---
title: "Bump Test vs Calibration for Gas Detection Monitors: WTF is the Difference?"
description: Do you know the difference between a bump test for gas monitors and gas detection calibration? Protect your workers by knowing what the heck you are protecting them from and how. And if you don’t know, you better ask somebody! Bump test and calibrate gas detection monitors regularly!
---

[Industrial Contractor Blog ](https://hub.quadcitysafety.com/contractor/blog)

# [Bump Test vs Calibration for Gas Detection Monitors: WTF is the Difference?](https://hub.quadcitysafety.com/contractor/blog/bump-test-vs-calibration-for-gas-detection-monitors-wtf-is-the-difference)

 Written by [Quad City Safety](https://hub.quadcitysafety.com/contractor/blog/author/quad-city-safety) | Jun 20, 2017 7:54:54 PM

## It’s the only way you can be sure your equipment is functioning

How do you know your smoke alarm works at home? Because you push the little red button once in a while and it makes an obnoxious sound. That's the same reason for bump testing your gas detection devices.

 

Have you ever heard of a building that burned down, but the smoke alarm didn’t go off? The building could have been saved if someone had made sure the smoke alarm was working accurately that day. This is why we do gas detector calibration. If your gas meter isn’t detecting gases every time, you can’t rely on it to protect you when you need it the most. 

### **Here’s why you can't overlook either task even though they share a common goal:**

Don’t mess around with hazardous environments, [especially in confined spaces](https://hub.quadcitysafety.com/contractor/blog/gas-detection-devices-in-confined-spaces-bump-testing-saves-lives). Gas leaks, poisons, oxygen deprivation and other invisible hazards are a reality on the job. Protect your workers by knowing what the heck you are protecting them from and how. And if you don’t know, you better ask somebody before something goes boom! Bump test and [calibrate your gas detection monitors](https://www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib093013.html) regularly!

If you need for help, just look for the [**HELP button**](https://hub.quadcitysafety.com/ppe-evaluation?hsCtaTracking=43ca8fcf-b0a0-4e5c-934f-b889802453a4%7C26951198-ef7a-4ac5-90e8-d99fd754fba0) on our website or right here!

*Have you learned some tips for gas monitor calibration or why you perform a bump test for gas monitors? Tell us about them in the comments below!*

*** ***

***Safety: It’s Your Life, It’s Our Business***

[View full post](https://hub.quadcitysafety.com/contractor/blog/bump-test-vs-calibration-for-gas-detection-monitors-wtf-is-the-difference)

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