GASEOUS OXYGEN

The supervision of aviators gaseous breathing oxygen requires the same surveillance as for LOX. Adequate and reliable supervisory control of aviators gaseous breathing oxygen demands that each operation in the gaseous breathing oxygen supply, and aircraft servicing system, be carried out in strict compliance with procedures established to assure safety of flight and mission completion.

This section establishes procedures and requirements for the quality control of gaseous oxygen that is stored, transferred, and used for breathing purposes by aircrews. This section is applicable to all personnel who are responsible for supervising or performing the operations associated with and servicing of the aircraft with aviators breathing oxygen.

Quality Control Requirements of Gaseous Oxygen

The procurement limits for purity and contamination, which include the absence of odor, of aviators gaseous breathing oxygen must meet the requirements of the current issue of MIL-O-27210.

The on-station monitoring of aviators gaseous breathing oxygen for contamination is performed by a sniff odor test.

WARNING

The odor test is very hazardous due to the high pressure in the cylinder. Do not place your face or nose directly into the venting gas stream and do not take deep breaths. Discontinue "sniffing" any gas at the first indication of irritation of the nasal passages or at any sign of physical discomfort. Some contaminants are extremely irritating, poisonous, or toxic, and can cause physical injury. The odor test can only be performed safely if the procedures are followed exactly.

NOTE

Persons temporarily unable to detect or classify odors because of head colds, hay _{fever, etc.,} must be excluded from the

assignment of inspecting for the presence of odorous contaminants.

If an odor is detected, discontinue the inspection process. When detected, an attempt should be made to classify it, such as "acrid," "sweet, " "rotten egg," "glue like," etc., as this will help in the identification of the source of the contaminate.

Gaseous Oxygen Servicing Trailer

Gaseous oxygen servicing carts must be sampled and tested whenever contamination is suspected or after the completion of any maintenance action performed on the cart. An odor test must be conducted prior to servicing any aircraft system. This is accomplished by opening slightly the valve at the terminal end of the recharging hose and smelling the escaping gas in accordance with the procedures described in the A6-332AO-GYD-000. If an odor is present, the servicing cart will not be used to service the aircraft. Each cylinder must be inspected for the following:

Proper painting and marking.

Valves are tightly closed and not leaking.

Safety caps and safety plugs are secure.

Hydrostatic test date is current.

All valves, manifold, servicing hose, and cylinders are clean and free of grease and oil. The presence of any grease or oil on the valves or cylinders must be reported to the maintenance officer for necessary action, and the servicing cart must be placed in a contaminated status.