Portable Gas Detector Bump Testing vs Full Calibration

Maintaining your Personal Gas Detector

Personal gas monitors are essential to ensure the safety of workers and personnel onsite. When used correctly and regularly maintained according to manufacturers' specifications, personal gas detectors are extremely reliable in alerting workers and personnel to potentially dangerous environments. Most people who work with personal gas detectors are aware of or have heard of bump tests and calibrations. Even to those who use gas monitors on a regular basis, these two terms can easily be confused. So, what are the differences between a bump test and a calibration and why are these so important to your gas detection program?

A bump test is a functional test whereby the gas detector's sensors are briefly exposed to a known concentration of challenge gas over a sufficient exposure time to activate all alarm indicators at the least alarm setting. A bump test verifies whether the unit's sensors and alarms are functioning as intended and does not change the sensor memory or determines a unit's accuracy. Calibrating a gas detector on the other hand is the process of testing the gas detector's sensors over a known calibration standard for a particular length of time to verify that the sensors are providing accurate readings.

In simple terms, a bump test checks if the device will function correctly and alarm in dangerous environments while a calibration check will confirm the unit's readings are accurate. As best practice, Air-Met Scientific recommends bump testing a personal gas monitor before every use, a calibration on a monthly basis using a docking station and a service centre calibration by our specially qualified service technicians every 6 months. For added convenience, all gas monitors sent in for service and repair are also be added to our calibration reminder service, making it easier for you to manage your fleet of gas monitors. 

When to Bump Test and When to Fully Calibrate a Personal Gas Monitor

Bump tests can be conducted by the personnel operating the device and takes less than 30 seconds. According to the AS/NZ 60079.29.2:2016 Selection, installation, use and maintenance of detectors "it is recommended that this is done by personnel operating the apparatus and is strongly recommended that it is performed before each day of use”

Bump testing is made easier and faster with gas detector docking stations such as the Industrial Scientific DSX Docking Station. Docking Stations like the DSX removes the hassle of maintaining gas detectors by allowing users to easily bump test and calibrate a gas detector upon docking. Docking stations also assists users with automated record storage, printing of bump and calibration certificates and charging. Alternatively, a manual bump test can also be conducted by simply applying gas to the instrument and watching how it responds.

A full calibration requires an adjustment of the instrument’s reading to coincide with known concentrations (generally a certified standard) of zero and span gases, to compensate for calibration drift. This should be done by a qualified and trained service technician.
Should a calibration fail, a recalibration should be attempted. However, should this also fail, then the unit should be removed from service and sent to a service centre for a full diagnosis and repair. A full calibration should also take place after:

• The gas detector is operated by different personnel or working environment
• In extreme environmental, storage, and operating conditions
• In areas with a high concentration of target gases and vapours
• If there are solvent vapours and corrosive gases

When calibrating a gas detector, it is important to use certified calibration gas appropriate for the gas sensors. It is also important to ensure the calibration gas is current and not expired. As best practice, always use the manufacturer’s calibration gas, tubing, flow rate regulators, and adapter hoods to verify the accuracy of your gas monitors

Record-Keeping Your Calibration Documentation for Compliance

Record keeping is a vital component of a successful gas detection program. Written records of test results, adjustments made for the calibration drift, details on the maintenance and are all essential for safety investigations should an incident occur.

Having the right technology at your site can take the hassle out of your gas detection program, bring peace of mind to your workers and improve safety outcomes. Gas detector maintenance and repair programs such as the Industrial Scientific iNet Exchange simplifies all aspects of your gas detection program by automatically scheduling repairs and replacements for your monitors soon as their performance begins to decline. This subscription service covers maintenance, repairs, gas detectors, calibration gas, docking stations, training and more.

Partner with Air-Met Scientific for a hassle-free gas detection program. With 6 locations nationwide, we have the capability and expertise to support your gas detection program. From equipment maintenance to technical support, our experienced team are here to help support you and your team.