FirstCheck+ Instrument User Manual part number: 820256
Register your instrument online
to receive your Extended 2 Year
Warranty. See page 41 for
details.
FirstCheck+ Instrument User Manual V2.1
FirstCheck+ 1000, FirstCheck+ 2000, FirstCheck+ 3000, FirstCheck+ 5000
FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Ion Science Ltd
Ion Science Ltd
Page 2 of 45
FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Ion Science Ltd
Ion Science Ltd
Declaration of Conformity
Manufacturer: Ion Science Ltd, The Way, Fowlmere, Cambridge, England. SG8 7UJ
Product: FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 and 5000
Product description: Intrinsically safe detector comprising of a photo-ionisation detector, LEL and chemical
sensors for the detection of a range of potentially harmful gases.
Directive 94/9/EC ATEX
Identification: II 2 G Ex iad IIC T4 (-20°C ≤ Ta ≤ +60°C)
Notified Body: Baseefa Ltd, 1180, Buxton, UK
EC Type Examination Certificate(s)
Baseefa03ATEX742 latest supplement Baseefa03ATEX742/8X issued 1st July 2009
Ref Baseefa Cert Report 03(c)0400, 05(c)0007
IECEx BAS 04.0033 latest revision no.5 issued 3rd July 2009
IECEx Test Report UK/Bas 04/0642 05/0007 GB/BAS/EX TR09.0116/00
Standards
BS EN 60079-0:2006 Electrical Apparatus for Potentially Explosive Atmospheres – General Requirements
BS EN 60079-1:2007 Explosive Atmospheres – Equipment Protection by Flameproof Enclosures D
BS EN 60079-11:2007 Explosive Atmospheres – Equipment Protection by Intrinsic Safety I
BS EN 61010-1:2001 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory
use – General Requirements
Directive 2004/108EC Electrical Equipment – Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
BS EN 61326-1:2006 Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use – EMC Requirements
(Class B and General Immunity)
Other Standards
BS EN ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management Systems – requirements
BS EN 13980:2002 Potentially Explosive Atmospheres – Application of Quality Systems
On behalf of Ion Science Ltd, I declare that, on the date this product accompanied by this declaration is placed on
the market, the product conforms to all technical and regulatory requirements of the above listed directives.
Name: Mark Stockdale Position: Technical Director
Signature: Date: 20th November 2009
Page 3 of 45
FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Ion Science Ltd
Ion Science Ltd
Contents
Declaration of conformity ............................................................................................................ 3
Statements ................................................................................................................................... 5
Responsibility For Use ................................................................................................................ 5
! WARNINGS ! ........................................................................................................................... 5
! CAUTIONS ! ............................................................................................................................ 5
Quality Assurance ...................................................................................................................... 5
Disposal .................................................................................................................................... 5
Calibration Facility ..................................................................................................................... 5
Legal Notice .............................................................................................................................. 6
Introduction to FirstCheck+ ........................................................................................................ 7
Getting started ............................................................................................................................. 8
Instrument Functions ................................................................................................................ 10
Keypad function descriptions .................................................................................................... 10
Quick Reference Guide ............................................................................................................... 12
Instrument Displays ................................................................................................................... 14
Display Screens Explained ........................................................................................................ 14
Graph Screen .............................................................................................................................. 14
Instrument Symbols Explained ................................................................................................. 14
Small Multiple Readout Screen .................................................................................................. 15
Function Menu ............................................................................................................................ 15
Instrument Menu ....................................................................................................................... 16
Zone Selection ........................................................................................................................ 16
Alarm ..................................................................................................................................... 16
Sound ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Calibration ........................................................................................................................................ 17
Back-light ............................................................................................................................... 20
VOC Gas Selection ................................................................................................................... 20
LEL Gas Selection .................................................................................................................... 20
Unit Selector ........................................................................................................................... 21
Cycle Screens .......................................................................................................................... 21
Data Log Memory Alarm .......................................................................................................... 21
Application - Health & Safety Mode .......................................................................................... 21
Application - Survey Mode ....................................................................................................... 22
Security .................................................................................................................................. 22
1stPC Software........................................................................................................................... 23
Batteries ..................................................................................................................................... 32
Diagnostics ................................................................................................................................. 34
Maintenance ............................................................................................................................... 36
USE of PID lamp cleaning kit A-31063....................................................................................... 37
Accessories ................................................................................................................................. 39
Upgrade Options ........................................................................................................................ 40
Instrument Warranty and Service ............................................................................................. 41
Contact details:Technical Specifications.................................................................................... 41
Technical Specifications ............................................................................................................. 42
Update Log ................................................................................................................................. 44
Page 4 of 45
FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Ion Science Ltd
Ion Science Ltd
Statements
Responsibility For Use
FirstCheck+ instruments detect a large range of gases, which are potentially dangerous from both a
poisoning and/or an explosive perspective. FirstCheck+ instruments have many adjustable and selectable
features allowing the detector to be used in a variety of ways.
NOTE: Ion Science Ltd can accept no responsibility for the incorrect adjustment of features that cause harm
or damage to persons or property. FirstCheck+ can be used as a personal safety device. It is the user‟s
responsibility to respond appropriately to an alarm situation.
Inadequate performance of the gas detection equipment described in this manual may not necessarily be selfevident and consequently equipment must be regularly inspected and maintained. Ion Science recommends that
personnel responsible for equipment use institute a regime of regular checks to ensure it performs within
calibration limits, and that a record be maintained which logs calibration check data. The equipment should be
used in accordance with this manual, and in compliance with local safety standards.
! WARNINGS !
1. For reasons of Intrinsic Safety, batteries MUST NOT be charged or replaced within potentially
flammable areas. Ensure you are in a SAFE area before carrying out any type of maintenance on
the FirstCheck+ instrument.
2. Substitution of components may impair intrinsic safety and result in unsafe conditions.
3. For safety reasons, the FirstCheck+ must only be operated and serviced by qualified personnel.
4. Please read and understand this User Manual fully before operating or servicing the FirstCheck+.
! CAUTIONS !
It is essential that the FirstCheck+ is always used with a supplied PTFE 0.45 micron filter fitted to the front
of the instrument. The FirstCheck+ internal pump draws over 200 ml/min of air into the instrument and
without a filter particles of debris and dust will be drawn into the cell inhibiting the correct function of the
instrument. These filters are consumable and should be changed after every 100 hours of use. The
frequency of replacement should be increased for dusty or moisture laden environments. Filters are available
for purchase from Ion Science; see our Accessories page for more information.
Users of instrumentation incorporating pellistor type flammable sensors should be aware that these sensors
are very susceptible to poisoning by silicones. Silicones are commonly used in aerosol cleaning products such
as furniture polish, in sealants, in furnishings, and in adhesives and adhesive labels. The culprit is often a
compound called hexamethyldisiloxane or HMDS for short.
A few parts per million in air for an hour or two causes serious permanent damage to the sensor, to the
extent that it will NOT work. Therefore any instrument such as Ion's Firstcheck+ should be kept well away
from facilities where silicones are used.
Quality Assurance
FirstCheck+ has been manufactured in compliance with ISO9001:2008, which ensures that the equipment
supplied to our customers has been designed and assembled reproducibly, from traceable components, and
leaves Ion Science calibrated to stated standards.
Disposal
Dispose of FirstCheck+, its components and any used batteries in accordance with all local and national
safety and environmental requirements. This includes the European WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment) directive. Ion Science Ltd offers a take back service. Please contact us for more information. The
FirstCheck+ field case material is recyclable polypropylene.
Calibration Facility
Ion Science Ltd offers a calibration service including the issue of certification confirming calibration with
equipment traceable to UK national standards. A FirstCheck+ Calibration Kit is available from Ion Science to
allow a two-point calibration to be carried out in the field as a custom calibration, in order to maintain
traceability to national standards.
Page 5 of 45
FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Ion Science Ltd
Ion Science Ltd
Statements _____
Legal Notice
Whilst every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this manual, Ion Science
accepts no liability for errors or omissions, or any consequences deriving from the use of information contained
herein. It is provided "as is" and without any representation, term, condition or warranty of any kind, either
express or implied. To the extent permitted by law, Ion Science shall not be liable to any person or entity for any
loss or damage which may arise from the use of this manual. We reserve the right at any time and without any
notice to remove, amend or vary any of the content which appears herein.
Page 6 of 45
FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Ion Science Ltd
Ion Science Ltd
Introduction to FirstCheck+
FirstCheck+ is a portable gas detector, suitable for the detection of a large range of Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOC's), Carbon Monoxide (CO2), Oxygen (O2), Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) and LEL (Explosive)
gases. These can be dangerous from both a poisoning and explosive perspective.
The FirstCheck+ range is fully upgradeable in the field; purchasing a simple upgrade key can convert a
FirstCheck+ 1000 to a 5000 or a 2000 to a 3000 or any other combination.
FirstCheck+ has two principle modes of operation, Health & Safety and Survey mode.
Survey is the default mode of operation whenever the Health & Safety mode is NOT selected. This mode is
often used in applications where several areas (or Zones) or samples are to be monitored and readings data
is to be logged. All sensor readings are real time measurements and alarm levels are set manually.
Health & Safety mode is used to check for conformity of short-term exposure levels (STEL) and timeweighted averages (TWA) that are specific for particular hazardous environments (for example EH40 in the
UK and OSHA in the USA). In this mode of operation STEL's and TWA's are continually calculated and
compared to levels set in the instruments gas table.
For more information on these modes of operation please see under „1st PC Software, Application.‟
FirstCheck+ versions 2000, 3000 and 5000 automatically data log the instrument readings every second.
These readings are stored in the instrument's memory with a date and time stamp. For more information
please see „Instrument Menu, Data Log Memory Alarm.‟
Page 7 of 45
FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Ion Science Ltd
Ion Science Ltd
Getting started
Packing List
Please take a little time to check the contents in the FirstCheck+ case.
Item Description Qty.
1. FirstCheck+ instrument 1
2. PID lamp (fitted) 1
3. Probe - 100mm (fitted) 1
4. PTFE filter - 50 micron (fitted) 1
5. Battery charger (rechargeable instrument only) 1
6. Battery clip (non-rechargeable instrument only) 1
7. Screw driver (non-rechargeable instrument only) 1
8. Manual 1
9. 1stPC+ 1
10. IS Protective Cover 1
11. Cal Kit Sample containing:
PID lamp cleaning Kit (Includes alumina
powder and 2 applicators for 1 clean) 1
Carbon canister 1
PTFE filter – 50 micron 1
Cal adaptor* 1
Lamp removal tools (neoprene sleeves) 2
Secondary Probe Filters 5
Removing the FirstCheck+ from its case
Carefully remove the FirstCheck+ instrument from its case being careful not to damage the filter and probe
assembly. Luer type connectors are used to connect the FirstCheck+, filter and probe together and require a
quarter-turn ONLY to connect / disconnect them. DO NOT over tighten.
To avoid drawing dust or particulate matter into the detector cell we suggest always fitting the filter with the
Ion Science logo facing away from the instrument, therefore dust only collects on the same one side of the
filter and is not inadvertently drawn into the instrument if the filter is attached the other way round.
Setting alarm levels
Ion Science Ltd recommends that alarm levels are set to user specifications before the instrument is used
(see „Instrument Menu page, Alarm‟ for details of how to set alarm levels).
Setting date and time
Ion Science Ltd recommends that the correct local date and time be set to the instrument as soon as
possible before using for the first time (see 1
Selecting a gas from the internal gas table
The Factory calibration is carried out on FirstCheck+ just before leaving Ion Science.
Isobutylene gas is used to calibrate the PID sensor and Methane gas for the LEL sensor. Many other VOC
and LEL gases can be selected from the instruments internal gas table, but TVOC gas is the default on the
PID sensor (TVOC has the same response factor as Isobutylene so 100ppm TVOC = 100ppm Isobutylene)
and Methane gas is the default for the LEL sensor. Selecting alternative gases from the internal gas table
automatically selects alternative response factors allowing the correct concentration.* (To change the
selected gas please see „1st PC Software, Gas Table‟.)
* Both PID and LEL sensors can detect a wide range gases however neither of these sensors are selective.
WARNING: FirstCheck+ can not identify specific VOC or LEL gases!
stPC
Software for details on how to set the date and time).
Page 8 of 45
FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Ion Science Ltd
Ion Science Ltd
Getting started _____
Rechargeable Batteries
FirstCheck+ instruments leave the factory fully charged, however the batteries reach full storage capacity
after a few charge / discharge cycles. A fully charged battery pack can completely discharge if left in
storage for a prolonged period. The rate at which the batteries self discharge directly relates to the ambient
temperature; the higher the ambient temperature, the quicker the discharge. Ion Science Ltd recommends
charging the instrument for 12 hours before use (see the battery section of this manual „Batteries‟).
Non Rechargeable Batteries (Alkaline)
Fit the battery pack supplied with the FirstCheck+. For more information please see the battery section of
this manual „Batteries‟ page. A removable rechargeable battery pack (part number: A-820219) is also
available, which offers the flexibility to use both Alkaline and NiMH cells.
Page 9 of 45
FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Ion Science Ltd
Ion Science Ltd
Instrument Functions
Keypad function descriptions
ON/OFF
To switch the FirstCheck+ instrument ON - Press the ON/OFF key.
To switch the FirstCheck+ instrument OFF – Firstly, ensure you are on the
DISPLAY/FUNCTION Selection screen, or a DISPLAY screen. Press and hold the ON/OFF
key until the line reaches the left side of the screen, at this point the instrument will
switch off. This procedure has been designed to avoid accidental switch OFF.
ENTER
This key selects options and confirms settings.
ESCAPE
This key is used to return the display to the previous screen and to abort an adjustment.
Repeated pressing of this key will return the display to the DISPLAY/FUNCTION selection
screen.
UP
Use to scroll up or change selection
DOWN
Use to scroll down or change selection
ZERO
Zeros the detector when on Display Screen (Only applicable in survey mode, see
„Instrument Menu‟ for more information).
CAUTION!: Should the FirstCheck+ instrument be taken from a cold to warm
environment, condensation may form on internal parts of the detector cell. Under these
conditions, prolonged measurement errors may appear as unusually high background
levels, even in a clean air environment. To compensate for this error, press and hold the
ZERO key for at least two seconds.
Page 10 of 45
FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Viewing Screens
(P 14 & 15)
Data Transfer
(P 16)
Sound
(P 17)
Gas
Selection
(P 20)
Calibration
(P 17)
Alarm
(P 16)
Zone Select
(P 16)
Gas Selection
(P 20)
Display/Function Selection
(14)
Back-light
(P 20)
Application
Mode – H&S
or Survey
(p21)
Ion Science Ltd
Ion Science Ltd
Instrument Functions _____
From the DISPLAY/FUNCTION selection screen, highlight the function menu icon then press ENTER. Use the UP/DOWN keys to view
the available functions, then press ENTER to select the function options.
Page 11 of 45
FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Ion Science Ltd
Ion Science Ltd
Quick Reference Guide
This quick reference indicates basic instrument functionality, many other functions can be adjusted or
selected via the FirstCheck+ PC software (1st PC).
Display/Function Selection (see „Instrument Displays‟)
FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Allows the user to view detected VOC levels in either graph or number
format and to adjust the instrument functions and parameters.
Zone Selection (see „Instrument Menu‟)
FirstCheck+ 2000, 3000 & 5000
Allows the selection of predefined Zone names so data logged information
can be referenced to an application or area.
PC Communication (see „Instrument Menu‟)
FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Allows communication between Instrument to PC software via an IRDA
protocol.
Alarms (see „Instrument Menu‟)
FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Allows the adjustment of both upper and lower alarm levels
______
Sound (see „Instrument Menu‟)
FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Allows communication between Instrument and PC software via an IRDA
interface.
Calibration (see „Instrument Menu‟)
FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Allows the selection of Factory and Custom calibration.
A custom calibration can be carried out after the custom calibration is set up
via 1stPC software.
Backlight (see „Instrument Menu‟)
FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Allow the selection of backlight options.
VOC Gas Selection (see „Instrument Menu‟)
FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Allow the selection of VOC gases from the internal gas table.
LEL Gas Selection (see „Instrument Menu‟)
FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Allow the selection of LEL gases from the internal gas table.
Page 12 of 45
FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Quick Reference Guide
Application (see „Instrument Menu‟)
Allows the selection of modes of operation, „Health and Safety‟ for STEL and
TWA monitoring or „Survey‟ for general use.
Ion Science Ltd
Ion Science Ltd
Page 13 of 45
FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000
Graph Screen
Small Multiple
Readout Screen
Large Single Readout
Screen
Charged
Discharged
Function menu
Ion Science Ltd
Ion Science Ltd
Instrument Displays
Display Screens Explained
DISPLAY/FUNCTION Selection Screen
The DISPLAY/FUNCTION selection screen is shown when the FirstCheck+ is first switched on, and can
always be located by repeatedly pressing the ESC (Escape) key. The DISPLAY/FUNCTION screen allows the
user to view gas levels in a variety of ways and also allows access to the Function menu where settings can
be adjusted. Use the UP and DOWN keys to highlight the preferred option and then press the ENTER key.
Also see „Instrument Functions.‟
Graph Screen
Allows the viewing of real-time measurements in graph format relative to the
set alarm levels.
When in Survey mode (see „Instrument Menu‟) the type of gas being
detected, the measured units, the peak hold and real-time
readings are also displayed.
Additional information such as alarm levels and battery status
can be viewed by pressing and holding the ENTER key.
When in Health & Safety mode (see „1st PC Software‟) the on screen information
is slightly different as STEL and TWA calculations are displayed in figures and
the graph remains in real time. Again additional information can be viewed by
pressing and holding
the ENTER Key.
Instrument Symbols Explained
FirstCheck+ uses a variety of symbols that indicate the instrument‟s status.
Bump test
FirstCheck can prompt the user to bump test the instrument on a weekly basis. If selected (via 1stPC) the
above symbol appears on a weekly basis; pressing the ENTER key clears the symbol until the following
week.
Battery Status
Battery status indicator can be accessed by pressing and holding ENTER on the graph and the large number
screens.
Page 14 of 45
Loading...