ASH 90 Day Calibration - Tec Trek Web Site

Tip of the Week

NOW FOR THE NEWSLETTER

Timing is everything!!

A recent event has caused some confusion related to the calibration time frame for Catalytic Bead Combustible Gas Detection Systems, which has prompted me to research and post for all individuals who maintain and inspect these systems.

90 Days
90 Days not to exceed 100 Days
3 Months
3 Months or with that calendar month

The above are all referenced in some way shape or form and I will break down where these time frames come from and which of the above holds the most water.

90 Days
This time frame is day specific for the calibration of catalytic bead ASH Detectors as specified by the majority of the  manufactures of these devices.  The engineers of these systems designated this time frame due to the fact that all catalytic bead sensors, over a period of time, loose sensitivity to the target gas, even if the sensors have been in storage, they are loosing their effectiveness. Therefore to compensate for this, the manufacture specifies you must conduct calibration of the device as specified by the manufacturer.

Also keep in mind that catalytic bead sensors can be contaminated/poisoned during operation, which can not be identified by the system control. It isn't until the technician attempts to calibrate and the sensor fails, is when this situation can be identified.

90 Days not to exceed 100 Days
This time frame came about on January 1, 1980, as part of what was then referred to as OCS Order No. 5.
Because of the confusing and sometimes conflicting standards at that time, Order No. 5 was issued as a guideline for installation, maintenance, and the inspecting of Fire & Gas Detection Safety Systems. To my knowledge, and I may be wrong, but I do not believe that this document is no longer utilized or enforced.
If it is still in play, I would appreciate clarification.

3 Months
This time frame is given by 30CFR250 and the associated PINC, designated P-155.

3 Months or within that calendar month
Although there exist no code/standard that states this above time frame, I have knowledge that this has been allowed on a case by case basis  by the AHJ district that the facility is located.  

What this states is, if your 90 day calibration/inspection is due on 11-5-2013, and for whatever reason the function could not be performed on or before that date, the AHJ will allow you to deviate from code, as long as the calibration procedure is completed within that month.

If you should find yourself in this situation, and approval was given to deviate from code, please do yourself a favor and get written documentation from the AHJ  supporting your request and their approval.

I know many are thinking, Todd, aren't you being anal whether is states 90 days vs. 3 months?  My answer to you is, if you follow the manufacturers recommendations related to their equipment, you cant go wrong. And as with many laws, codes or standards, when deciding between two related issues, I always choose the more stringent of the two.

If you require more information regarding the terms and explanations above, contact me by email or phone for assistance.

The above information is covered in the following Tec Trek class segments: Awareness Training (FG-01A), Basic Technical Training (FG-01)

For more information regarding training schedules and course curriculum, please visit our Web Site at www.tectrek.org

or Contact Todd Olivier at (337) 298-7959.

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Email: todd@tectrek.org