28 Questions
What is the importance of exposing gas sensors to gas?
To know if the sensor is functional and will respond to dangerous gas in the atmosphere
When did confined space legislation come into effect in the United States?
1993
What is the purpose of the bump test?
To ensure the instrument is tested prior to use while reducing calibration requirements
What is the failure rate of bump tests in instruments tested daily?
0.3%
What happens to the expected failure rate if the bump test interval is increased to 20 days?
It doubles
What is the average frequency of gas detectors failing to respond and alarm properly to an actual gas alarm event?
One out of every 100 gas detectors
What is the most common cause of bump test and instrument failures?
Environmental factors and user handling
What is a common way that portable gas detectors are damaged?
Being dropped from high places
What is the purpose of iNet?
To collect data from portable gas detectors used in the field
How many gas detectors are used in over 1,100 end-user locations, according to the iNet database?
27,000
What is the primary purpose of a bump test in a portable gas detector?
To verify the functionality of sensor(s) and alarms
What is the recommended frequency of bump testing a portable gas detector?
Prior to each day's use
How many datalogged readings were used to support the importance of bump testing?
1 billion+
What is the main difference between a bump test and a calibration?
A bump test verifies functionality, while a calibration sets the sensor's accuracy
Why is it not necessary to use a precise concentration of gas during a bump test?
Because the concentration of gas is not critical to the test
How many customer sites were involved in the data collection for the analysis?
1,100+
What is the primary benefit of bump testing, as supported by the data analysis?
It saves lives by ensuring gas detectors are functioning correctly
What is the term used to describe the process of briefly exposing the gas detector to a known concentration of gas?
Bump test
What is the primary reason for the failure of a gas detector to respond to a dangerous concentration of gas?
Improper calibration of the instrument
What is the recommended frequency for performing a bump test on gas detectors?
Daily
What is the consequence of not performing a daily bump test on gas detectors?
Increased risk of instrument failure
What is the average rate of failure of untested instruments on a given day?
1 in every 2,500
What is the purpose of a bump test?
To detect instrument failures before they occur
What is the benefit of using calibration stations and docking systems for bump testing?
They save time and eliminate operator error
What is the consequence of ignoring the need for daily bump testing?
Catastrophic damage to the control center may occur
What is the primary benefit of using Gas Detection as a Service?
Automated equipment replacements and full visibility into gas detection programs
What is the primary role of portable gas detectors?
To protect workers from hazardous gas concentrations
What is the primary reason for using hosted software for gas detection programs?
To provide safety managers with tools to address problems before they happen
Study Notes
Bump Testing of Gas Detectors
- A "bump" test of a portable gas detector is performed to verify the functionality of sensors and alarms.
- The test is performed by briefly exposing the instrument to a known concentration of the target gas(es) and verifying that the instrument responds accordingly.
Importance of Bump Testing
- Bump testing is necessary to ensure that gas detectors are functioning properly and can respond to dangerous gas concentrations.
- Without bump testing, 1 in every 2,500 untested instruments will fail to respond to a dangerous concentration of gas.
- Daily bump testing can detect failures before they occur, preventing accidents and saving lives.
Data Analysis
- Analysis of 1 billion+ datalogged readings, 4.7 million+ bump test records, 2.5 million+ alarm events, and 1.1 million+ calibration records from 27,000+ gas detectors and 1,100+ customer sites reveals:
- The incidence of bump test failure in instruments tested on a daily basis is approximately 0.3%.
- Increasing the bump test interval to 20 days doubles the expected failure rate.
Why Bump Test Failures Occur
- Failure is often caused by the environment and manner in which the instruments are used, rather than the quality of the product.
- Portable gas detectors are used in harsh applications, exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, water, and mud, which can damage sensors and electronics.
- Delicate sensors and electronics can be damaged by shock, and sensor membranes and openings can be blocked by debris.
Tools to Automate Bump Tests
- Calibration stations and docking systems can automate bump tests, saving time and reducing operator error.
- Industrial Scientific's iNet provides automated functions, automatic equipment replacements, and full visibility into gas detection programs, allowing safety managers to address problems before they happen.
Understanding the significance of bump testing gas detectors prior to each day's use, debunking the myth of 'maintenance-free' gas detectors, and why it's a crucial safety practice.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
