17
Panther HIP-PAC
I. Cold Weather Operation and Maintenance
Operation of the Panther HIP-PAC in cold weather, 32°F
(0°C) or colder, requires the user to be aware of the po-
tential problems caused by the combination of moisture
and low temperatures.
WARNING
• Moisture entering the regulator sys
-
tem, either from moisture in the cylinder
air or by external means, e.g., overspray
during operations or inclement weather
conditions, may cause regulator sys-
tem freezeup, restricting or stopping air
flow to the user. This could result in se
-
rious injury or death to the user.
• Recharge the cylinders with Grade
D or better air conforming to Com
-
pressed Gas Association Specification
G-7.1. Moisture content, expressed as
dewpoint, shall be maintained at -65°F
(-53.9°C) or lower, or less than 24.0 ppm
by volume. Air exceeding this moisture
content may cause regulator system
freezeup, restricting or stopping air
flow to the user. This could result in se
-
rious injury or death to the user.
NOTE
• Moisture can cause regulator system
freezing problems even if the ambient air
temperature is above freezing. The air
flowing from the HIP-PAC cylinder through
the regulator system decreases from
cylinder pressure to near atmospheric
pressure very rapidly. As this pressure
decreases, the air rapidly expands, causing
the air and therefore the regulator to cool.
• Although the ambient temperature may be
above 32°F (0°C), the temperature inside
the regulator system may be considerably
lower (below freezing).
• SPERIAN recommends that HIP-PACs
used on a routine basis or HIP-PACs
kept for emergency use be stored at
temperatures above 32°F (0°C). HIP-PACs
stored at temperatures below 32°F (0°C)
may need to be warmed to at least 32°F
(0°C) prior to use if ice has formed on the
facepiece exhalation valve, AIR KLIC, and/
or quick-disconnects.
SPERIAN recommends a “change of season” inspection
and increased attention to your preventive maintenance
during cold weather conditions. The following recom-
mended inspections and procedures will help prevent
cold weather problems; however, cold weather condi-
tions may also cause other problems not listed below.
1. Air Supply
NOTE
Cold weather conditions require very dry
air. Moisture entering the HIP-PAC may
cause icing and equipment malfunction.
a. Test compressor(s) for air quality and dewpoint
prior to the cold season.
b. Recharge the cylinders with Grade D or better
air conforming to Compressed Gas Association
Specification G-7.1. Moisture content, expressed
as dewpoint, shall be maintained at -65°F (-53.9°C)
or lower, or less than 24.0 ppm by volume.
c. Prevent any moisture from entering the HIP-
PAC.
d. Remove ice and water from cylinder valve threads
prior to filling in cold weather conditions.
2. Facepiece and Exhalation Valve
a. The facepiece must be protected from moisture
during cold weather conditions to reduce ice forma-
tion on the facepiece lens, in the AIR KLIC, and in
the exhalation valve.
b. Prior to donning the facepiece in cold weather,
visually inspect the lens, AIR KLIC, and exhalation
valve for ice.
c. If ice is present, warm the facepiece to melt the
ice. Ice may be melted by placing the facepiece in-
side outerwear near the body to warm.
d. Ice in the exhalation valve may be melted by at
least six to eight exhalations onto the exhalation
valve.
e. Verify the proper function of the exhalation valve
by performing a positive pressure exhalation test
and negative pressure leak check as follows.
f. Don the facepiece as specified in the Donning
section of this manual.
g. Perform a positive pressure exhalation test:
i. Take a deep breath, and place your hand over
the AIR KLIC.
ii. Exhale normally. The exhalation valve must
function normally.
iii. If the exhalation valve does not function or it is
difficult to exhale, remove the facepiece.
iv. Exhale on the exhalation valve at least six to
eight more times to melt the ice.
v. Reposition the facepiece, check the straps,
and repeat the test.
vi. If the exhalation valve continues to malfunc-
tion, remove the facepiece from service.
vii. Have the facepiece inspected and/or repaired
by a SPERIAN-certified repair technician before
reuse.
h. Perform a negative pressure leak check:
i. Place your hand over the AIR KLIC.
ii. Inhale and hold your breath for a few seconds.
