CALIBRATION GAS

Calibration and bump testing your gas monitor will tell you how reliable they are. It is performed with a traceable concentration of hazardous gas to ensure that the monitor’s sensors are responding accurately and that the alarms function.

Once calibrated, the readings displayed on the instrument are reset to match the test gas, indicating that all readings are accurate.

We sell everything you need to calibrate and bump test your gas detection equipment at PK Safety, including calibration and bump test kits, calibration gas canisters, flow regulators, and much more.

As a leading provider of gas detectors, we specialize in servicing all of the gas detection systems we sell, including BW Honeywell gas monitors, RAE Systems, and RKI Instruments. Our products ship fast at PK Safety, so you can get the gear you need delivered to your business or worksite as quickly as possible. Learn more about our calibration gasses and how they are used on the job.

What is calibration gas used for?

Calibration gas is essential for ensuring the accuracy of gas detection equipment. It is used to calibrate and bump test gas monitors, verifying that the sensors are detecting gases correctly and that alarms are functioning as they should. Each cylinder of calibration gas contains a traceable concentration of hazardous gases that allows users to confirm their monitors are providing accurate readings. Without this process, gas detectors may fail to alert users to dangerous gas levels, putting safety at risk.  

The calibration gas may be a single target gas, such as hydrogen sulfide or carbon monoxide. Others may contain a mixture of gases for instruments having multiple sensor types. The calibration gas in the cylinders must also not expire, as the gas quantity (concentrations) in the container may change over time.

Find the right type of calibration gas or testing equipment for your specific gas monitor based on the type of gases you are trying to detect. Store the calibration gas according to manufacturer recommendations to keep the quantity stable. If the gas is expired, the calibration process may lead to inaccurate results.

Why do gas detectors need to be calibrated?

The sensors on a gas detector will lose accuracy over time due to calibration drift. The sensor produces a reading once exposed to the target gas. This creates an electrochemical reaction that produces a reading on the digital monitor. But the sensors will either become too sensitive or not sensitive enough after exposure to the target gas many times over.

The detector can then be calibrated to ensure the readings are as accurate as possible, so anyone using this equipment can rest assured that they know exactly how much gas is in the air. This will help the team stay safe when occupying areas that contain these hazards.

How often should I calibrate my gas detector?

The gas monitor calibration schedule varies based on how and how often you use the equipment. OSHA recommends calibrating your gas detector before each use to maintain accurate readings, especially if your work environment changes frequently or the detector is older. Factors like temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure can affect sensor responsiveness, making regular calibration vital. Always ensure your calibration gas is not expired, as this can lead to inaccurate results. For the best results, store your sensors and calibration gas in a dry, room-temperature environment similar to your worksite conditions.  

Contact PK Safety to find the right calibration gas cylinders for your project.