Calibration and Service FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions · Frontline Safety
We have shared some of our most frequently asked questions from our customers regarding calibration and the services Frontline Safety offers. The following FAQs cover questions on calibration certificates, the servicing of portable gas detectors, the purchase of spare parts and sensors for this equipment and also the servicing of breathing apparatus equipment. If your question is not answered below, please contact our Service or Sales Team. Call 0141 771 7749. Our Fixed Gas Detection Servicing FAQs can also be viewed on the Frontline Safety website.
Calibration Certificate - I’ve lost my calibration certificate, how do I get a replacement?
If your gas detector or item has been calibrated or serviced by one of our engineers then a copy of your calibration certificate will be held on our system. If it's something that has been calibrated by a manufacturer then we may be able to request this on your behalf, using the serial number shown on the item. Please contact our service team - [email protected].Calibration Certificate - Will I receive a calibration certificate with my gas detector?
Yes, our gas detectors come calibrated and a certificate of calibration/service will be included with the unit.
Service of Portable Gas Detectors - How often do I need to calibrate my gas detector?
Most portable gas detectors that we sell require calibration or service every 6 months/180 days. This is advised by the manufacturers and the unit will be calibrated to count down from 180 days. However, there are a few PID/VOC gas detectors that are set to be calibrated every 12 months. If you are unsure how often your specific gas detector requires calibration, then email us at [email protected] or you can visit the live chat on our website and one of our agents will be able to advise you.
Service of Portable Gas Detectors - How do I calibrate my gas detector?
This can be done manually with a regulator, calibration gas, calibration cap and tubing. Or it can be done automatically with the use of a calibration docking station. However, we recommend that this process is carried out by trained personnel. Accessing the calibration function is different in every gas detector, but in simple terms, when we calibrate our gas detectors, we’re resetting the sensor’s response against a known concentration of gas. To do so we use a calibration gas which will allow us to determine the relationship between the reading captured by the detector and the concentration of gas that it’s designed to alert us to. Our manufacturer-trained engineers are also able to carry out servicing and repairs on your gas detector using the above methods. You can follow our RMA process in order to return your monitor. Visit our blog on this for more information.
Service of Portable Gas Detectors - Why do I need to calibrate my gas detector?
To ensure it is always accurate. Your gas detector can be subjected to harsh environments, exposure to various temperatures and humidity and potential sensor poisoning from external contaminants. All these factors may affect the way your gas detector operates. Calibrating your gas detector to a known concentration of gas will allow you to reset the sensor's response and ensure its fully operable. Depending on where you work, your local regulations may also require the detector to be calibrated and the results to be recorded. Visit our blog on this for more information.
Service of Portable Gas Detectors - What equipment do I need to calibrate my unit?
There are two methods. It can be done manually with a regulator, calibration gas, calibration cap and tubing. Or it can be done automatically with the use of a calibration docking station. If done automatically you will still require the use of calibration gas and a regulator, but the exact combination of equipment will be determined by the monitor you have and the amount of monitors you require to be serviced. The type and concentration of calibration gas will depend on the gas sensor you require to be calibrated. If you want to check what calibration equipment you will need according to your gas detector then email us at [email protected] or you can visit the live chat on our website and one of our agents will be able to advise you.Service of Portable Gas Detectors - What happens if my gas detector is unable to be repaired/BER?
If your gas detector has been deemed as beyond economical repair (BER) or is unable to be repaired, then this may be down to a few reasons. There may be too much damage to be repaired, it may be obsolete, the spare parts required are obsolete or the cost of the parts may be more than the actual cost of a new unit. Our engineers will advise you if your unit is BER and will offset the cost of inspection against the cost of a new unit, should you wish to replace it.
Service of Portable Gas Detectors - What is bump testing?
A bump test is designed to check that a gas detector unit is operating properly and responds as it should to the presence of gas. A target gas is used to check that the sensors respond, that the visual alarm reacts and the vibrating alarm, if applicable. For more information on why this is important, visit our blog.
Service of Portable Gas Detectors - How often should I bump test my gas detector?
The frequency of bump tests is generally dependent on the manufacturer's recommendation, but normally it is recommended that a gas detector should be bump tested every day or at least before each day's use. The HSE also refer to this as a 'function check'. For more information on why this is important, visit our blog.
Service of Portable Gas Detectors - Can you service/calibrate a unit that I didn’t purchase from you?
Of course, we can. If the detector is part of the range that we supply and calibrate then we will be able to do this for you. If it is a unit that we do not sell as standard, then feel free to contact us at [email protected] to check if this is something we can help with. Once confirmed then follow the RMA procedure on our website to return your unit for service - www.frontline-safety.co.uk/rma.
Service of Portable Gas Detectors - Can you calibrate my gas detector for 12 months instead of 6?
We calibrate gas detectors according to the manufacturer's recommendations, so would not recommend allowing a gas detector to go over its recommended service period.
Service of Portable Gas Detectors - What is the difference between calibration and a bump test?
A bump test will check the response of a gas detector and whether it is detecting gas as it should, whereas a calibration test will check the accuracy of its response to gas. A bump test is a qualitative test where the detector is briefly exposed to a concentration of gas to ensure all alarms and indicators alert. A calibration test is a quantitative test as a set concentration of gas, determined by the type of detector, will demonstrate that the monitor is responding to specific gas limits.
Service of Portable Gas Detectors - What is the best way to clean my gas detector?
Your gas detector can be subjected to various contaminants and harsh environments. You should regularly clean your equipment but be aware that certain disinfectants and solvents, such as alcohol or silicone, maybe have chemicals in them that are harmful to your gas detector. A safe option for cleaning your detector may be a mixture of standard dish soap and water with a soft damp cloth and this is recommended by one of our manufacturers, Honeywell. This solution shouldn't be harmful to the sensors but care must be taken not to submerge your detector in water or allow it to soak. The solution should be used to remove any build up of dirt.Service of Portable Gas Detectors - What is the best way to store my gas detector?
Each gas detector responds differently to various temperatures and environments, so it is best to check the manual and specifications. However, in terms of physical storage there should be a carry case available for your gas detector. If there, isn't one recommended by the manufacturer then our team can certainly help with providing you with a carry case, suitable for your monitor? Speak to our Sales Team on 0141 771 7749 or [email protected].
Service of Portable Gas Detectors - Does my unit have to be fully charged before I send it in for calibration?
Preferably yes, although if this is not possible then we do have a range of chargers available to do this inhouse. Having a charge in the units helps to quicken the process on arrival, although please ensure that the unit is switched off in transit.Service of Portable Gas Detectors - Do you offer onsite servicing of portable instruments?
Yes, we can offer onsite calibration of multiple units or small quantities at our workshop. Contact our Service Team - [email protected] for more information on site visits.
Service of Portable Gas Detectors - Do you offer training to allow our engineers to service the equipment?
In most cases training can be provided, please send your request to [email protected] and one of our team will get back to you.
Purchasing of Service Items - Where can I buy replacement sensors for my gas detector?
We hold a range of replacement sensors in stock and any we do not hold can be placed on order from the manufacturer. Due to the expiry date on some sensors, it is not always possible to hold stock. To check stock or place an order for your replacement sensors please speak to our Sales Team on 0141 771 7749 or email us at [email protected]. You can also find a range of gas detection spares and accessories on our website.
Purchasing of Service Items - Where can I buy spare parts for my gas detector?
We hold a range of spare parts in stock and any we do not hold can be placed on order from the manufacturer. Due to expiry dates and different limitations of some parts, it is not always possible to hold stock. To check stock or place an order for your replacement sensors please speak to our Sales Team on 0141 771 7749 or email us at [email protected]. You can also find a range of gas detection spares and accessories on our website.
Servicing of Breathing Apparatus Equipment FAQs - How often does my Drager Escape Set need to be serviced?
Drager recommend an annual service and inspection of your Drager Saver Escape Sets. They also recommend a 5 year and a 10 year test, where in addition to a general service/inspection and replacement of spare parts, a cylinder pressure test and valve test will be carried out with possible replacements. Please refer to the manual for more information on what parts may be replaced.Servicing of Breathing Apparatus Equipment FAQs - What happens if my breathing apparatus is unable to be repaired/BER?
If your breathing apparatus has been deemed as beyond economical repair (BER) or is unable to be repaired, then this may be down to a few reasons. There may be too much damage to be repaired, it may be obsolete, the spare parts required are obsolete or the cost of the parts may be more than the actual cost of a new set. Our engineers will advise you if your unit is BER and will offset the cost of inspection against the cost of a new set, should you wish to replace it.
RMA Returns Process - How do I send my unit back for calibration?
Follow three easy steps to return your instrument to our Glasgow Service Centre for servicing and calibration.
Firstly, complete the Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) form on our website (www.frontline-safety.co.uk/rma) and ensure that a copy of this is included with your goods to be returned.
Send your instrument to Frontline Safety, 200 Old Dalmarnock Road, Glasgow, G40 4DW and ensure that the package is marked for the attention of ‘RMA Returns – Service Department’
Once the goods are received a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your servicing or calibration requirements.RMA Returns Process - What is the calibration process?
Once your unit has been received, the RMA form you have attached will allow our warehouse to book the unit in for service. Our engineers will then inspect your unit and advise any additional work required, or the cost of the calibration/service. Once the work is agreed our engineers will proceed and your unit will be despatched to you as soon as possible with its new certification.
RMA Returns Process - How much will it cost to calibrate my detector?
This is dependant on which gases are being used to calibrate. Instruments containing sensors with ‘exotic’ gases may be subject to a higher calibration fee than detectors with the ‘standard 4’ gas mixture (H2S, CO, LEL, O2).
RMA Returns Process - Do I have to send you the unit in the original packaging?
This is not a requirement, however if it helps to protect the unit whilst in transit then we strongly suggest that you do.RMA Returns Process - Do I have to send the charging station with the gas detector?
This is not a requirement, however if it's a gas detector that's outwith our range then we may ask you to do this and we'll ensure your unit is fully charged on despatch.RMA Returns Process - How long will I be without my unit whilst it is being serviced/calibrated?
We aim to maintain a 1-2 day turnaround on portable instruments but this can vary depending on the work required for your unit. The instrument may need sent back to the manufacturer for warranty repair or if the unit requires additional parts then this may be subject to a lead time. We will keep you informed every step of the way. In most cases, a hire instrument can be provided to you whilst we carry out repairs on your instruments.RMA Returns Process - If I don’t fill in the RMA will I be charged for administration costs?
If the online RMA form is repeatedly not completed and returned with your instruments then an admin fee may be applied. The RMA form allows your instrument to be properly received in to our warehouse, identified and moved to our service department for service. The additional informaton on the RMA will help us to promptly deal with your instrument, so it's important that this is completed.