MSA Safety Precautionsfor MSA® Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus CylindersBreathing apparatus cylinders should be recharged as soon as practicable after use. Cylinders should not be stor6dpartially charged, for two reasons:1.If used without recharge, the duration of the apparatus is reduced.2.The safety relief device (cylinder burst disc) is designed to vent the air from a full cylinder when the cylinder isexposed to fire or heat. If the cylinder is not full, damage to the cylinder's strength may occur before the burstdisc vents when exposed to fire or heat.For maximum safety the cylinders should be stored full or empty (pressure above ambient but less than 100 psig).Prior to recharging, cylinders must be examined externally for evidence of high heat exposure, corrosion, or otherevidence of significant damage.WARNINGCylinders which show evidence of exposure to high heat or flame; e.g., Paintturned to a brown or black color, Decals charred or missing, Gauge Lens melted,or Elastomeric materials distorted; shall be removed from service and re-hydrostatic tested prior to recharging.Additional information of value when performing external and internal inspections of cylinders may be found in CGAPamphlet C-6, "Standards for Visual Inspection of Compressed Gas Cylinders" and/or CGA Pamphlet C-6.2-1982, "VisualInspection for Fiberglass Reinforced High Pressure Cylinders," available from the Compressed Gas Association, Inc., 500Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10036.If there is any doubt about the suitability of the cylinder for recharge, it should be returned to a certifiedhydrostatic test facility for expert examination and retesting.Always check to be sure the retest date is within the prescribed period and that the cylinder is properly labeled toindicate its gaseous service. New labels are restricted items which are not available except through certified hydrostatictest facilities.Establish the service pressure of the cylinder. Type 3AA cylinders that bear a plus (+) sign after the latest retest datemay be recharged to a pressure 10% greater than the stamped service pressure; i.e., a cylinder stamped 3AA 2015 with aplus (+) sign after the latest test date may be recharged to 2216 psig. All other cylinders which are not type 3AA shall befilled to the designated service pressure only (as found on the DOT approval label).Appropriately connect the cylinder to the filling recharge system and refill at a recommended rate less than 300 psiper minute. (use caution if faster recharging rates are used). Terminate the filling when the pressure reaches servicepressure, and allow the cylinder to cool to room temperature. If necessary, top-off the cylinder such that service pressureis attained with the cylinder at a temperature of 70° F. Close the valves on the cylinder and the recharge system andremove the cylinder. Apply a soap solution to determine if there is any leakage between the cylinder and the valve. Ifthere is no leakage, the cylinder is now ready for reuse.Manufactured byMINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANYPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A., 15208TAL 4801 (L) REV. 3465543
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