Mandatory calibration of combustible gas detectors
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Chemical manufacturing enterprises are equipped with combustible gas detectors, which must be calibrated once a year in accordance with the regulations for the calibration of combustible gas alarms, JJG693-2011. However, the announcement issued by the State Administration for Market Regulation regarding the list of measuring instruments subject to mandatory regulation (No. 48 of 2019) specifies that for combustible gas alarms, calibration is only carried out for the purpose of type approval. So, how exactly should we manage combustible gas alarms? Is mandatory inspection still required?
From the perspective of safety inspections, this is definitely a key item that requires an inspection report issued within a reasonable time frame. In terms of practical application, quarterly self-inspections should be carried out to check the probes that have issues, and calibration should be performed manually (a spare calibration gas cylinder is required). Attention should also be paid to the usage lifespan of the probes, which is generally one year. Stringent inspection is just a formality; it relies mainly on regular calibration and maintenance.
We all conduct calibration gas tests on our own every six months, and then have an external agency carry out tests once a year.
Each department has different requirements; when inspections are carried out, they must be done in accordance with that department’s own standards. Therefore, it’s better to follow the strictest standards, as it would be troublesome if the inspection cannot be completed
Each department has different requirements; when inspections are carried out, they must be done in accordance with that department’s own standards. Therefore, it’s better to follow the strictest standards, as it would be troublesome if the inspection cannot be completed
I don’t understand either why combustible gas detectors, which are used for safety purposes, are not included in the scope of mandatory inspection. But from a safety perspective, it’s essential to have these devices inspected regularly; otherwise, how can one use them with confidence? It’s possible for the sensor to fail or for the concentration readings to be inaccurate at any time, which can have a significant impact. So the requirements set by the safety regulatory authorities remain unchanged – inspection reports are still required. As a result, companies have no choice but to continue to arrange annual inspections and pay the associated fees... As for why it isn’t included in the category of inspections that are mandatory, I can only guess that it might be due to the large number of such items, the high costs involved, or the high expenses associated with exempting them from these inspections