Gas detection and cold weather: let's talk about it!
As temperatures drop, the use of gas detectors can become more complicated. In addition, their efficiency and autonomy are sometimes altered. To continue to protect yourself, here are a few tips that will help you maintain the optimal efficiency of your devices.
Maintain the optimal performance of your detector
> Time of use
Depending on the expected time of use, it is necessary to stabilize the device. Stabilization is important because this is a safety measuring device, and if it is not stabilized, the measurements will not be accurate.
If the time of use is :
- Less than 20 minutes, you will not need to stabilize the device. Simply turn it on, take your measurements, and turn it back to "warm".
- More than 20 minutes, the device will need to be stabilized. It will then be necessary to wait 15 to 20 minutes so that the device adapts to the ambient temperature.
*Detector in a warm place (or against you): It must be in a case, in a bag, in your pocket, under your coat, etc., the most important thing is that it is not exposed to the cold.
> Negative temperature: the right gestures!
> In dry and cold weather, it is important not to leave your detector in the open air, as it may freeze. This could cause some of the cells to lose their effectiveness. Whenever possible, it is best to keep the detector warm, or against you. Whether it is in a case, bag, pocket, coat, etc., the most important thing is that it is not exposed to the cold.
> When using the detector, if it is slow, you can perform bump tests. In cold winter weather, the display may dim or even go out if it freezes. In these conditions, perform a bump test before each use.
> In addition, the lower the temperature, the more frequently you will need to recharge your device. Low temperatures have an impact on battery life.
Bump test and calibration: what is it?
> Bump Test:
The term "bump test" is probably the most widely used term in the field of portable gas detection devices. A bump test is a functional test of the gas detector to verify that the cells respond to the target gas and that the alarms are working. It is performed by briefly exposing the sensors to their target gas.
This test should be performed daily. It is used only to verify the operation of the sensors and alarms, but does not measure the accuracy of the sensors or adjust the instrument settings, as calibration does.
> Calibration:
Calibration should be performed regularly (quarterly, semi-annually or annually, depending on the conditions of use), otherwise the measurements indicated by the sensors will not accurately reflect the actual gas concentrations.
During calibration, the instrument settings automatically adjust to ensure that the sensors continue to measure gas concentrations correctly and accurately. When a sensor is degraded beyond an acceptable level, the calibration test fails and the sensor must be replaced.
The arrival of cold weather also rhymes with carbon monoxide...
Unfortunately, the arrival of cooler weather often corresponds to a high number of cases of carbon monoxide poisoning.
This odorless and colorless gas is undetectable to a human being, unless you are equipped with a detector. No matter what type of heating you use, gas, wood, coal, oil, etc., you may be concerned. In the case of a small space heater, the risk is even greater. Indeed, carbon monoxide can be emitted during an incomplete combustion.
To avoid poisoning, it is recommended that you have your heating system checked by a certified technician at least once a year. In addition, you should be very alert to the first symptoms of poisoning, which are usually headaches, vomiting and fainting.
Our advice
The most important advice: ventilate your home well! To prevent intoxication, it is important to renew the ambient air regularly. In case you feel symptoms, it is urgent to unplug the appliance in heating, open the windows and leave the house by calling the emergency services. If possible, you can also install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
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