Know the Importance of Calibrating Gas Detectors

Author: Belinda Rahme Barakat

Worksites, particularly industrial environments, have many hazardous to watch out for. Many hazardous substances are present in the atmosphere that can’t be detected through the human senses. This is when the gas detectors come to the rescue. Gas detectors play a crucial role in minimising injury and illness in the workplace. The equipment that can test and detect the air in a confined space can make all the difference between life and death. However, investing in equipment like gas detectors alone can’t protect your employees unless people are properly trained, and more importantly, the equipment is maintained and calibrated regularly to ensure the detectors work properly.

Why is it important to calibrate the gas detectors?

Gas detectors are very effective and reliable in alerting workers of potentially dangerous, hazardous substances that are present in the confined spaces, like mining, water plants, etc. However, gas detectors need to be tested to verify its efficiency and ensure it works properly. You wouldn’t want your workers to lose their lives due to exposure to toxic gases. Would you? That’s why a successful and effective gas detection program is required to ensure the safety of you, your workforce, and your facility.

Of course, gas detecting technology has come a long way, and there are gas detectors that claim to be maintenance-free or little upkeep. Gas detector users rely on sensors and believe that the equipment works properly. But, how far is it safe? The proper way is to do a bump test and calibrating the gas.

Calibrating the detector using calibration gas is one of the regular checks, and it is integral to creating a safe workplace for your employees. Failing to do so can lead to injuries and illness, which could be devastating and fatal. In addition to it, you’ll be fined heftily as you haven’t adhered to the standards and regulations. The chances are high that you’ll remain closed forever.

How often should a gas detector be calibrated?

The answer to this depends on how accurate you want the readings to be, the purpose you measure the gas, and what type of gases you are measuring. For example, if you are an industrial hygienist and measuring the workplace to determine the exposure of gases, you’ll want the most accurate information. Therefore, you should apply calibration gas for a certain period of time while the detector is operating in the normal mode.

Then, you should record the readings to see if the detector is providing accurate measurements. By doing so, you could determine whether the instrument is accurate or not. If the workplace is confined and hazardous gases are more than it should be, you’ll have to calibrate often. If the instrument is used for safety purposes for an alarm to go off and the gas limit is exceeded, then in these cases, you might calibrate less often. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to calibration gas Australia accordingly.

The author is an active blogger and renowned for providing innovative solutions such as fire detectors, gas detectors, etc. to the Oil & Gas, Chemical, Petrochemical, Manufacturing, Food, Pharmaceutical, Water Treatment, and many other industries across Australia and New Zealand. Visit https://prodetec.com.au/ for more details about the calibration gas suppliers.