Safety - CAIRE Companion C1000 Technical & Service Manual

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Safety

Safety Guidelines and Operational Safety
Oxygen, as it exists at standard atmospheric pressure and tem-
perature, is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. Oxygen con-
stitutes 21% of the atmosphere, by volume. Aside from its well-
documented ability to sustain life, oxygen also supports combus-
tion, even though it is nonflammable. Many substances which
will burn in air, burn at a faster rate and at a higher temperature in
an oxygen enriched atmosphere. Other materials that do not burn
in air will burn as oxygen concentration increases. Additionally,
many greases and liquid solvents become extremely hazardous
materials when placed in an oxygen-enriched environment. In its
liquid form, oxygen is still odorless and tasteless, but is pale blue
in color. At an operating pressure of 1,4 bar /20 psig, the tem-
perature of liquid oxygen is about -173°C/-280° F. Skin exposed
to such a low temperature can become severely frostbitten.
Contraindications
While CAIRE, Inc. equipment is designed and built to the most
rigid standards, no piece of mechanical equipment can ever be
made 100% foolproof. Strict compliance with proper safety prac-
tices is necessary when using any CAIRE unit. We recommend
that our distributors emphasize safety and safe handling practices
to their employees and customers. While safety features have
been designed into the unit and safe operations are anticipated, it
is necessary that all distributor personnel carefully read and fully
understand WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, and NOTES throughout
the manual. Periodic review of this information is recommended.
These hazards require certain safety precautions to be taken when
working around gaseous and/or liquid oxygen.
WARNING: Never permit combustible substances such as
greases, oils, solvents, or other compounds not oxygen compat-
ible to contact any component of the unit exposed to higher-
than atmospheric concentrations of gaseous or liquid oxygen.
This especially applies to tubing, fittings, and valves.
WARNING: Keep oxygen equipment away from open flames
or electrical appliances such as heaters, stoves, toasters, and
other devices with heating elements.
WARNING: Never permit smoking in an area where oxygen
equipment is repaired, filled, or used.
WARNING: Always wear goggles, a face shield, and insulated
gloves when working with or around liquid oxygen.
WARNING: Do not modify equipment without authorization
from the manufacturer.
WARNING: These devices are not intended for life supporting
applications nor do they provide patient monitoring capabili-
ties.
WARNING: In certain circumstances, the use of non-pre-
scribed oxygen can be hazardous. These devices should only
be used when prescribed by a physician.
WARNING: Not for use in the presence of flammable anes-
thetics.
WARNING: Excess accumulation of oxygen creates an
oxygen-enriched atmosphere (defined by the Compressed Gas
Association as an oxygen concentration above 23%). In an
oxygen-enriched atmosphere, flammable items may burn vigor-
ously and may explode. Certain items considered noncombus-
tible in air may burn rapidly in such an environment. Keep all
organic materials and other flammable substances away from
possible contact with oxygen; particularly oil, grease, kerosene,
cloth, wood, paint, tar, coal dust, and dirt which may contain oil
or grease. DO NOT permit smoking or open flame in any area
where oxygen is stored, handled, or used. Failure to comply
with this warning may result in serious personal injury.
WARNING: In the event a unit is dropped, tipped over, or
unreasonably abused, immediately, but cautiously, raise the
container to its normal vertical position. If substantial con-
tainer damage has occurred, remove the liquid oxygen from
the vessel in a safe manner (RP3). Purge the unit with an inert
gas (nitrogen) and promptly return it to CAIRE for inspection.
The container should be prominently marked "CONTAINER
DROPPED, INSPECT FOR DAMAGE." Failure to comply
with these procedures may result in personal injury and can se-
riously damage the container.
WARNING: Personnel must remove liquid oxygen and depres-
surize the unit before removing parts or loosening fittings from
a unit. Failure to do so may result in personal injury from the
extreme cold of liquid oxygen and/or the pressure in the vessel.
WARNING: During transfer of liquid oxygen, components will
become extremely cold. Care should be used to avoid any con-
tact with these components, as serious frostbite may result.
Companion Portable Technical Service Manual • PN 20562220 Rev B
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