A Guide to Bump Testing Gas Monitors & Detectors
Gas detectors and monitors are vitally important in commercial settings. This is due to a variety of reasons, such as warning of potential gas leaks and ensuring the safety of the employees and other individuals on the commercial site or within a facility. Having a properly functioning monitoring system is also key to preventing accidents like explosions and fires and preventing the health issues associated with a leak. However, although having the monitor or device in place is wise, checking that it is in good working order is paramount, as this will ensure that it does the job it's designed to do when it matters most. This monitoring of the detectors involves a series of specific actions referred to as a bump test.
What is a Bump Test?
A bump test is a basic test that is simplistic in nature. It basically involves exposing the sensor within a detector to higher concentrations of gas than is deemed safe, causing it to alert. It’s not a difficult process, but one that could easily be the difference between life and death or between a day of safety and one that causes harm or injury. More formally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines a bump test as “a qualitative function check in which a challenge gas is passed over the sensors at a concentration and exposure of time sufficient to activate all alarm settings.” In layman’s terms, this means that a bump test simply ensures that the gas detector sensors are responding correctly to gas exposure.
Why Bump Testing is Essential for Gas Detection
Gas monitors and detectors are created to be used in a variety of harsh environments. As a result, it’s not uncommon for them to be dropped, exposed to extremely high or low temperatures, or become exposed to sludge, mud, dust, moisture, or humidity. All of these factors can impact the performance of a gas detector. Moisture and dust can easily clog filters, dropping the monitor can dislodge key elements like sensors, and sludge and mud can block a detector’s sensors from working properly. These are all common happenings in a manufacturing setting, so it’s vital to test the monitor through a simple bump test process to ensure that it is working properly.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bump Test a Gas Detector
Each gas detector or monitor is slightly different. Therefore, the manufacturer's specific instructions should always be followed. However, there are some general principles involved when testing for detection accuracy using a bump test gas detector. The following breaks it down into a step-by-step process:
Attach a flow adaptor, which should accompany any bump test unit. This cylinder of known concentration of the target gas is required.
Attach the applicable tubing to the cylinder flow regulator on one end, and then the other end to an exhaust tube on the flow adapter outlet and instrument flow adapter.
The gas that is released should be an individual flow rate, often around 0.5L/min. Releasing this will expose the sensor to the alarms and gas readings, and it should respond appropriately. This process usually takes between 30 and 40 seconds and often happens when 10% of the applied gas level has been tested.
It’s always worth noting that when working with hazardous or toxic gases, it’s important to ensure that proper safety precautions are taken, including performing the test in an area that is adequately ventilated.
When using an automated or semi-automated bump test system, the bump test gas detector is completed without much effort. In many cases, these devices run the test when hooked up, and the run bump test feature is initiated. Then, the device will record the results of the test for compliance purposes. These automated systems often include a speedy bump or smart bump testing feature. This should take around 20-30 seconds.
How Often Should You Bump Test Gas Monitors?
According to OSHA standards, commercial facilities should be performing bump tests daily based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Some manufacturers feel this is too often, though, instead recommend testing monthly. Many companies will not test that frequently. However, even if a facility tests daily, that doesn’t mean that their monitors won’t have to be calibrated and serviced periodically to ensure they are working properly in all ways.
Common Bump Testing Challenges
The biggest challenge associated with bump testing is simply remembering to do it before beginning work or at shift change. There are some great solutions to this including docking stations with detectors, basically requiring all monitors to be checked at the beginning and end of each shift. This, in essence, makes sure monitors are bump tested, charged, and ready to go for the next shift clocking in.
Another common issue with bump testing is the number of gas detectors that need testing. Sometimes, the locations and sizes of this equipment can make testing difficult. Thankfully, gas cylinders come in a variety of sizes for this purpose and can even be connected to docking stations, and thus serve many employees at once. Portable pump testing instruments are also applicable for this or when workers need to test on the go.
Lastly, bump testing for gas detectors is a simple process but one that does involve some training. Consequently, it is often difficult for managers to find the time to train users on how to perform a bump test correctly. In some cases, workers can instead watch videos or outside trainers can be paid to come in to teach employees.
Get Reliable Gas Detection Equipment at HVAC Jack
Thankfully, HVAC Jack offers high-quality gas detection equipment that makes performing a bump test quick and easy. In addition, the site has an abundance of HVAC equipment, many in stock today for quick delivery. Therefore, when it’s your job to keep your team safe, and you want to know more about automated systems or the portable varieties of bump testing systems, contact us today at HVAC Jack to learn more. We are here to help you equip your commercial business with everything you need to operate safely and efficiently.