Other People’s Gas Is Always Worse

When I hear the following question, I know I have a potentially stinky situation on my hands.

“Jason, I have a BW gas monitor but an MSA bottle. Can I use it for calibration?”

The answer is, “Yes and no.” Or, more accurately, “Yes but it’s probably more trouble than it’s worth.”

Using Brand X’s gas bottle to calibrate Brand Y’s gas detector causes issues both up front and down the road.

Problem Up Front: In order to sync your gas monitor to the unknown bottle, you’ll need to program it accordingly. For most monitors today, that requires connecting it to the computer, learning the software, and resetting the balance for each individual gas. For monitors capable of reprogramming directly on the unit, it will require a button combination not to be attempted by the faint of heart.

Problem Down the Road: When it’s time for a new gas bottle, the purchaser, often unaware of the programming change, will buy the bottle that matches the gas monitor’s brand and model. Uh oh! Now my phone starts ringing with, “Jason, why won’t our gas monitors pass calibration!?”

Bottom line: It’s doable but it’s no fun and has several pitfalls. To make life easier, it’s best to spend the $150-$200 for the right gas bottle when you buy the gas detector.

Most importantly, you’ll want proper training for your workers and managers of the program, especially since gas monitor operation is rarely covered in confined space entry classes.

To find a Covid-19 compliant course in your area, just google, “gas monitor competence training,” or visit www.gasmonitorcompetence.com. The price should be around the cost of one gas monitor to train up to 20 workers in about a two hour course.

It’s money well spent…and that doesn’t stink!