The humidity content in breathing air is an important consideration for the proper working of respiratory apparatuses. As a result, make
sure that:
•
The cylinders contain breathing air complying with standard EN12021, which specifies some data under normal conditions of use,
that is to say atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature.
•
Compressed-air cylinders are never fully emptied.
•
If they have been fully emptied by accident, make sure they are absolutely dry. Cylinder stoves are available for that purpose.
•
The cylinder valves are shut immediately after use.
As regards the storage and transport of compressed-air cylinders that are no longer connected to a respiratory apparatus, other
regulatory requirements are to be applied and followed:
•
They must be protected from impacts during transport and storage.
•
As far as possible, they must be transported upright (valve uppermost).
•
During handling, the cylinders should be carried in both hands if possible.
•
Never grasp a cylinder by the valve wheel, but by the body of the valve. This prevents the valve from opening accidentally.
•
During transport and handling, the cylinders must not be thrown to the ground suddenly; they must not roll or hit each other.
•
Once stored, protect the cylinders from the risk of sliding or being turned over or any change in the storage conditions.
Cylinder valves are exposed elements. A guard cap is not required. However, inspect the valve
visually after each use.
Official inspections by approved bodies:
In accordance with the regulations applicable to pressure devices, compressed-air cylinders for respiratory apparatuses are required to
undergo inspections by an approved body. The body marks the cylinder with the inspection date and its stamp using a durable marking
process.
Cleaning, disinfecting and drying
Cleaning
Any soiled and/or polluted elements of the breathing apparatus are to be cleaned after each use.
Clean them with a sponge and warm water adding a cleaning agent (soapy solution) and rinse with a clean damp sponge.
Check that the cleaning agent chosen does not contain any corrosive components (for example:
organic solvents) likely to attack perishable components and that no liquid or dirt enters cavities
in the apparatus.
Do not introduce a compressed air jet into the cavities containing fragile components such as
diaphragms, springs, valves or seals, so as to not damage them.
Disinfecting
After cleaning, the respiratory mask must be disinfected by immersing it in a bath with a disinfecting agent. If you follow the concentration
and application time for the disinfectant stated in the instructions for using masks, there is no reason to be concerned about any adverse
effects on the different materials. After disinfecting, rinse immediately with clean water to remove any residues of the disinfectant
product.
Drying
After cleaning and disinfecting are completed, dry all the parts of the apparatus at a temperature from +5° C to +50° C. Avoid any form of
heat radiation (sunlight, oven or central heating). It is strongly advisable to clean pressure conducting parts (pressure reducer, air
pressure reducing system and coupling sensor) with a low-pressure jet of compressed air in order to eliminate any trace of humidity.
When using it in cold conditions, any moisture present in the demand valve can result in the formation of frost inside the
valve and consequently affect its operation.
It is essential to remove all traces of moisture inside the demand valve and the medium pressure hose.
The valve must also be dried after cleaning it.
Checks
The operation of the apparatus must be checked every time it is assembled/dismantled or if any spare parts are changed.
Checking or maintenance operations must be carried out by technicians authorised by HONEYWELL, having an inspection bench,
special tools and original HONEYWELL parts, as well as the maintenance procedures.
Sealing test
•
Refer to the equivalent paragraph in the section 'Quick checks before use'.
Static overpressure test of the demand valve
•
Open the cylinder valve, refer to the equivalent paragraph in the section 'Quick checks before use'.
•
Connect the demand valve to the inspection bench.
•
An overpressure of about 3 mbar must appear in the connected integral mask.
Inspection of the cylinder pressure
•
Refer to the equivalent paragraph in the section 'Quick checks before use'.
Alarm device test
•
Refer to the equivalent paragraph in the section 'Quick checks before use'.
EN-5