Cylinders; Safety Precautions For Msa Scba Cylinders - MSA G1 SCBA Operating Manual

12

Cylinders

12.1 Safety Precautions for MSA SCBA Cylinders

WARNING!
To maintain NIOSH approval, cylinders must be fully charged with respirable air that meets the

requirements of CGA G-7.1, Section 2.1, Quality Verification Levels (Grades) D, or higher quality
air, with a moisture dew point not more than -65°F (-54°C) (24 ppm water vapor, normal). In fire
service applications, MSA recommends breathing air quality in accordance with NFPA 1989, Stan-
dard on Breathing Air Quality for Emergency Services Respiratory Protection.
Do NOT drop the cylinder or hit the handwheel. An unsecured cylinder can become an airborne

projectile under its own pressure if the cylinder valve is opened even slightly.
Do NOT use the handwheel to carry or move a cylinder. If a cylinder is removed from a horizontal

shelf by grasping the handwheel, the weight of the cylinder can cause the cylinder to turn down-
ward, causing the valve to open slightly.
Use the handwheel only to open and close the cylinder valve.

Remove the cylinder from service if it shows evidence of exposure to high heat or flame, such as

paint that has turned a brown or black color, decals that are charred or missing, a melted gauge
lens, or distorted elastomeric materials.
Use this SCBA only after receiving the correct training. Use this SCBA in accordance with the MSA

instructions.
Do NOT use cylinders that are not filled to the maximum working pressure.

Do NOT alter, modify, or substitute any components without approval of the manufacturer.
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Examine the cylinders frequently.

Maintain cylinders in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
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Return cylinders to an MSA trained and certified repair technician for repair.
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Failure to obey these warnings can result in serious injury or death.
Recharge SCBA cylinders fully as soon as possible after use.
Do NOT put cylinders that are partially charged in storage.
• The service time of the SCBA is reduced if cylinders that are partially charged are used.
• The pressure-relief device is only designed to protect a fully charged cylinder from the effects of a
fire.
For maximum safety, store the cylinders full or at a pressure above ambient but less than 100 psi.
Before recharging, examine the cylinders externally for evidence of high heat exposure, corrosion, or
other significant damage.
When performing external and internal inspections of the cylinders, refer to the latest edition of CGA
C-6.2, Standard for Visual Inspection and Requalification of Fiber Reinforced High Pressure Cylin-
ders.
If there is any doubt about the suitability of the cylinder for recharge, return it to a certified hydrostatic
test facility for expert examination and testing.
Make sure the retest date is within the prescribed period and that the cylinder is correctly labeled to
indicate its gaseous service. New labels are restricted items that are not available except through
certified hydrostatic test facilities.
G1 SCBA 2018 Edition
Cylinders
US
66