By Aiden ArmstrongDon’t be That Guy.
Seriously, That Guy spends the time and money to buy gas detection equipment, then completely ignores the fact that it needs to be cleaned and maintained just like any other piece of equipment. Before you can say “OSHA’s here!” you know you’re going to have some problems with your operation. Gas detectors are not just for show but are important pieces of safety equipment, and gas detector calibration is a part of an entity’s safety culture. Just like personal protection equipment, a gas detector can make the difference between going home from work at the end of the shift, or disability/debility, or even death.
1. Clean: Do not use any solvents or hydrocarbons to clean your equipment. Use canned air and an anti-static duster to remove regular dirt and dust. More stubborn dirt can be cleaned with water and a mild detergent such as a solution of dish detergent and water. Rinse thoroughly.
2. Calibrate: Calibrate at the location where the sensor is in use, since locations have variable environments with respect to temperature, humidity, and other factors that can interfere with accurate gas detector calibration. Use the correct calibrating gas, or Zero Air for a “clean” calibration.
3. Maintain: Clean or change the filter, look for loose wires, screws, and damage to the housing. Post a weekly maintenance schedule and stick to it, with maintenance staff signing off on each inspection.
Above all, keep a regular schedule of maintenance and checks with a duty roster. As tempting as it can be to cut corners, gases can cause explosions, respiratory injury, contamination of other chemicals, and even deaths. By not building a culture of safety, and by failing to abide by state and federal regulations, a company can endanger its very existence. Clean, calibrate, and maintain your gas detectors!
