Appendix A _______________________________________ Safety Instructions for Balloon Operators
VAISALA _______________________________________________________________________ 17
APPENDIX A
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR
BALLOON OPERATORS
The safety instructions for radiosonde operators are provided on the
following page for your convenience. Photocopy the instructions and
place the list in clear view inside the balloon-filling shed and in the
sounding compartment.
1.
No smoking or naked flame is allowed.
2.
If possible, avoid wearing clothing of nylon or other synthetic
fabric to avoid buildup of static charges. Do not use shoes with
rubber soles.
3.
Wear protective glasses.
4.
Regularly check the gas tube for secure fit to the gas cylinder or
generator nozzle and to the balloon inflation nozzle.
5.
Take care to prevent a gas leak in the shed when interrupting
inflation to replace gas cylinder.
6.
Never use a repaired balloon.
7.
Should a leak develop in the balloon during inflation, do not let
off gas from the balloon in the shed. Instead, release the
defective balloon without load. It is not advisable to deflate the
balloon even outside near the shed.
8.
Do not touch the balloon with bare hands except when holding it
by the neck. Use gloves of soft cotton.
9.
Ensure that there are no pointed objects in the shed. Nails,
hooks, hinges, padlocks, etc., are dangerous as they might
scratch the inflated balloon. The balloon film is only 0.05 - 0.1
mm thick upon launch, a slightest scratch could cause premature
or even immediate burst in the shed.