What is the difference between a bump test and a full calibration for a gas detector?

A bump test (also called a function test or challenge test) exposes the gas detector to a known concentration of test gas to verify that the sensors respond and the alarms activate. It does not adjust the instrument. A full calibration adjusts the instrument's output to match a known traceable gas concentration, confirming accuracy. Australian Standards and most manufacturers recommend daily bump testing before each use, with full calibration at intervals specified by the manufacturer, typically every 3 to 6 months.

How often should gas detectors be calibrated?

Most gas detector manufacturers recommend bump testing before each use (daily at minimum) and full calibration every 3 to 6 months, or after any event that could affect sensor performance (sensor replacement, exposure to high concentrations, significant impact, storage). Some Australian site standards require more frequent calibration. Always follow the most stringent applicable requirement from the manufacturer, the site safety plan, and applicable standards (AS/NZS 60079-29-2, AS 2290, etc.).

What gases should be included in a bump test?

The gases included in a bump test depend on the sensors installed in the detector. A typical 4-gas detector is tested for: oxygen (O2, to verify depletion sensor), lower explosive limit (LEL, for combustible gas, typically methane), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S). If your detector includes additional sensors (e.g. SO2, NO2, NH3, CO2, PID for VOCs), those sensors must also be bump tested. Record each sensor result separately in the log.

What concentration of test gas should be used for bump testing?

Use calibration gas at a concentration that is above the detector's alarm set points. Typically, manufacturers recommend using calibration gas at approximately 25–50% of the sensor's range or at a specified concentration. For example, for H2S alarm set at 5 ppm, use test gas at 10–25 ppm. O2 depletion is typically tested with an O2 concentration below the low alarm threshold (e.g. 15–18% O2). Check the manufacturer's manual for specific requirements.

Is this gas detector calibration log free to use?

Yes. Download and use the gas detector calibration log for free. Open the file in your browser and use Print → Save as PDF. No MapTrack account is required. If you want to manage gas detector calibration due dates digitally, with automated reminders and calibration records linked to each instrument in your asset register, MapTrack can do that. Book a demo to see how.

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Free gas detector calibration log

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A gas detector calibration log combines two essential records: a daily bump test log to verify sensor response before each use, and a full calibration record for periodic traceable calibration. This page explains the difference between bump testing and calibration, what to include in your log, and provides a free PDF-ready template covering O2, LEL, CO and H2S.

Last updated: 2026-02-21 · MapTrack

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 21 February 2026

How to use: Fill in instrument details → complete bump test log daily → perform full calibration periodically → record as-found/as-left readings → sign off → save as PDF.

✓PDF-ready. Open and print to PDF
✓20-row daily bump test log (O2, LEL, CO, H2S)
✓Full calibration record with as-found/as-left and calibration gas details

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What is a gas detector calibration log?

A gas detector calibration log is a two-part record used to manage gas detection equipment. The first part is a daily bump test log - a register completed before each use to confirm that each sensor responds to its target gas and that alarms activate. The second part is a full calibration record, completed periodically, that adjusts the instrument's readings against a certified reference gas concentration and documents the traceable calibration event.

In Australia, gas detectors used in confined spaces, underground operations, oil and gas facilities and other hazardous environments are subject to WHS regulations, the relevant Australian Standards (including AS/NZS 60079-29-2 for flammable gas detectors and AS 2290 for mine gases), and site safety management plans. Documented bump testing and calibration records demonstrate due diligence and may be required by principal contractors, safety regulators and auditors.

Benefits of keeping a gas detector calibration log

Life safety assurance: documented bump tests and calibrations confirm that sensors will detect hazardous gases and trigger alarms in time to protect workers.
Regulatory compliance: WHS legislation requires that safety equipment be maintained in effective working order. Records substantiate compliance.
Detect sensor degradation early: a log of as-found readings over time reveals gradual sensor drift before it reaches a point of failure.
Calibration gas traceability: recording calibration gas batch numbers and concentrations confirms that traceable gas was used, supporting audit requirements.
Identify faulty instruments: repeated calibration failures or sensors that fail bump tests repeatedly indicate the instrument needs servicing or sensor replacement.
Due diligence evidence: in the event of a gas detection incident, calibration records demonstrate the instrument was properly maintained.

Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack

When you move from paper or static PDFs to digital forms in MapTrack, you get:

Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
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Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
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Ability to share forms digitally.
Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
Electronic signatures.
Edit forms later without reprinting.
Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).

Book a demo to see gas detector management and calibration tracking in MapTrack.

What to include in a gas detector calibration log

Our free gas detector calibration log covers:

Instrument details: make/model, serial number, asset/ID number, sensor types installed, last calibration date, next calibration due date.
Daily bump test log (20 rows): date, time, tester name, O2 % reading, LEL % reading, CO ppm reading, H2S ppm reading, other sensor reading, overall pass/fail result.
Full calibration record: for each sensor: target gas concentration, as-found reading, deviation, as-left reading, pass/fail and adjustment notes.
Calibration gas details: gas mixture description, supplier, batch/lot number, concentration (%), cylinder ID and expiry date.
Calibration event details: date calibrated, calibrated by, next calibration due, calibration method used.
Technician sign-off: declaration and signature confirming the calibration has been performed correctly and the instrument is fit for service.

How to use a gas detector calibration log

Fill in the instrument details at the top of the form (make/model, serial number, sensors installed, next calibration due).
Daily bump test: Switch on the detector and allow it to complete its self-test. Apply test gas to each sensor using the appropriate bump test kit. Record the date, time, tester name and the sensor readings displayed. Mark Pass if all sensors respond above their alarm thresholds; mark Fail if any sensor does not alarm. Remove the instrument from service if it fails a bump test.
Full calibration (periodic): Connect the instrument to the calibration kit. Apply zero gas (clean air or nitrogen) to zero the sensors. Apply calibration gas at the target concentration and adjust the instrument to match. Record the as-found reading (before adjustment) and as-left reading (after adjustment) for each sensor. Note the deviation and pass/fail. Record calibration gas batch details.
Record the next calibration due date and the technician's sign-off.
Attach a calibration sticker or tag to the instrument showing the next due date.

In MapTrack, gas detector calibration due dates can be tracked against each instrument in the asset register, with automated reminders before calibration is due. Book a demo to see how.

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How often should gas detectors be bump tested and calibrated?

Gas detectors should be bump tested before each use, which in most site environments means daily. A bump test takes less than a minute and verifies that each sensor and alarm is operational. Do not rely solely on the instrument's self-test (power-on check) as a substitute for a bump test; self-tests do not expose the sensor to gas.

Full calibration should be performed at the interval specified by the manufacturer, typically every 3 to 6 months, or earlier if the instrument fails a bump test, a sensor is replaced, the instrument has been exposed to very high gas concentrations, it has been stored for an extended period, or it has been subjected to significant impact. Always follow the most stringent requirement from the manufacturer, your site safety plan and applicable Australian Standards.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a bump test and a full calibration for a gas detector?: A bump test (also called a function test or challenge test) exposes the gas detector to a known concentration of test gas to verify that the sensors respond and the alarms activate. It does not adjust the instrument. A full calibration adjusts the instrument's output to match a known traceable gas concentration, confirming accuracy. Australian Standards and most manufacturers recommend daily bump testing before each use, with full calibration at intervals specified by the manufacturer, typically every 3 to 6 months.
How often should gas detectors be calibrated?: Most gas detector manufacturers recommend bump testing before each use (daily at minimum) and full calibration every 3 to 6 months, or after any event that could affect sensor performance (sensor replacement, exposure to high concentrations, significant impact, storage). Some Australian site standards require more frequent calibration. Always follow the most stringent applicable requirement from the manufacturer, the site safety plan, and applicable standards (AS/NZS 60079-29-2, AS 2290, etc.).
What gases should be included in a bump test?: The gases included in a bump test depend on the sensors installed in the detector. A typical 4-gas detector is tested for: oxygen (O2, to verify depletion sensor), lower explosive limit (LEL, for combustible gas, typically methane), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S). If your detector includes additional sensors (e.g. SO2, NO2, NH3, CO2, PID for VOCs), those sensors must also be bump tested. Record each sensor result separately in the log.
What concentration of test gas should be used for bump testing?: Use calibration gas at a concentration that is above the detector's alarm set points. Typically, manufacturers recommend using calibration gas at approximately 25–50% of the sensor's range or at a specified concentration. For example, for H2S alarm set at 5 ppm, use test gas at 10–25 ppm. O2 depletion is typically tested with an O2 concentration below the low alarm threshold (e.g. 15–18% O2). Check the manufacturer's manual for specific requirements.
Is this gas detector calibration log free to use?: Yes. Download and use the gas detector calibration log for free. Open the file in your browser and use Print → Save as PDF. No MapTrack account is required. If you want to manage gas detector calibration due dates digitally, with automated reminders and calibration records linked to each instrument in your asset register, MapTrack can do that. Book a demo to see how.

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