When renting out or purchasing a gas monitor device, you have to calibrate it to zero in order to get accurate readings. While the monitors on the shelves have been calibrated before they were shipped out, you have no idea for sure how long have they stayed on the shelves. This is why you should always have a calibration gas kit on hand to test out the device you just bought.
How often should you calibrate?
If you are working around gas monitors, it’s almost certain that you received various advices on how many times you should test calibration gases. The U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration have this to say:
“A bump test or full calibration of direct-reading portable gas monitors should be made before each day’s use in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, using an appropriate test gas.”
If your gas monitor fails the calibration gas kit through the bump test, you should adjust the device “through a full calibration before it is used.” It is fairly easy to do the calibration so it won’t take up much effort to spend some time testing your monitor religiously.
Do not ignore the warning signs
When you see alarms going off during the bump test and full calibration of your calibration gas kit, under any circumstances should you ignore that warning. It is advised to check and recheck your monitor for safety reasons. Remember that you are dealing with volatile compounds and just because you can’t sense anything doesn’t mean there are no dangers involved.
How often should you calibrate?
If you are working around gas monitors, it’s almost certain that you received various advices on how many times you should test calibration gases. The U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration have this to say:
“A bump test or full calibration of direct-reading portable gas monitors should be made before each day’s use in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, using an appropriate test gas.”
If your gas monitor fails the calibration gas kit through the bump test, you should adjust the device “through a full calibration before it is used.” It is fairly easy to do the calibration so it won’t take up much effort to spend some time testing your monitor religiously.
Do not ignore the warning signs
When you see alarms going off during the bump test and full calibration of your calibration gas kit, under any circumstances should you ignore that warning. It is advised to check and recheck your monitor for safety reasons. Remember that you are dealing with volatile compounds and just because you can’t sense anything doesn’t mean there are no dangers involved.