An extension of on-going support for your Continuous Monitoring (CM) system is to complete regular alarm checks and perform preventive maintenance. These two activities are vital to ensuring the integrity, quality and reliability of the system.
Regular Alarm Checks
Regularly scheduled alarm checks should be completed for: (1) all monitored parameters (temperature, humidity, differential pressure, CO2, O2, etc.) and (2) system error conditions (detailed in Tables A and B, respectively).
Table A – Monitored Parameter Alarm Checks
Alarm Check / Test | Description |
High Alarm Check | (1) Verify the high alarm threshold and alarm time delay, and
(2) Trigger a HIGH alarm event. |
Low Alarm Check | (1) Verify the low alarm threshold and alarm time delay and
(2) Trigger or simulate a LOW alarm event. |
Verify Alarm Notification Protocol | Verify alarm notification protocols: All expected alerts should be received (no no missing alerts), in the desired escalation sequence, and with the correct alarm notification information / content.
Test boundary conditions, which are usually at the transition between work shifts or notification schedules. Test holiday and non-standard schedule protocols. |
System Error Condition Testing
Select CM systems have comprehensive system error condition detection capabilities. If available, and as applicable, test the system errors listed in Table B. Due to the nature of some error conditions, select tests may need to be simulated.
Table B – System Alarm Testing
Alarm Check / Test* | Description |
Probe or Measured Value Error | Error conditions include:
|
Signal Transmission Error | Continued loss of a data signal that exceeds a threshold period of time. |
Device Offline | Devices that can potentially go offline include:
|
Power Loss | Power events include:
|
* As applicable
Testing Interval & Methodology
The testing interval and methodology depends on many factors, including the type of product that is monitored, its sensitivity to changes in its environment (temperature, humidity, etc.), quality assurance procedures, and/or regulatory requirements.
One option is to test each sensor, once per month or per quarter. Another approach is to test a portion of the installed sensors each period, resulting in all sensors being tested at least once for each 12 month period (e.g., test 1/12th of the sensors on a monthly basis).
Mesa Labs recommends the testing interval and methodology be in accordance with the facility’s approved Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
Preventive Maintenance Checklist
Performing regular preventive maintenance (“PM”) and keeping logs of the completed procedures optimizes the system’s integrity and reliability. Table C is a sample PM checklist to be completed on a quarterly or regular basis.
Table C – Preventive Maintenance Checklist
Alarm Check / Test | Description |
Batteries |
|
Line-Powered Devices |
|
Probe Bottle Solution or Media |
|
Device & Probe Mounting |
|
Labeling |
|
Performing regular alarm checks and preventive maintenance will ensure your system is in good working order and is protecting and safeguarding your vital assets.
For more information on the Keys to Successfully Implementing a Continuous Monitoring System, please check out our full outline, or contact a Mesa Labs representative for a free consultation.
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