We can’t stress the importance of regularly testing this life-saving equipment. Small enough to hold in your hand but powerful enough to increase the safety of your employees and plant, portable gas detectors are used to monitor gas concentrations, often being exposed to extreme conditions. It is vital to test the function of these devices.
Reliable function – even under the harshest conditions
Portable or mobile gas detectors can function in demanding conditions such as extreme cold or heat, mechanical strain or dirt. For this reason, the gas detectors used must be regularly serviced in accordance with regulations.
A visual inspection alone is not sufficient.
Even though a device appears to be in working order, its function may be impaired or worse still it may not work as it should.
For one’s own protection, and that of all employees, it is essential to conduct regular bump tests.
Why is it important to do more than a visual check?
- Mechanical damage
- Chemical change in sensor sensitivity
- The Gas does not reach the sensor
- Sensor poisoning
- Change in electronic components
- External environmental factors
The below infographic explain the reasons in more detail.
Potential Reasons For Malfunctions:
We refer to daily bump testing but it should be noted, visual inspection and function testing should be performed prior to each use. Furthermore, bump testing should be performed after exceptional situations (device was dropped) or when there is a risk that the device is damaged (sensor poisoning).
Download Dräger's whitepaper on the importance of bump testing here:
Contact ISS for further assistance or service.
This article was adapted from content provided by Dräger