment and resources," said Steve Demas, president of the Environmental Safety Group (ESG), the RAE Systems' distributor who worked on the deal. "They carefully evaluated the AreaRAE system and ultimately were sold on its robust functionality, easy operation and wireless interoperability that make its monitors easy to integrate into any emergency scene.”

Employing a standard Windows-based PC running safety-monitoring software from RAE Systems, an integrated wireless modem transmits real-time gas-measurement data to a base station. Moving the system information over the Internet for viewing on a web browser, the base station can simultaneously control and display readings for up to 64 AreaRAE Steels. The photoionization detector (PID) in the AreaRAE Steel can measure parts per million of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Recently, the company introduced ToxiRAE Pro wireless single-gas monitors. According to the company, these monitors offer the widest portfolio in the industry. ToxiRAE Pro monitors are part of RAE Systems' portfolio of proven wireless gas-detection solutions. ToxiRAE Pro monitors provide safety professionals anytime, anywhere access to real-time instrument readings and alarm status for better visibility into threat data and faster response to alarm and they are deployable on RAE Systems' Dedicated Wireless Network.