Monitor Use And Service; Zero, Calibration, And, Bump Testing; Procedures; Recommendations - Industrial Scientific Ventis MX4 Product Manual

Configuration Process
Display and Options
1 = Enable/on

►Monitor Use and Service

Proper monitor use and service includes everything from bump testing and calibration to keeping the monitor clean,
proper air sampling, and the replacement of parts and components. Beginning with calibration and bump testing, the
following sections provide information and instruction on all use and service tasks.

Zero, Calibration, and, Bump testing

Gas detection instruments are potentially life-saving devices. When completed regularly, the procedures defined
below help to maintain proper instrument functionality and enhance operator safety.

Procedures

Configuration. The configuration process allows qualified personnel to review and adjust a unit's settings.
Bump Test (or "functional test"). Bump testing checks for sensor and alarm functionality. The installed sensors are
briefly exposed to expected concentrations of calibration gases that are greater than the sensors' low alarm set
points. When one or more sensors "pass" the test, they are "functional" and the unit will alarm. Each sensor's "pass"
or "fail" result is indicated on the unit's display.
Note: a bump test does not measure for sensor accuracy (see "Calibration").
Zero. Zeroing sets each installed sensor to recognize the ambient air as clean air. If the ambient air is not truly clean
air, any gasses that are present and relevant to the installed sensor types will be measured and displayed as zero.
Readings will be inaccurate until the unit is correctly zeroed in truly fresh air or with a zero air cylinder.
Calibration. All sensors gradually degrade over time. This diminishes a sensor's ability to measure gas concentrations
accurately; however, regular calibrations adjust the instrument to compensate for this decline in sensitivity. During
calibration, the installed sensors are exposed to expected concentrations of calibration gases and, when needed, the
instrument will self-adjust to ensure the accurate measurement and display of gas concentration values.
Note: When a sensor has degraded beyond an acceptable level, no further adjustment is possible and the sensor will no longer
pass calibration.
Peak Readings. The instrument stores the highest detected gas readings, the "peak readings" or "peaks". Bump
testing and calibration will often register new peak readings. Therefore, the clearing of the peak readings should
follow each calibration. The instrument operator may also wish to clear the peak readings after a bump test, before a
change in location, or after an alarm is addressed and cleared.
Note: The peak readings and the data log readings are stored independently of one
does not affect the data log. Powering the instrument off or changing its battery does not affect the peak reading. These checks and
balances help promote operator safety, and serve to contain the peak readings in a "black-box" manner. In the event of a gas-
related incident, this black-box record can be useful to the safety team or a prospective investigator.

Recommendations

Industrial Scientific Corporation (ISC) minimum frequency recommendations for each procedure are summarized in
the table below. These recommendations are based on field data, safe work procedures, industry best practices, and
regulatory standards to help ensure worker safety. Industrial Scientific is not responsible for setting safety practices
and policies. These policies may be affected by the directives and recommendations of regulatory groups,
environmental conditions, operating conditions, instrument use patterns and exposure to gas, and other factors.
Procedure ISC Recommended minimum frequency
Configuration Before first use and as needed thereafter.
Calibration Before first use and monthly thereafter.
a
Bump test Prior to each day's use.
b
a
Between regular calibrations, ISC also recommends a calibration be performed immediately following each of these incidences: the
unit falls, is dropped, or experiences another significant impact; is exposed to water; fails a bump test; or has been repeatedly
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Instructions
Ventis™ MX4 Product Manual
another; therefore, clearing the peak reading
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