The Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) and the American Industrial Hygienist Association (AIHA) have recently completed a joint effort to develop guidelines on the use and application of gas detection systems. The author, a member of the work group that developed the guidelines, will provide an overview of the text's guidance on:

• When and when not to use gas detection.

• Alternative detection technologies.

• Managing gas detection systems from planning through installation, operation and decommissioning.

• Approaches for laying out gas detection sensors for toxic and flammable gas applications.