Cleanliness and the procedures used to obtain cleanliness are a concern with
NITROX systems. MILSTD 1330 is applicable to anything with an oxygen level
higher than 25 percent by volume. Therefore, MILSTD 1330 must be followed
when dealing with NITROX systems. Personnel involved in the maintenance and
repair of NITROX equipment shall complete an oxygen clean worker course, as
described in MILSTD 1330. Even with oxygen levels of 25 to 40 percent, there is
still a greater risk of fire than with compressed air. Materials that would not normally burn in air may burn at these higher O2 levels. Normally combustible
materials require less energy to ignite and will burn faster. The energy required for
ignition can come from different sources, for example adiabatic compression or
particle impact/spark. Another concern is that if improper cleaning agents or
processes are used, the agents themselves can become fire or toxic hazards. It is
therefore important to adhere to MILSTD 1330 to reduce the risk of damage or
loss of equipment and injury or death of personnel.
