TM 1-1500-204-23-3
2-7. Fuel Cell Repair (Goodyear, Loral, Engineer Fabrics).
a. Fuel Cell Precautionary /Safe / Criteria. General Information.
WARNING
All regulations and instructions for handling fuels shall be strictly observed.
The following WARNINGS and CAUTIONS shall be observed before and during removal, cleaning, repair, and testing of
fuel cells.
WARNING
To prevent asphyxiation from fuel, oil and alcohol fumes, you must wear protective
clothing, i.e., an apron, an air supplied respirator, a face shield and rubber gloves. Use
an air compressor to continuously pump air into the tank when personnel are in the tank.
Ground the air hose to the tank. Assign a person to monitor the person in the tank in the
event he is overcome by fumes.
WARNING
Use an explosometer to insure safe conditions in the fuel cell before starting work
WARNING
Acetone, barrier cement, repair adhesives and its components are flammable and toxic.
They can irritate skin and cause bums. Use only with adequate ventilation and wear a
NIOSH approved air-purifying respirator for organic vapors. Keep away from heat or
open flame. Wear safety glasses, gloves and protective clothing to avoid contact with
skin, eyes and clothes. If contact occurs, flush areas with water and get medical
attention for eyes.
WARNING
Work only in approved areas with adequate ventilation and where emergency equipment
can move freely. Initial deactivation must be done out-of-doors.
WARNING
Make sure fuel cell and all cleaning, repair, and test equipment are properly grounded.
WARNING
Do not enter cell unless another person is available as safety monitor.
WARNING
Do not enter fuel cell wearing shoes, or with tools in your pockets.
WARNING
Do not allow hot work lamps to contact fuel cell. Use only explosion proof light.
CAUTION
Be careful when handling fuel cell at temperatures below 20
°F (-6.67
°C) to prevent
cracking molded sections.
CAUTION
Do not expose fuel cell to any source of strong light for a long period.
CAUTION
Do not puncture or scratch lining of fuel cell. If lining is broken, fuel penetrates and
activates self-sealing layers. Activated layers swell and trap fuel. Activated green spongy
material also contaminates fuel system. This makes it necessary to replace fuel cell and
flush fuel system.
CAUTION
Protect fuel cell at all times from sharp objects and from extremes of temperature and
humidity.
Change 2 2-43
