What is Drpgm?
What is Drpgm?
A bump test, also known as a function check, is a routine test used to confirm that a direct-reading portable gas-monitoring (DRPGM) device is able to detect and alarm when its sensor is exposed to a sufficient amount of the gas the device is built to detect.
What is bump gas used for?
A: A bump test is a very brief exposure of a monitor to a gas to help verify that the sensors respond and the alarms are functioning. A calibration is performed by exposing the monitor to a certified concentration of gas for a given time to help verify it provides an accurate reading.
What does bump test mean?
A bump test is the only way to ensure the whole gas detector unit is working properly. It checks that the sensors respond to the target gas, it also verifies that the display reacts. It confirms that all the alarms are activated, and the detector goes properly into alarm. How does it work?
How often should I bump test my gas detector?
every 3 to 6 months
Electrochemical sensors tend to drift over time and require bump testing every 3 to 6 months. Calibration is recommended annually or if bump testing indicates an out of spec sensor. Due to the technology of electrochemical sensors, they will deplete over time and more rapidly if exposed to the target gas.
Is bump testing required?
OSHA suggests that a bump test “should be conducted before each day’s use in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.” Based on OSHA’s suggestion, the matter of bump test frequency is to be decided by the manufacturer’s instructions.
What is the difference between calibration and bump test?
The main difference between a bump test and calibration is that a bump test determines whether a DRPGM can detect if a possibly hazardous gas is present, while calibration checks that equipment is accurate.
How do you do a bump test?
Alternatively, you can perform a manual bump test simply by applying gas to the instrument while it is on the main gas reading screen. If each sensor shows readings in response to the gas and the detector goes into alarm, then that instrument is good to go.
How do you calibrate a drpgm?
Calibration checks start by “zeroing” a DRPGM (resetting it to a reference point determined by the manufacturer) and testing that alarms go off after applying a high enough concentration of test gas. The resulting sensor reading should match the concentration listed on the test gas container.
What is the OSHA standard for drpgm calibration?
OSHA recommends developing standard procedures for calibrating and using DRPGMs that include documentation to verify the proper maintenance and calibration of the instruments. Instrument inaccuracy due to improper or irregular maintenance and calibration can lead to exposure to hazardous levels of toxic gases or to an oxygen-deficient atmosphere.
How long should you keep calibration records for drpgms?
Employers should keep calibration records for the life of each instrument. This record enables operators to quickly identify a DRPGM that has a history of excessive maintenance/repair, or is prone to erratic readings, and to track drift of the sensors to determine when they need replacement.
