Safety 1-3
• This instrument is capable of supplying high-pressure air. Before commencing
any component tests, ensure that the system is guarded to local health and
safety standards.
Fixture safety considerations vary depending on the fixture being leak tested.1
However, the following hazards of working with pressurized systems should be given
serious consideration before operating the tester:
• High-pressure pneumatic air systems are exponentially more hazardous as the
pressure increases, or as the volume of a system increases. Testing equipment
subjected to consistently high-pressure ranges has an increased probability of
becoming unable to permanently resist the effects of such pressure.
• Observe caution when working with nonreactive gases or liquids above their
boiling points (even at lower pressures), especially when larger volumes of
gases are involved. It is essential that relief valves, rupture disks, and pressure
regulators are employed to ensure safety.
• Even at moderate pressures, pressurized systems can present a hazard in the
form of pressurized air escaping from a leak or a failure. The hazard of flying
particles is added when a sight glass or glass flow meter is introduced to the
system. The sudden burst of a part could generate sufficient sound concussion
to cause hearing damage.
1. Jackson, Charles N., Jr., Sherlock, Charles N., technical editors, and Moore, Patrick O., editor.
“Safety Aspects of Leak Testing.” Nondestructive Testing Handbook, third edition: Vol. 1, Leak
Testing. Columbus, OH: American Society for Nondestructive Testing (1998): p 136.
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