To minimize the impact of an unexpected gas monitor failure and ensure accuracy, frequent functional testing (also known as bump testing) and calibration are key, according to an EHS Today article.

These instruments save lives and require periodic maintenance.

In a bump test, the monitor is subjected to a measured quantity of gas to verify that the monitor’s alarm sounds in a timely manner. Calibration ensures the monitor’s accuracy.

Additionally, redundancy of gas sensors reduces the likelihood that a monitor will malfunction between bump tests.

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