Test for gas detector bump
The definition of shock testing is...
"Brief exposure to known gas concentrations is required to validate sensor and alarm operation."
In other words, this is only a quick test to make sure the gas detector will alert you if it detects gas.
The shock test won't reveal anything regarding the gas detector's performance accuracy, but it will give you assurance that it is functional and hence fit for usage.
The gas detectors from Industrial Scientific are put through an automated shock test process (from a bottle of calibration gas). Within 45 seconds, the gas detector must successfully report at least 50% of the intended alarm level for each sensor.
Create a failure report if not. The failure report serves as a warning, prompting the user to schedule the detector's calibration.
Detector Calibration for Gas
The calibration of a gas detector entails...
Test the sensor of the gas detector against a known calibration standard (i.e. the contents of the calibration gas cylinder), and
Adjust the gas detector to correct any inaccuracies.
Therefore, gas detector calibration is more effective than a simple shock test. A successfully calibrated gas detector gives you confidence in how accurately it detects the target gas.
How often should a crash test be performed?
A good practice for impact testing is daily, before use. A bump test is a great way to make sure your gas detector is actually working before you use it.
Shock testing with a docking station is a very simple process, but it can also be performed manually without a docking station.
An important benefit of "smart" docking stations in this modern era is that the docking station maintains a record of the gas detector's history. This provides a good documentation to help with your compliance record keeping.
