SAFETY PAGE
The following is important information to keep your DESCO Diving equipment in safe operating condition.
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Diving is a potentially hazardous activity, that if practiced incorrectly or with incomplete planning and procedures can expose a person to considerable risks including serious injury or DEATH. It requires specialized training, equipment, and experience. DESCO recommends the guidelines established by the Association of Diving Contractors Consensus Standards for Commercial Diving Operations, as well as OSHA and USCG Federal Diving Regulations. NOTE: No standard will ever exist which can substitute for common sense, sound judgment, and a continuing concern for maximum safety. SAFETY IS NOT A RULE BOOK. IT IS A STATE OF MIND.
Diving in cold water conditions:
Any air (pneumatic) system given the right combination of temperature and/or airflow has a propensity to freeze up. It is prudent therefore to check for moisture regularly and install a secondary in-line dryer system if necessary. If moisture freeze up problems persist contact your compressor dealer for recommendations to suit your particular needs.
These safety notices are the result of situations DESCO has found when Air Hats have been returned to us for repair or inspection.
1. Air
Diffuser/Muffler and Lambswool.
The Air Diffuser/Muffler in the DESCO Air Hat comes packed with Lambswool to
reduce the noise created by the airflow through the system. NEVER substitute a
different material for Lambswool in the Air Diffuser/Muffler. Air Hats have come
back to DESCO for repair with steelwool, cotton, fabric, brass pot scrubbers,
and other materials in the Air Diffuser/Muffler. Lambswool is resistant to
moisture, oil, and compacting, and it allows good air flow. It also will trap
dirt and contaminates from the compressor and hose. Checking the condition of
the Lambswool should be a routine part of maintenance of your Air Hat. Any
unusual or excessive contamination of the Lambswool can indicate a problem in
the air supply system. Oil or grease, excessive moisture, dirt, or rubber
particles in any significant amount in the Lambswool should be investigated.
Lambswool is available at stores which sell health and beauty supplies (i.e.
drug stores, grocery stores, department stores).
2. TeflonŽ Tape and air delivery.
Never use TeflonŽ tape on any part of the primary or secondary air delivery
system. Strands of TeflonŽ tape may enter the air delivery system and clog the
air diffuser or air control valve resulting in the loss of breathing air. DESCO
recommends using a good quality pipe joint compound available at hardware stores
and home centers.
3. Suit Inflator Whips and air delivery.
The DESCO Air Hat does not have a provision for connecting a suit inflation hose
from the helmet to the suit. It has been noted that some divers have installed
additional plumbing on the Air Hat inlet to equip it with a inflator whip hose.
This practice presents the possibility of snagging the helmet or breaking off
the additional plumbing and/or the air inlet elbow. DESCO advises against using
the primary air source for anything other than diver life support. A secondary
source of air should be used for suit inflation, such as a pony bottle. Never
modify the air delivery connections on the Air Hat. The air inlet elbow is
designed for the lower Non-Return Valve to accept the umbilical primary air
line. The upper Non-Return Valve is designed to accept the same standard hose
fitting as the lower, but it will also accept a SCUBA whip from a Bailout
Bottle. Non-Return Valves which are made to accept a SCUBA Whip have a "B"
stamped next to the inlet.
4. Removal of Double Exhaust Valve Center Section.
DESCO has received Air Hats for repair where the center section of the Double
Exhaust Valve have been removed. The reason for this action is unclear. Removal
of the center section WILL NOT increase the flow rate through the exhaust. DESCO
has tested the exhaust and the flow rate is the same either way. What removal of
the center section does do is increase the risk of leak back into the Air Hat
exposing the diver to contaminated water. The Double Exhaust Valve should be
checked and maintained on a regular basis. Dirt, hair, and old flapper disks can
effect the performance of the Double Exhaust Valve.
5. Non-Factory
Modifications to the Air Hat.
Making modifications to the Air Hat not authorized by DESCO could result in the
failure of the Air Hat to perform safely and effectively. Do not drill holes
through the Air Hat to mount lights, cameras, or other equipment. Never attempt
to powder coat a Air Hat as the solder will melt out before the coating reaches
its necessary melting temperature. DESCO is willing to make reasonable
modifications to Air Hats to address individual divers needs, as long as it does
not compromise diver safety.
Performing regular
inspection and maintenance on your helmet and related equipment will
significantly increase safety and reliability. Implementing a preventative
maintenance program will lower costly down time and potential safety risks.
Using well maintained equipment you can operate more efficiently, at lower cost.
All components of the diving outfit work together to provide the diver with a
safe environment. Each part from the compressor to the dry suit have to perform
correctly in order for the diver to complete a dive in a timely and safe manner.
Servicing each part regularly will reduce the possibility of breakdown on the
jobsite, where more than just time could be lost.
With the increase in
interest in collecting and using old diving equipment the possibility of someone
attempting to use a replica/ reproduction helmet by accident or intentionally
also increases. These helmets were never intended for actual use. NEVER attempt
to use any diving helmet without thoroughly inspecting and testing it before
entering the water. ALWAYS make sure you have the proper training, equipment,
and safeguards in place before you dive.