6
Lib
er
at
ors
Safety
V
Oxygen, as it exists at standard atmospheric pressure and tempera-
ture, is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. Oxygen constitutes
21% of the atmosphere, by volume. Aside from its well-docu-
mented ability to sustain life, oxygen also supports combustion,
even though it is nonflammable. Many substances which will burn
in air burn at a faster rate and at a higher temperature in an oxy-
gen-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 materi-
als 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 temperature of
liquid oxygen is about -173°C (-280° F). Skin exposed to such a low
temperature can become severely frostbitten.
These hazards require certain safety precautions to be taken when
working with or around gaseous and/or liquid oxygen:
1. 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.
2. Keep oxygen equipment away from open flames or electrical
appliances such as heaters, stoves, toasters, and other devices
with heating elements.
3. Never permit smoking in an area where oxygen equipment is
repaired, filled, or used.
4. Always wear goggles, a face shield, and insulated gloves when
working with or around liquid oxygen.
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 prac-
tices is necessary when using any Liberator unit. We recommend
that our distributors emphasize safety and safe handling practices
to their employees and customers. While safety features have been
designed into the unit and safe operations are anticipated, it is nec-
essary that all distributor personnel carefully read and fully un-
derstand
WARNINGS
,
CAUTIONS,
and NOTES throughout the
manual. Periodic review of this information is recommended.
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 ex-plode. Certain items considered non-
combustible in air may burn rapidly in such an environment.
Keep all organic materials and other flammable substances
away from possible contact with oxy-gen; 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, han-dled, 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 unrea-
sonably abused, immediately, but cautiously, raise the container
to its normal vertical position. If substantial container damage
has occurred, remove the liquid oxygen from the vessel in a safe
manner (RP23). 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:
During transfer of liquid oxygen gas blowoff from
the vent valve creates a loud horn-like noise. Ear protection is
recommended.
WARNING:
Personnel must remove liquid oxygen and depres-
surize 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:
Only use replacement equipment which is compat-
ible with liquid oxygen and has been cleaned for oxygen use. Do
not use regulators, fittings, hoses, etc. which have been previously
used in non-oxygen service.
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:
Keep filled unit upright at all times. Tip over of filled
unit may result in liquid oxygen leakage and/or an oxygen-en-
riched atmosphere.
CAUTION:
The Liberator should be moved by utilizing the roller
base or hand truck. Do not roll units on their side or edge as in-
sulation damage can occur. The Liberator must be used, stored,
and transported in a vertical position. Do not lay, store, or ship
the unit on its side.
Liberators Technical Service Manual • PN 13350704 Rev
K
WARNING:
This product can expose you to chemicals
including Nickel, which is known to the State of California to
cause cancer. For more information, go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
