Ed Clapham, Product Manager at Crowcon Detection Instruments, explains why regular upkeep of gas detection systems is essential and how non-compliance can leave businesses vulnerable when it matters most…
Many businesses assume that simply installing gas detection units is enough to meet compliance regulations and protect workers.
However, without routine maintenance, calibration and testing, gas detectors can become effectively useless, exposing companies to serious safety risks, regulatory penalties and reputational damage.
In the case of the BP gas explosion in Texas, a hydrocarbon vapour release was made significantly worse by inadequate monitoring and poorly maintained detection systems. The incident resulted in the deaths of 15 workers and injuries to more than 170, which highlights how detector neglect can exacerbate wider safety failures.
To explore this issue further, we spoke to Ed Clapham, Product Manager at Crowcon Detection Instruments, who explains why regular upkeep is essential and how non-compliance can leave businesses vulnerable when it matters most.
“Many businesses mistakenly think that gas detection installation alone is enough to meet compliance requirements. But it’s important to understand that this equipment is not just a fit-and-forget solution.
“Detectors need to be maintained, calibrated and tested regularly so they function properly in situations where lives may depend on them. Unlike visible hazards, gas leaks are often invisible and odourless, and without properly maintained detectors, workers may not realise they are at risk until it’s too late.
“Poorly maintained or neglected detectors create multiple vulnerabilities. These include threats to worker safety, operational disruption and reputational damage following avoidable incidents. It can also erode trust among employees.
“Beyond that, businesses may face fines and enforcement action if detectors are not fully functional. Industry legislation makes it clear that employers have a duty of care not only to install gas detectors but also to keep them in working condition.
“Maintenance and calibration aren’t just about ticking compliance boxes. Gas detectors rely on components that can drift over time, affecting performance, safety and reliability. Calibration keeps readings accurate, while testing and maintenance ensure sensors, alarms and batteries are functioning correctly. This helps identify faults before they turn into safety risks.
“Routine servicing should be treated as a core safety practice for all businesses.”
Below, Crowcon’s Ed Clapham has highlighted his top tips to make sure that gas detectors are regularly maintained and fully functional:
Create a maintenance schedule
To ensure your gas detector is regularly maintained, create a servicing timetable based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
You should also factor in environmental conditions that may impact servicing frequency, such as corrosive environments, dust or humidity.
Train staff properly
Make sure staff are trained to understand how the detectors work, and how to spot faults or low battery alerts.
When more than one person is familiar with maintenance routines, it’s easier to stay on schedule and keep everyone safe. You should also provide regular refresher training, especially in workplaces with high staff turnover.
Contact third-party support
If you’re unsure whether a detector is working or you don’t feel confident performing maintenance yourself, work with an accredited third-party provider like Crowcon that can handle calibration, servicing and repairs for you.
This helps reduce downtime and ensures expert care is taken when managing safety-critical equipment.
Track device management
Also try to keep a record of each detector’s maintenance history and test results.
This helps confirm that devices are being checked regularly and can reveal any patterns of failure or issues between servicing.
Find out more about Crowcon: https://www.crowcon.com/
Read other recent news: https://industrial-compliance.co.uk/category/news/
