A Look at Bump Tests

The GasAlertQuattro should be regularly checked to make certain that the alarms and sensors are working properly. A bump test is a simple procedure that just involves exposing the monitor to levels of gas that will trigger an alarm. If the audible and visual alarms go off when it reacts to gas, your monitor has passed the bump test.

Performing the Test

As with the calibration, a hose must be first connected to the regulator on the gas cylinder. Recall that this hose should be no more than three feet in length. After this, the hose will also be connected to the intake port on the machine’s calibration cap. As we saw previously, the arrows on the cap will display which direction the gas will be flowing.

The cap should then be firmly tightened onto the detector to create a tight seal. Turn on the gas and allow a few seconds for the sensors to react. You should verify all of the different alarm types, including audible, visual, and physical (vibrations).

Once this is confirmed, the regulator should be turned off and the calibration cap should be removed. The unit will most likely still be in alarm mode for a short period of time after the bump test. This is due to the fact that some gas will still remain in the sensor. Any lingering gas should clear away in a few moments. If you have a MicroDock II test station, you can view the bump test procedure in the video below provided by BW. You will just insert the monitor into the bay and wait for it to load. Then press the Bump Check button and the station will do the rest.

Finally, it should be noted that during normal operation, the measured values can be displayed to see if any errors in measurement have taken place.

Bump tests should be a regular part of any safety protocols and all employees who will be using this detector need to be trained properly in this before they are allowed to operate the GasAlertQuattro in dangerous environments.  This will help to reduce the chances of a potentially dangerous situation from developing.