Calibration and Bump Testing?

International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) defines a bump test as a “qualitative function check where a challenge gas is passed over the sensor(s) at a concentration and exposure time sufficient to activate all alarm indicators to present at least their lower alarm setting. […] This is typically dependent on the response time of the sensor(s) or a minimum level of response achieved, such as 80% of gas concentration applied.” This checks whether sensors and alarms are working as intended, and failure might indicate that a blockage is present. In sum, bump testing assesses function, not accuracy.

ISEA guideline describes full calibration as“[t]he adjustment of the sensor(s) response to match the desired value compared to a known traceable concentration of test gas.” This adjustment accounts for naturally occurring drifting and other environmental factors. Specially trained, qualified personnel are the only people permitted to perform full calibrations.