To ensure your gas detector can accurately detect gas levels, you must first calibrate it. Calibrating a gas detector means exposing it to a known calibration gas concentration or test gas for a specific amount of time. This reading becomes the gas detector’s reference point for future readings. Repeat this process each month to ensure accurate readings. Remember, you need to calibrate your gas detector regularly because sensors can drift over time, and poisons and inhibitors can affect gas readings. You can calibrate your gas detector manually with calibration gas and some tubing, or you can use a docking station to automatically calibrate your monitor on a set schedule. Calibrating your gas detector with a docking station also allows you to access past calibration records and generate calibration certificates for compliance purposes. Using incorrect or expired calibration gas can lead to an improper calibration, meaning your gas detector won’t display accurate readings. This simple mistake can have life-altering consequences, so it’s important to always check the contents and expiration dates of your calibration gas bottles. Once a bottle is expired, you should not use it because chemical reactions can take place inside the container and alter the contents.