Photocopy these instructions and place the list in clear view in the balloon filling shed and in the sounding compartment.
| Warning New operator! Carefully study the instructions for using the hydrogen generator and for the correct method of inflation. |
- No smoking or naked flame allowed.
- 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.
- Wear protective glasses.
- Regularly check that the gas tube fits securely to the gas cylinder or generator nozzle and to the balloon inflation nozzle.
- Take care to prevent a gas leak in the shed when interrupting inflation to replace a gas cylinder.
- Never use a repaired balloon.
- 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.
- Do not touch the balloon with bare hands except when holding it by the neck. Wear soft cotton gloves.
- 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.
- Keep the doors of the shed shut while inflating the balloon on a windy day. However, ensure that the shed is properly ventilated.
- No unauthorized person shall be allowed admittance to the shed while the hydrogen generator is in operation or balloon inflation is going on.
- Ensure that all tools and other implements not essential for balloon inflation have been removed from the shed.
- 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.
- Always keep the radiosonde at least 50 cm below the level of the gas nozzle and the inflated balloon, and at least 1.5 meters away from the gas cylinder/hydrogen generator, connectors, and tubing. Avoid taking the radiosonde inside the balloon filling shed, if possible.
- Follow all regulations concerning hydrogen safety.