Breathing Tube Inspection Procedure

Gather all tubes to be inspected in an area free of obstructions. Don work gloves and safety glasses with side shields.

Perform the following procedure for each tube:

• 1. With palms down, firmly grasp the end couplings.
• 2. Stretch the tube by drawing the end couplings away from each other until the tube is stretched to a distance of greater than 5 feet but not to exceed 6 feet. (Pull the tube straight, keeping the couplings in-line with the tube. See Figure 1.)

Figure 1: Proper Pull Technique

Do not bend end couplings as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Improper pull technique

Note: The average person with arms straight out at each side will stretch the tube between 5 and 6 feet.

• 3. Hold for 10 seconds.
• 4. Release the tube.
• 5. Inspect the tube per MSA's published instructions.

Caution: Keep other personnel clear of test area.

Go back to the NIOSH home pageor to the CDC home page.