MSA Safety Precautions
for MSA® Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Cylinders
Breathing apparatus cylinders should be recharged as soon as practicable after use. Cylinders should not be stor6d
partially 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 is
exposed to fire or heat. If the cylinder is not full, damage to the cylinder's strength may occur before the burst
disc 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 other
evidence of significant damage.
WARNING
Cylinders which show evidence of exposure to high heat or flame; e.g., Paint
turned 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 CGA
Pamphlet C-6, "Standards for Visual Inspection of Compressed Gas Cylinders" and/or CGA Pamphlet C-6.2-1982, "Visual
Inspection for Fiberglass Reinforced High Pressure Cylinders," available from the Compressed Gas Association, Inc., 500
Fifth 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 certified
hydrostatic 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 to
indicate its gaseous service. New labels are restricted items which are not available except through certified hydrostatic
test facilities.
Establish the service pressure of the cylinder. Type 3AA cylinders that bear a plus (+) sign after the latest retest date
may be recharged to a pressure 10% greater than the stamped service pressure; i.e., a cylinder stamped 3AA 2015 with a
plus (+) sign after the latest test date may be recharged to 2216 psig. All other cylinders which are not type 3AA shall be
filled 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 psi
per minute. (use caution if faster recharging rates are used). Terminate the filling when the pressure reaches service
pressure, and allow the cylinder to cool to room temperature. If necessary, top-off the cylinder such that service pressure
is attained with the cylinder at a temperature of 70° F. Close the valves on the cylinder and the recharge system and
remove the cylinder. Apply a soap solution to determine if there is any leakage between the cylinder and the valve. If
there is no leakage, the cylinder is now ready for reuse.
Manufactured by
MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A., 15208
TAL 4801 (L) REV. 3
465543
