TM-5-4310-389-14
1-10 SAFETY, CARE, AND HANDLING.
a. This manual is not intended to dictate safe diving operations or procedures. Diving supervisors are ultimately
responsible for conducting safe diving operations in accordance with approved regulations and instructions.
b. Always shut down and depressurize the system to carry out any work on the compressor. Failure to observe this
warning may result in injury or death to personnel.
c. Never resolder or reweld pressure lines.
d. Never open outlet valves when under pressure.
e. Check for leakage of the complete system from time to time by brushing all fittings and couplings with non-ionic
detergent water solution. Remedy any leakage.
f. Connecting hoses must be in satisfactory condition and threads undamaged. Pay particular attention to damage on
the interface from hose fitting to hose. If the rubber is scored, the hose must be discarded; otherwise, water can
enter and attack wire gauze causing it to rust and thus endangering pressure tightness.
g. Leave 1-1/2 threads exposed on fitting when applying Teflon tape. This will ensure that no Teflon tape will hang down
into the air or fuel system. Teflon tape should be wrapped in such a manner that when the fitting is tightened, the
tape will not loosen. Incorrectly wrapped tape may result in contamination or blockage of the air or fuel system and
subsequent possible injury to the diver.
h. Ensure that all air lines and components removed (or openings into the air system) are inserted into a plastic bag and
sealed, and that FMEC (foreign material enclosure caps) are inserted into openings. Failure to do so can cause the
air system to become contaminated and could result in injury or death to the diver.
i. Do not use trichloroethylene or methyl chloroform in cleaning operations associated with any diving system. Use of
either chemical or similar contaminates can result in death when operators/ divers are exposed to these
contaminates under pressure. These contaminants are not water soluble. If contamination or suspected
contamination occurs, immediately discontinue all equipment diving operations and notify the Army diving safety
office, AUTOVON 927-1329/ Commercial (804) 878-1329. The only acceptable cleaning agents are tribastic sodium
phosphate and non-ionic soaps; liquid Joy and liquid Ivory.
j. Remove all traces of lacquer thinner with non-ionic detergent (NID) solution and rinse with fresh water. Residual
lacquer thinner will contaminate breather atmosphere and may cause injury or death to personnel.
k. Repair or replace worn or damaged parts immediately with authorized parts. Failure of a component during
equipment usage could result in injury or death to personnel.
1-8
