Installation, Operation & Maintenance Parksafe Gas Detector
Rev: 9 10-20
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Gas Testing Overview
A detector may visually appear in good order, but its sensitivity can be inhibited by external factors such
as, dust; humidity; temperature fluctuations; cleaning products; contaminants or sensor drift (ageing). All
can cause a decline in sensitivity and eventual failure.
Regular ‘bump’ tests are important to make sure a device is able to detect a release of gas as early as
possible. We recommend that gas tests are carried out at least annually from the date of installation
however the frequency should be determined following a risk assessment by the end user and in
accordance with any applicable law/code.
The aim of the bump test is to make sure a gas detector is working at its optimum by briefly exposing the
unit to a known concentration of the target gas. The reading (if displayed) can be compared to the actual
content of gas present, as stated on the test gas cylinder and if the detector goes into alarm within an
acceptable range of the actual concentration and all system outputs/relays activate, then it is working
safely.
If the bump test results are either not within the acceptable range or the system fails to operate as
intended in an alarm state, the gas detector must not be used until a full inspection and service has been
conducted.
For more information on this, contact us.
Gas Testing Kits
AGS provide a range of test gas kits traceable to appropriate standards and usually consist of:
•
Certified gas cylinder / spray.
•
Flow Control Regulator / Control Valve
•
Tube pipe / applicator cone
All certified test gases are classified as non-flammable and non-toxic, however, they do contain gas
under pressure and may explode if heated to extreme temperatures and cause asphyxiation in high
concentrations.
Use in accordance with Safety Data Sheet - available on request.
Gas Sensor Types & Reaction Times
The time for gas sensors to react to their target gas will vary dependant on the type of gas detector/gas
sensing element. You should always refer to the appropriate specification for information including sensor
type and alarm levels i.e. electro-mechanical sensors (such as Carbon monoxide detectors) will react to
its target gas slower than semi-conducting sensor types (such as methane, LPG and Hydrogen detectors).
