CAC-Why “waste” gas bump testing when it worked the last time I used it?

Why should I “waste” gas on bump testing my gas detection instrument when it worked the last time I used it?

Why should I have a safety switch in my house?
Why should I put on my seat belt (or buckle up) in the car?
Why should I wear a life jacket?

The answer is:

‘Because it could save your life!’

Bump testing your gas detections instrument should be treated as an important part of your work routine, the same as putting on your safety boots, hi-viz work gear, safety glasses and hard hat. We do all these things because, at the end of the day, we all want to return home to our families safe and well. Bump testing your instrument is just as important to your health and safety. Most instruments will take less than a minute to bump test, and for the time it takes to lace your boots, you are ready to go off safely.

But why do I have to bump test it everytime?

Many things can affect the performance of your instrument in between uses – even when they are used daily. This has been covered in our blog – ‘Why are you still not bump testing your gas detector?’

Examples of this are:

• Environmental
• Physical
• Gas exposure
• Poisons/Inhibitors
• Temperature Affect
• Moisture
• Sensor Drift

All it takes is one or more of these things to cause a sensor not to work. If you don’t bump test you won’t know if there is a problem and that has the potential to be a very serious problem.

At the end of the day it is really simple, take the time to bump test your instrument every time you use it – because your safety and wellbeing is the most important thing.

CAC GAS offers a variety of bump testing options, such as using a bump test station with either non-refillable cylinders or high pressure cylinders or a gas distribution system connected to a docking station.

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