Individuals still take their life in their own hands by not taking the small amount of time and cost to properly check their gas detection device prior to entering hazardous environments. Bump testing standards are confusing which adds to the risk of fatalities in the workplace. Here we draw on various resources to provide an overall guide on how to ensure your workplace is a safe environment for both you and your colleagues.
AS/NZS 60079.29.2.2008: Gas Detectors- Selection, use and maintenance
“It is recommended that this is done by personnel actually operating the apparatus and is strongly recommended that it is performed before each day of use”
AS 2865-2009: Australian Confined Space Entry Standard:
“Gas monitors used for the purpose of atmospheric monitoring within a confined space should be maintained and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and in reference to AS/NZS 60079”
OSHA – Verification of Calibration of Direct-Reading Portable Gas Monitors Bulletin SHIB 05-04-2004:Â
“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 appropriate test gas”
Worksafe Alberta BulletinÂ
“The only way to ensure that a combustible gas meter is accurate and fully functional is to complete a function or bump test before use. A functional or bump test is a field test that is done at the start of each shift or before the meter is used”
CSA (Canadian Standard Association)
Requires by law all instruction manuals include a statement for testing gas detectors prior to use.
Safe Work Australia: Code of Practice Confined Spaces:
“Any atmospheric testing and monitoring in a confined space should be carried out by a competent person using a suitable, correctly calibrated gas detector”
The COGEM GUIDE to Gas Detection: 2012
“Most gas detector manufacturers recommend a daily functional test in line with 60079 which involves the simple application of a test gas in order to trigger the alarm modes and demonstrate overall operation of the equipment. Recent advice from the International Safety Equipment Association extends this to carrying out a function test if there is a change in custody of the equipment, which could include one user handing over a detector to another.”
