3. CO2 Inflation Valve Test
To test the CO2 inflation valve, operate the manual lever several times. Ensure the lever moves fully and that the piercing pin travels far enough to puncture sealing disk. Visually check to see that the piercing pin is in place, and protrudes sufficiently. Ensure the piercing pin is erect, and does not bend to one side.
B.Inspection Procedures
1.Unpack the life preserver and lay it flat on a clean, dry, smooth surface.
2.Visually examine the life preserver for signs of damage or missing components. Visually inspect for the following:
a.punctures, abrasions, or holes to the protective collar or the inflatable cell;
b.broken or missing fasteners and hardware;
c.loose, damaged, or missing thread;
d.corrosion to metal fittings;
e.condition of the CO2 pull cord
3.Test the mechanical and/or the oral inflator mechanism, where applicable, by performing the CO2 Inflation Mechanism Test and/or the Oral Inflation Valve Test.
4.Perform the Inflatable Cell Test.
5.Check the inflator before use. As a safety precaution it is recommended that you check that the inflator is complete, armed, and ready for use. To do this, follow these simple instructions:
a.Open the front flap on the right front cover on the MD1127, to expose the inflator.
b.Unscrew and remove the CO2 gas cylinder from the inflator and inspect the small end of the CO2 gas cylinder. If the end is pierced, the CO2 gas cylinder is empty and must be replaced (see Figure 7).
c.Make sure the lever on the inflator is in the up or “ready” mode with the red safety indicator clip in position. If the lever is in the down or “fired” position, it must be reset into the “ready” position and the red safety clip installed before inserting the CO2 gas cylinder.
CAUTION: Moving the lever into the up or “ready” position after the CO2 gas cylinder is in place will cause the CO2 cylinder to discharge into the buoyancy cell.
d. Insert the CO2 gas cylinder, small end down, and screw into the threaded hole on the inflator.
e. Fold the collar and fasten the Velcro® tabs.(See figure 4: Folding Procedures)
Make sure that the pull cord with its pull knob is hanging freely below the inflator and that the red caution flag is not visible.
6.Check the Sea Light system expiry date, if the system has expired remove it from the suit, and follow the instructions in line (g) below, otherwise proceed as follows. Check:
a.the light dome for cracks,
b.the battery pack casing for cracks and damage,
c.the power cord and plug for damage and corrosion,
d.the cell for deterioration, i.e. swelling
e.the operation of the circuit and bulb, by applying 1.5 volts across the leads. The bulb should light under these conditions; if it does not light renew the bulb or the entire unit.
f.the fitting of the rescue light. If the existing rescue light is to be replaced follow these procedures for fitting the new light:
i)Remove the existing light, and remove the Velcro® patch from the back surface of the bulb.
ii)Test the new circuit and bulb by procedure (f) above.
iii)Adhere the Velcro® patch to the new bulb using contact cement.
iv)Ensure plugs are secure in battery.
v)Wrap the extra lead around the battery, and push the battery into the left side pocket of the life preserver
7.Inspect the Whistle:
a.for cracks or signs of wear or damage to the casing
b.Check the operation of the whistle by blowing the whistle several times, the sound should be clear and not muffled.
c.If either the whistle shows signs of damage, or the sound is unsatisfactory the whistle is to be replaced, and a new whistle tested.
8.To obtain the maximum benefit from your life preserver it is recommended that you become familiar with its flotation characteristics. (See Figure 8) Test it by standing in water chin deep and inflating the buoyancy cell. Lift your feet off the bottom and note how you float in various positions and water conditions. Preferably practice this a number of times wearing different types of bulky and lightweight clothing until you have absolute confidence in your life preserver’s performance.
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