This document outlines procedures for filling SCUBA cylinders with a Bauer VA-13 breathing air compressor at the Newport Aquarium. Only trained employees are authorized to operate the compressor. Pre-operation checks of the compressor include verifying the oil level and emptying the waste water tank. Cylinders are filled one at a time by connecting them to the fill whip and slowly opening valves until full. Proper documentation of training and fills is maintained.

1. NEWPORT AQUARIUM
Operating & Maintenance Procedures
Revision Date:
9/2/2014
Page:
1 of 1
Procedure: Filling SCUBA Cylinders
Issued By:
Safety
Approved By:
Safety
|
O
Purpose: This procedure will cover the standard for filling SCUBA cylinders and operating the
Bauer VA-13 breathing air compressor.
Scope: This standard applies to filling in-house SCUBA cylinders at the Newport Aquarium with
the use of the Bauer VA-13 breathing air compressor and fill station.
I. TRAINING
a. Filling SCUBA Cylinders and operating the breathing air compressor is an Authorized Operator
position as defined by HFE. Only those employees who have completed training in accordance
to HFE training plans are authorized to operate the breathing air compressor.
II. PRE-OPERATION PROCEDURES
a. Check oil level through the window located on the compressor. The level should be between the
HIGH and LOW marks. If it is otherwise, do NOT operate compressor and call Breathing Air
Systems immediately.
b. Empty the waste water tank into a bucket by opening the blue valve located on the lower right
side of the compressor.
c. Turn on the compressor by pressing the green button.
d. Check the display. BLUE = Normal working order
YELLOW = Alert RED = Warning
III. FILLING SCUBA CYLINDERS
a. If filling cylinders from outside NAQ, check the VIP and hydrostat test dates and the working
pressure of the cylinder.
b. Make sure the adjustable filling regulator is set to the correct pressure of 3000-3300psi. This
can be done by opening one of the storage cylinders.
c. When adjusting the filling regulator, bleed down the valve before increasing the pressure
settting.
d. Hook up a SCUBA cylinder to the fill whip. Slowly open the cylinder and whip valves as the
pressure equalizes and the cylinder begins to fill.
e. The second whip may also be attached to a cylinder while the first one is filling.
f. Cylinders will automatically stop filling when they reach the pressure pre-set by the filling
regulator.
g. Close the cylinder and whip valves.
h. Release the pressure between the whip and cylinder via the pressure release button/valve on
the whip.
i. Remove the whip from the cylinder and replace the dust cap on the cylinder valve.
IV. END-OF-DAY PROCEDURE
a. Turn off the compressor by pressing the red button.
b. Check the display.
V. DOCUMENTATION
a. Training documentation is kept in the Authorized Operator section of the Red Binder in
accordance with HFE training standards.
b. Cylinder and compressor documentation complies with OSHA regulations 1910.430(b) and
1910.430(e) and is located in the Compressor Log in the Dive Office.