Calibration and Bump Testing
To maintain a Portable Gas Monitor , no matter what configuration, it is important to inspect each monitor, conduct a bump test on all the sensors, (unless a full calibration is being done), do a calibration (when required) and record the results in a maintenance log.
It is important to do a physical inspection of the monitor alongside bump testing and calibration. Check the unit for wear and tear, tampering, accidental or deliberate damage; for cracks, water damage, loose screws or wires and make sure there isn’t a build-up of dust on the outside or inside of the enclosed monitor.
Decide if you are doing a bump test or a full calibration. We recommend that you bump test your monitor before every use and to calibrate your monitor every 6 months. We act on this recommendation so that you can have more confidence in your monitors readings, this is especially important for applications involving more dangerous gases and interactions with people, such as Ammonia sensors situated in Ice Rinks and Chlorine or Ozone sensors in Swimming Facilities.
If the bump test fails or if 6 months have passed since the last calibration, a full calibration should be done.
All bump tests and calibration functions along with notes about performance, anomalies or any other remarks should be noted in a maintenance log book. This information could prove useful for troubleshooting, proving due diligence and exposure control plans.
You can either calibrate your gas monitor by contacting us via email, telephone or web chat and our team will take care of the rest - boasting a 72 hour turn around and a replacement hire unit for use when your monitor is in the service centre with us! This is the most desirable option that our clients pick time and time again.
You can calibrate manually by using calibration gas and a regulator with tubing. These accessories can be located on our Calibration and Bump Testing page. Please call our team if you wish to complete your own calibrations and have not done so previously, our team can give you advice regarding what regulator you will need, tubing and calibration gas.
You can also calibrate your gas monitor by using a docking station to automatically calibrate your monitor on a set schedule. Calibrating your gas detector with a docking station also allows you to access past calibration records, easily generate calibration certificates for compliance purposes and update monitor software.
Below are the calibration docking stations we supply:
WatchGas Calibration Docking Station
Calibration Versus Bump Testing
A bump test is a brief exposure of the sensor to gas. A bump test verifies that the sensor is responding and the alarm is functioning. A bump test takes less time and requires less gas than a full calibration.
A calibration is the exposing of the sensor to a certified concentration of gas for a particular length of time. The calibration process verifies that the gas detector is providing accurate
readings. Part of the calibration process requires a process called zeroing. Zeroing sets the sensor to recognize the ambient air as clean air.
If the gas detector is in a clean air environment, (meaning there are no other gases present and relevant to that sensor type), then the air in the room can be used to zero the sensor. If the environment is contaminated then measuring and reading that air as zero will provide inaccurate readings. The sensor in this type of environment requires zeroing with a zero air cylinder.
Both types of tests are important. A bump test will let you know if the gas detector is still capable of reading gas levels but it won’t tell you if it is reading the correct levels. For the most part electrochemical sensors will output a zero reading in clean air and when the sensor is dead.
Doing a bump test is also a way to check that the sensor is not dead. A calibration will correct any degradation or drift that the sensor may have experienced over time and let you know that the readings are accurate. Without regular calibrations, the gas level readings will become less and less true as time passes.
"I think I may need Safety Instrumentation Monitoring, but I don’t know anything about it!"
You don’t need to understand Safety Instrumentation Monitoring to be safe at work! If you are unsure whether you need a monitor, please call one of the team on the below number.
Call The Team: 01489 326031
You cannot create the need for Safety Instrumentation, the need is either there or isn’t – that why the best way to make sure you are keeping yourself and your own team as safe as possible is to give one of our experienced team members a call! You can speak to us about your site and our team will be able to advise you based off extensive working knowledge, existing and pre-existing clients/projects and industry specific hazards. Our team remain informed in the world of Safety Instrumentation so that we can provide up to date advice in line with best practices. This means whenever you speak to our team you know you are receiving updated support from people who care.
"Our work should enrich our lives, not cost them" - Alex Graft (Managing Director)