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*Disclaimer: This is a fictional story inspired by real-life events and dangers faced everyday by firefighters and first responders. While the events and characters are completely hypothetical, this scenario reflects the critical importance of proper equipment maintenance, including gas detector calibrations.
The call came in just after 2 a.m. for a family unconscious in their home, possible carbon monoxide poisoning, right on the town line. Lieutenant barely had time to sip his coffee before he and his crew were in the engine, racing through the empty streets.
Dispatch gave them the basics: a neighbor had called it in after finding the family unresponsive. No sign of fire, no smell of gas.
As they pulled up, the house looked undisturbed, porch light still on. But the Lieutenant knew better. Carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless. It’s a silent killer.
“Mask up,” he ordered, pulling his multi-gas detector from his gear. He pressed the power button. Nothing. He frowned, tried again. The screen flickered, then went dark.
His fellow firefighter noticed. “Dead battery?”
The Lieutenant checked. No, the battery was fine. Then his eyes landed on the calibration sticker. Expired. His gut twisted. Hadn’t they been meaning to check these last week?
Just then, a second engine from their neighboring town pulled in to assist.
Lieutenant briefed them on the situation. Thankfully, the second engine had a freshly calibrated gas detector device. Within seconds of turning it on, the screen flashed red: HIGH CO LEVEL FATAL EXPOSURE.
“Get them out! Now!” The Lieutenant shouted.
They rushed in, lifting the unconscious family members one by one, hauling them onto the front lawn. Paramedics swarmed in, administering oxygen. A kid, maybe six or seven, gasped awake first, coughing, confused.
The lieutenant exhaled sharply. A few more minutes, and this would’ve been a body recovery, not a rescue.
He looked down at his non-functioning detector. A simple calibration and he wouldn’t have been caught unprepared.
Tomorrow morning, before anything, all of their non-compliant gas detectors were being shipped out for calibration. Thankfully, with Apollo Safety’s 24/48-hour turnaround promise, he knows he’ll get back compliant and calibrated gas detectors in no time.
It Only Takes Once…
*Disclaimer: This is a fictional story inspired by real-life events and dangers faced everyday by firefighters and first responders. While the events and characters are completely hypothetical, this scenario reflects the critical importance of proper equipment maintenance, including gas detector calibrations. The call came in just after 2 a.m. for a family unconscious in their […]
As July 1st approaches, many of our trusted partners in fire services, wastewater treatment, industrial safety and more are reviewing their remaining FY24 budgets. Whether you still have funds available or you’re already looking ahead, this is the perfect time to invest in gas detection, calibration services, or safety upgrades.
At Apollo Safety, we’re here to help you make smart, impactful decisions to protect your team and your bottom line.
Use It or Lose It: FY24 Budget Check-In
If you’ve got funds left before the new fiscal year starts, consider:
- Purchasing additional detectors to have spares on hand
- Scheduling calibration or maintenance on your existing equipment
- Replacing outdated monitors that no longer meet safety standards
- Joining a repair and calibration contract to keep your detectors in perfect shape for the next year
Let us help you maximize your remaining budget before it expires!
Planning Ahead for FY25? Start Smart.
Looking ahead to July 1st? Now’s the time to start planning for:
- Annual calibration and servicing schedules
- Equipment expansions for new projects or hires
- Upgrades to more advanced or connected gas detection systems
Pro Tip: Build a calibration contract into your FY25 budget to avoid any surprise maintenance or repair costs that may come up.
Quick Safety Tip:
How often should you calibrate your gas detectors?
Most manufacturers recommend calibration every 6 months, but in high-use or high-risk environments, monthly bump testing and quarterly calibrations can catch issues before they become dangerous.
Let’s Talk Safety Strategy
Do you have questions or need help planning your safety budget?
Call us now at 800-813-5408 to talk to an expert about your safety needs.
Thank you for trusting Apollo Safety. We’re proud to be your partner in protection—today and in the future.
Use it or Lose it
As July 1st approaches, many of our trusted partners in fire services, wastewater treatment, industrial safety and more are reviewing their remaining FY24 budgets. Whether you still have funds available or you’re already looking ahead, this is the perfect time to invest in gas detection, calibration services, or safety upgrades. At Apollo Safety, we’re here […]
The Importance of Confined Space Training: Protecting Workers and Saving Lives
Confined spaces are some of the most hazardous work environments, yet they are found in many industries ranging from construction to manufacturing. Without proper training, workers can face dangerous threats such as toxic gas exposure, oxygen deficiency, and hazardous atmospheres. You can’t always see, smell, or taste what is capable of killing you, but your […]
MSA (Mine Safety Appliances) is a company that manufactures safety equipment, including gas detection systems. The calibration of MSA gas detection equipment can be performed in several ways:
In-house calibration: If you have the necessary equipment and expertise, you can calibrate the detectors yourself, following the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations.
MSA service centers: MSA has authorized service centers worldwide that can calibrate your gas detection equipment. You can find a service center near you by visiting their website or contacting their customer support.
Third-party calibration services: There are independent companies that specialize in the calibration of gas detection equipment, including MSA products. These companies can provide calibration services that adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines and standards.
MSA-certified technicians: MSA may also have certified technicians who can come to your site to perform calibration services, depending on your location and the specific product you’re using.
In any case, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for calibration intervals and procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of your gas detection equipment. Regular calibration is essential to maintain the performance and safety of gas detectors.
Who Calibrates MSA Gas Detection
MSA (Mine Safety Appliances) is a company that manufactures safety equipment, including gas detection systems. The calibration of MSA gas detection equipment can be performed in several ways: In-house calibration: If you have the necessary equipment and expertise, you can calibrate the detectors yourself, following the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations. MSA service centers: MSA has […]
Industrial Scientific Authorized Service Center
Apollo Safety is proud to announce our new certification as an Industrial Scientific Authorized Service Center
Fireworks and Safety
Independence Day is a time of celebration but it can quickly turn into an emergency situation. Small fireworks like sparklers and firecrackers may seem harmless but in 2017 alone they resulted in over 1200 injuries.
Man Down Detection for Lone Workers
Through this monitoring technology, when a lone worker falls and does not get back up right away, the monitor will alert safety supervisors using text or email that includes the worker’s name
Maintaining Industry Standards
“CPI’s teaming up with Apollo Safety was a great decision. I now have confidence that our alarm systems are working properly and are being maintained in accordance with industry standards.”
Choosing the Right Gas Detection
City of New Bedford-The vast knowledge of Apollo Safety in the gas detection arena was of great help in choosing the right gas detection system to monitor for hazardous gases released into the air where employees could be affected.
A Solution to Our Problem
Harvard University-“Our gas detection system was plagued by constant false alarms. Apollo Safety implemented a solution resolving our problem quickly & professionally. I recommend them wholeheartedly”.
