Why bump testing is a vital part of maintaining your gas detection system
Here at Gas Alarm Systems, we’ve been providing our clients with a range of gas detection systems for decades, all specifically designed to keep you and your staff safe from the risks posed by toxic and flammable gases. We’re can help you implement an effective set of portable and fixed gas detectors within your premises, what’s more we’d also highly recommend incorporating a bump testing regime as part of your daily work schedule. Here are a few reasons why.
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Why do I need to perform bump tests on my equipment?
Our gas detectors are extremely reliable and built to last – but like everything else, they still need proper maintenance from time to time, or a few problems can begin to develop. For example, over time the sensor membranes within them can become clogged with muck and dust, which stops gas molecules from reaching the sensor. If there’s even the slightest delay or interference stopping your gas detectors from picking up on gas leaks, then the consequences could be deadly. Toxic gas leaks can pose a variety of dangers to you and your staff – including explosions, asphyxiation, and long-term health complications like problems with the stomach and digestive system, organ damage, coughing, shortness of breath, insomnia a loss of coordination and tremors.
A bump test is the only way to test that your gas detection systems are working to their full capacity. It checks that the sensors respond to the target gas promptly, and alert those within the area that a leak has occurred.
How often should I perform bump tests on my gas detectors?
In short, daily. When taking into consideration the ATEX directive manufacturer recommendations and your own company’s risk assessment policies, we’d recommend that bump tests be performed on your detectors on a daily basis. Failure to do so could lead to serious (potentially life-threatening) danger, so it’s best to air on the side of caution.
How to perform a bump test
The process of performing a bump test remains pretty much the same, regardless of what sector you’re working in. Essentially, it involves applying a target gas (carbon monoxide, methane, hydrogen and so on) to the detector for around 30 seconds with a flow rate of about 0.5lpm. Ideally, your detector will show a gas reading and the alarm should sound accordingly. However, if you find that you’re reaching the 30 second mark in the test and your gas detector is showing no signs of picking up any disturbance, then it’s likely that the detector requires some maintenance.
So, regardless of your sector, and no matter the type of gas you’re dealing with on a daily basis, bump testing should be a critical part of your daily routine, and to ensure your staff are completing them on a regular basis. What’s more, if you need some new fixed or portable gas detectors to help keep your staff safe, you’re in exactly the right place. Our in-house experts have been providing our clients with the best in natural gas and carbon monoxide detection equipment for over 25 years. Feel free to browse our range of fixed gas detection systems and portable gas detection monitors online today. Or, if you have any questions or need any advice, call us on 01423 862240. We’ll be happy to see how we can help.
