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9.2 Visual inspection of suit
The inspection shall consist of the following steps, see also chapter 9.1:
• Visual inspection of both inside and outside.
• Look for surface damages on material, seams, visor, inner and outer gloves.
• Look for changes in the material properties such as brittleness, stiffness, swelling, stickiness
or other phenomena which could be evidence of chemical degradation or aging.
• Check function of zipper and zipper fitting.
• Check function of the Bayonet glove ring system
• Check the function of the exhaust valves and, if fitted, suit ventilation regulating valve/
passthrough. Make certain that they are firmly mounted and not damaged.
If any defect/malfunction is found, the suit must be taken out of service.
Note any remarks, found during the inspection, in the inspection log.
9.3 Test of gas-tightness according to ASTM F 1052
Test equipment
: See chapter 11.6
Procedure
:
1) Place the suit on a clean surface, preferably a table.
2) Exhaust valve no 1: Remove the outer exhaust valve cover (see chapter 9.9) and insert
the sealing plug.
3) Add the retaining collar (1 pce) on the sealing plug and tighten clockwise.
4) Exhaust valve no 2: Remove the outer exhaust valve cover and the diaphragm
(see chapter 9.8).
5) Put the retaining collar (1 pce) on the black adapter.
6) Screw the black adapter onto the grey test adapter, ensuring a tight connection.
7) Push the black adapter into the exhaust valve, then tighten the retaining collar.
8) Close the zipper.
9) Connect the pressure gauge via the nipple on the test adapter.
10) Inflate the suit with an air pistol to 5.0 inch/125 mm water gauge (1245 Pa/12.5 mbar).
This is the pre-test expansion pressure.
11) Maintain this pressure for at least 1 minute in order to fill out wrinkles and allow the
material to settle. Extend the time if air temperatures inside and outside the suit are not
equal.
12) Adjust the pressure to 4 inch/100 mm water gauge (996 Pa/9.96 mbar). This is the test
pressure. Set and start the timer and wait for 4 minutes.