How Often Should Air Monitors Be Calibrated?
Other People Are Reading
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Air monitor calibration is a good safety practice
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Air monitors can be an excellent defense mechanism in a work facility to determine if any hazardous agents such as gas are in the air. According to the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) you should test your air monitors for optimal functionality. A full calibration should be performed on all air monitors when you first receive them from a vendor and then performed periodically.
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Air monitors can function without a calibration.
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The standard calibration guidelines set by the ISEA are not always followed. Often air monitors are installed new or simply dug out of storage bins and used without testing, as was discovered by the Occupation Health and Safety Association (OSHA). In these situations the air monitor can remain fully functional over time and capable of performing without calibration.
Bottom Line
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The purpose of an air monitor is to monitor the air you breathe in various environments and ensure it is safe. The most efficient way to ensure that an air monitor is doing its job is to test it. However, if you are comfortable risking the safety of your life and possibly others under the assumption that most likely your air monitor still works, then don't adopt a calibration routine. If you have even the smallest concern, however, then adopting a calibration routine for your air monitor is the best practice.
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