To keep your workers and facilities safe, it is critical that your gas detectors work properly and provide accurate readings. But how do you ensure that your instruments are working as they should?
Instrument Calibration for Accurate Readings
Instrument calibration is the process of checking and adjusting a measuring device, like a gas-detecting instrument, to make sure that it provides an accurate reading. The measurement of the calibration testing gas serves as the reference point for how accurate the instrument is reading. While the frequency of calibration depends heavily on the instrument, frequency of use, sensor technology, and more, it is recommended that a gas detector instrument be calibrated no less than every 12 months. It is still best practice to check with the manufacturer of your specific instrument to be sure that you are calibrating it as often as they recommend.
Portable vs Built-In Systems
Portable gas detectors are handheld devices used by workers to monitor their exposure to hazards like oxygen deficiency and toxic or combustible gases. Fixed or built-in systems continuously monitor for exposure to gas. Both portable and built-in systems require regular calibration and certification.
Single vs Multi-Point Calibration
Portable units are typically calibrated using a single-point method, meaning they are exposed to a target gas concentration and adjusted to match that value. This adjusts for sensor drifts. Built-in systems often use multi-point calibration which checks accuracy across multiple points along a sensor’s range, providing a more comprehensive tuning.
What is a Calibration Certificate?
A certificate of calibration is a required document that verifies that the equipment being used is accurate. It compares the reading of the tested instrument to a recognized standard. This certification is mandatory for all equipment in industrial, medical, and scientific settings.
Whether your facility uses portable or built-in systems for gas detection, regular calibration is needed to maintain accurate readings and verify that your equipment is working properly. Maintaining calibration certifications, along with thorough documentation of readings, brings peace of mind to the workplace and ensures your facility is safe from any gas-related hazards.