Nextteq Standard Airtec Regulator Kit - Manual (Page 10)

PACKING LIST SECTION I: Introduction
10 NEXTTEQ LLC (Rev. 2) 4/09
1.1 MONITORING BREATHING AIR
A chemical plant worker inspecting a tank
car cleaning operation, a fire fighter donning
his self-contained breathing apparatus, and a
SCUBA diver on a weekend holiday all face
a common situation. Each is putting his or
her life on the line by hooking up to a
temporary air supply. Assured that by using
a life-supporting device he/she is being
provided maximum protection, the quality of
that breathing air is probably the last thing
on his or her mind.
A quantitative testing device is the only way
to assure that the breathing air quality meets
minimum standards. The faster, easier, and
less expensive such testing is, the more often
it can be applied.
A compressed breathing air system has two
potential sources of contaminants: (1) those
entering the system with the intake air and
(2) those produced internally by a faulty
compressor or inadequate filtration system.
An example of the first type would be
vehicle exhaust intrusion caused by locating
the compressor air inlet too close to traffic
areas or loading zones. An example of the
second type might be oil mist accumulation
caused by an overfilled oil reservoir and
inadequate filter.
Some common breathing air contaminants
are carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide,
nitrogen oxides, oil mist, and water vapor, as
well as oxygen deficiency.
• Carbon Monoxide
Of the common potential
contaminants, CO is the most
deadly. It is colorless and odorless
with no warning properties. CO
combines with blood hemoglobin
more readily than oxygen causing
oxygen starvation in body tissues.
Exposure causes headaches, heart
palpitations, and loss of equilibrium,
confusion, unconsciousness, and
death.
• Carbon Dioxide
CO2 is also toxic but can be tolerated
in much higher concentrations than
CO. Effects are somewhat similar to
CO, but the increased breathing rate
accompanying CO
2
poisoning
increases the intake of all coexisting
contaminants. Exposure causes
headaches, dizziness, sweating,
shortness of breath, increased
heartbeat and blood pressure, coma,
asphyxiation, and convulsions.
• Oil Mist
Oil mist and particulate matter are
forms of condensed hydrocarbons.
The larger particles are readily
removed by the upper respiratory
tract, but smaller particles can be
retained and cause problems. Oil mist
in the lungs can cause lipoid
pneumonia, and emphysema.
• Water Vapor
Water Vapor in a breathing air system
causes different problems. It can
promote system corrosion and cause
regulator failures due to icing in cold
weather. It can destroy the catalyst in
a filtration system that removes CO by
converting it to CO
2
.