ION FirstCheck+ 2000 User manual

FirstCheck+ Instrument User Manual V2.1
FirstCheck+ 1000, FirstCheck+ 2000, FirstCheck+ 3000, FirstCheck+ 5000
FirstCheck+ Instrument User Manual part number: 820256
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FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000 Ion Science Ltd Ion Science Ltd
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FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000 Ion Science Ltd Ion Science Ltd
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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

FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000 Ion Science Ltd Ion Science Ltd
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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

FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000 Ion Science Ltd Ion Science Ltd
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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 self-
evident 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.

FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000 Ion Science Ltd Ion Science Ltd
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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.

FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000 Ion Science Ltd Ion Science Ltd
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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 time-
weighted 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.‟

FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000 Ion Science Ltd Ion Science Ltd
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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 1stPC Software for details on how to set the date and time).
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!

FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000 Ion Science Ltd Ion Science Ltd
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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.

FirstCheck+ 1000, 2000, 3000 & 5000 Ion Science Ltd Ion Science Ltd
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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.