What is a bump test station?
Bump testing is a safety procedure used to verify the functionality of gas detection equipment. A bump test station is a piece of equipment that does the bump test for you. You simply insert your gas detector into the device, press a button and then the bump test station automatically shows your gas detector gas to ensure it is working like it should. Some bump test stations also inform you if there is any problems with the device.
Manual bump testing vs a bump test station
Manual bump testing is the cheapest possible way to bump test your gas detector. You simply buy a calibration adaptor, a suitable gas bottle, tubing and off you go. You follow the instruction on your gas detector, turn on the gas when told too and bump test it like that.
A bump test station does it all for you. Connect your gas detector to the bump test station, press a button and it goes through the bump test process automatically. If you work on your own or have a small team, manually bump testing is probably the best, most affordable way. If you have a large team and a large fleet of gas detectors, it is probably best to look into purchasing a bump test station as this can save you and your team a lot of time and money.
Manufacturers recommend that you bump test your gas detector before every use. If you are using your gas detector every day, would you rather do it yourself or plug it into the bump test station?
Should you invest in a bump test station?
Like I said in the previous paragraph, if you are small team we think manually bump testing your gas detector is just fine. Whereas if you are a larger team with a large fleet of gas detectors, manual bump testing before every use would take a lot of your time. If you invest in a bump test station, you can simply plug it in, press a button and use it once it has passed the team. This will save you and your team a lot of time and money as you are not having to go through the process of getting the gas bottle out and doing it yourself.
So yes, if you are working in a large team, a bump test station is well worth the money!
