TM 5-4220-233-14
2-5. SAFETY PROCEDURES PRIOR TO OPERATION OF THE COMPRESSED GAS SYSTEM
a.
Safety Precautions. The following safety precautions are necessary for the safe operation of the
Servicing Unit:
(1) Only qualified operators knowledgeable in the operation of high pressure breathing air equipment
and with complete knowledge of the controls and indicators on the Servicing Unit should attempt
these procedures.
(2) When handling opened connections care should be taken not to contaminate control panel ports
and hose end fittings. Under certain conditions contamination such as oil, grease, dirt, and sand,
etc. can cause combustion when in contact with a high pressure air source.
(3) Valves should always be opened slowly. Rapid acceleration and subsequent compression of
breathing air at high pressures can cause extremely high temperatures that upon contact with
contaminants can cause a combustion hazard.
(4) Care should be taken when working around high pressure air systems. Pressure should always be
vented before hoses are connected or disconnected from the control panel. Also, hoses should
never be stretched to reach a connection.
(5) Eye protection should be worn at all times during operation or when venting breathing air from the
Servicing Unit.
(6) The Servicing Unit must be attended to at all times when recharging storage cylinders or charging
SCUBA cylinders
(7) Strain reliefs must be connected prior to recharging of SCUBA cylinders. Failure to do so will result
in an unsafe condition.
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