Safety - CAIRE HELiOS Plus 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
practices is necessary when using any CAIRE unit. We
recommend that our distributors emphasize safety and safe
handling practicesto 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 with or around gaseous and/or liquid oxygen.
WARNING: Never permit combustible substances such
as greases, oils, solvents, or other compounds not oxygen
compatible 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: These devices are not intended for life
supporting applications nor do they provide patient
monitoring capabilities.
WARNING: In certain circumstances, the use of non-
prescribed oxygen can be hazardous. These devices should
only be used when prescribed by a physician.
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 vigorously and may explode. Certain items considered
noncombustible 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 operating position. If substantial
container 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 seriously damage the container.
WARNING: Personnel must remove liquid oxygen and
depressurize 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 contact with these components, as serious frostbite may
result.
WARNING: Extreme high pressure can rupture container
or plumbing components. Be sure specified pressure relief
devices are present, in the proper location, and functioning
properly.
WARNING: The possibility of fire exists when the
combination of a fuel, source of ignition, and oxygen is
present. High concentrations of oxygen (air is approximately
21% oxygen) greatly enhance the possibility of combustion.
WARNING: Liquid oxygen vessels periodically release
small amounts of oxygen gas that must be ventilated to
prevent pressure buildup. Do not store liquid oxygen
equipment in a car trunk, closet, or other confined area. Do
not place bags, blankets, draperies, or other fabrics over the
equipment when it contains liquid oxygen.
HELiOS Portables Technical Service Manual • PN 20562190 Rev E
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