Appendix A. Safety
Instructions for Balloon
Operators
Photocopy these instructions and place the list in clear view in the balloon filling shed and in
the sounding compartment.
New operator! Carefully study the instructions for using the hydrogen
generator and for the correct method of
inflation.
WARNING!
1. No smoking or naked flame allowed.
2. If possible, avoid wearing clothing made of nylon or other synthetic
fibers to prevent a
build-up of static charges. Do not wear shoes with rubber soles.
3. Wear protective glasses.
4. Regularly check that the gas tube
fits securely to the gas cylinder or generator nozzle
and to the balloon inflation nozzle.
5. Take care to prevent a gas leak in the shed when interrupting
inflation to replace a gas
cylinder.
6. Never use a repaired balloon.
7. Should a leak develop in the balloon during
inflation, do not let gas escape from the
balloon inside the shed if possible. Instead, release the defective balloon without load.
It is not advisable to
deflate the balloon, even outside the shed.
8. Do not touch the balloon with bare hands except when holding it by the neck. Wear
soft cotton gloves.
9. Ensure that there are no pointed objects in the shed. Nails, hooks, hinges, padlocks,
etc., are dangerous as they might scratch the
inflated balloon. The balloon film is only
0.05 ... 0.1 mm thick upon launch; the slightest scratch could cause the balloon to burst
prematurely.
10. Keep the doors of the shed shut while
inflating the balloon on a windy day. However,
ensure that the shed is properly ventilated.
11. No unauthorized person shall be allowed admittance to the shed while the hydrogen
generator is in operation or balloon
inflation is going on.
12. Ensure that all tools and other implements not essential for balloon
inflation have been
removed from the shed.
13. Do not take any electrical devices (cell phone etc.) to the balloon
filling shed or close to
the balloon inflated with hydrogen. Safe distance when outdoors is typically 1.5 meters.
Appendix A – Safety Instructions for Balloon Operators
33
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