Gas Detector Care and Maintenance
Your gas detector is powerful, sophisticated piece of equipment. They exist so workers in dangerous environments can be safe and secure, and to draw the line between dangerous and too dangerous.
Because of this important role gas detectors play it is important to keep them running as well as possible.
You can clean the pieces of the gas detectors at regular intervals, but never with anything hydrocarbon based. Hydrocarbons can contaminate the sensors, resulting in false data.
Gas Detector Calibration
You should calibrate the gas detectors on a regular basis, usually every six months. In certain environments you may need to calibrate them more often.
Calibration first requires the selection of an appropriate calibration gas. In most cases the gas should be the same type the device is normally used to detect, in all cases the manufacturer will suggest the proper calibration gases with the documentation that comes with the sensor.
Attach the calibration gas to the detector with tygon tubing, and put the detector put into calibration mode. This will zero the sensors before the application of gas. After this follow the instructions given by the gas detector until it has finished.
Bump Testing
Carry out bump testing before each use of the device. You can use bump tests to make sure the alarms and sensors on a unit are functioning. Unlike calibration this does not test the accuracy of the reading.
Like a calibration, a bump test has you connecting a bump gas cylinder to the gas detector with tygon tubing and applying a small amount of gas. The gas should only be enough to trip the sensor and cause the alarm to go off.
If the alarm does not go off it is a sign that the device is faulty. You can use a balloon in this test to ensure the bump gas is not wasted.
As well as the above it is important to make sure all your equipment, and not just the gas detector, is running well. You should check the cabling for kinks which might cut off signals. Additionally you should frequently test the alarms, and any dents on the casing could be signs of internal damage.
This equipment exists to save lives and should be treated with the greatest of care.
