how often should an air quality monitor be calibrated

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FACT SHEET NEW YORK Public Employee STATE OF OPPORTUNITY Safety and Health # Calibration and Bump Testing of Portable Gas Monitors ## Why are bump testing and instrument calibration important? Portable gas monitors detect unseen hazards and measure the levels of hazardous gases. These instruments detect the presence of oxygen-deficient, explosive and/or toxic gases. Exposure to these conditions can have serious health effects, and even result in death. Properly maintaining your equipment can save lives. ## What is the difference between full calibration, calibration check and bump testing? Full Calibration - Adjusting the sensor's response to match the desired value compared to a known traceable concentration of test gas Calibration Check - Using a known traceable concentration of test gas to show that the sensors and alarms respond to the gas within manufacturer's acceptable limits Bump Test (Function Check) - Passing a known concentration of gas over the sensors at a level and exposure time strong enough to activate all alarms ## What is the ISEA? The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) is a leading national trade association for manufacturers of safety and health equipment, including portable gas monitors. ## When did the ISEA update their calibration guidelines? In 2010, the ISEA updated and clarified their guidelines on the frequency and types of tests and checks needed to make sure these monitors function properly at all times. These revisions include: • Expanding the scope of the guideline to include all workplace settings (not just confined spaces) • Emphasizing to users, employers and regulatory agencies the importance of making sure that portable gas monitors function properly ## How often does the ISEA recommend performing calibration and bump testing? Conduct a full calibration at regular intervals, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Conduct a bump test or calibration check of portable gas monitors before each da…

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# Back to Top (cont.) ## Ambient air quality monitoring program (cont.) (2) An ambient air quality monitoring program required by subsection (1) shall: (a) be developed by a competent person and certified as adequate by one of the following persons: (i) a professional engineer; (ii) an occupational hygienist registered with the Canadian Registration Board of Occupational Hygienists; or (iii) an industrial hygienist certified by the American Board for Industrial Hygiene; (b) identify sampling procedures using plans and instructions, and detail the instruments to be used for the procedures; and (c) identify the contaminants to be monitored including, at a minimum, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, and the frequency for monitoring those contaminants. (3) An ambient air quality monitoring program shall ensure sufficient air quality is provided to the active workings underground by ensuring that any contaminants are diluted below the occupational exposure limit. 5/12 s544 ## Back to Top ## Record of result of ambient air quality monitoring program 545. The results of the monitoring performed under the ambient air quality monitoring program required by section 544 shall be recorded and made available to an officer upon request. 5/12 s545 ## Back to Top ## Calibrating monitors and meters 546. (1) An employer shall maintain a written schedule of calibration for the monitors and meters required by these regulations. (2) Calibration shall be conducted in accordance with the schedule under subsection (1) at a frequency equal to or greater than the frequency indicated in the manufacturer's specifications. 5/12 s546 ## Back to Top ## Voice communication 547. (1) An employer shall ensure that a mine has a voice communication system between the surface and underground in adequate locations that consists of interconnected voice communication stations. (2) An employer shall ensure that a voice communication …