ALL INFORMATION IS PROPRIETARY AND MAY NOT BE COPIED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF SUBMERSIBLE SYSTEMS.
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HEED 3
TECHNICAL / USER MANUAL
HELICOPTER EMERGENCY EGRESS DEVICE
MODELS 175-001, 175-002, 300-001 & 300-002
SUBMERSIBLE SYSTEMS, INC.
Phone: (714) 842-6566
www.HEED3.com
THE LEADER IN SELF-RESCUE BREATHING SYSTEMS
ALL INFORMATION IS PROPRIETARY AND MAY NOT BE COPIED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF SUBMERSIBLE SYSTEMS.
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Table of Contents
General Precautions & Warnings ...................................................................................................................... 2
How HEED Works ............................................................................................................................................... 2
Refilling From Fill Station ................................................................................................................................... 3
Refilling From Scuba Cylinder ........................................................................................................................... 3
Mounting Instructions ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Pre-Use Check ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
Using HEED ......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Traveling .............................................................................................................................................................. 4
General Servicing Information ........................................................................................................................ 5-6
Specifications ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS:
• HEED is shipped empty. Fill prior to use.
• No special training or SCUBA certification necessary for using HEED above ground or at shallow depths.
• Never overfill the HEED system above 3000 psi, the air pressure stamped on the cylinder. ONLY use
purified, dry compressed breathing air when filling HEED.
• DO NOT fill or use HEED if it has been exposed to extreme heat exceeding 250ºF, or open flame. Instead,
discharge the cylinder completely and return it to an Authorized dealer or the manufacturer for inspection and
possible hydrostatic testing.
HOW HEED WORKS:
Helicopter Emergency Egress Device (HEED) is a high-quality emergency breathing system produced and tested by
people with more than four decades of manufacturing experience. HEED is made in the U.S.A. by craftsmen
dedicated to producing a quality product. Enjoy the peace of mind that having the HEED brings.
Regulator Body - Our simple rugged design utilizes the same time proven
technology found in typical regulators used by SCUBA Divers around the world. Our
always-on, breathe on demand, balanced single stage regulator is easy to use,
maintain and service. HEED 3 can be used in any orientation, even upside down.
Pressure Indicator - Dial Gauge has an easy to read, color coated display for at-a-
glance pressure check in psi and bar.
Purge Button - Clears the regulator and empties the cylinder.
Mouthpiece – High quality silicone mouthpiece.
Check Valve Refill Port – Refillable from an Air Compressor or SCUBA cylinder.
3000 PSI Aluminum Cylinder - This cylinder is manufactured just like standard
SCUBA cylinders, with the same safety features. The cylinder should be inspected
annually and hydrostatically tested every 5 years.
VIP Sticker - Month and year of last cylinder visual inspection.
ALL INFORMATION IS PROPRIETARY AND MAY NOT BE COPIED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF SUBMERSIBLE SYSTEMS.
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REFILLING HEED FROM A FILL STATION USING #920C ADAPTER:
(Use a high-pressure, breathing air quality air compressor designed to fill air systems.)
WARNING: If the HEED Check Valve Refill Port or Refill Adapter threads are damaged or worn these parts
will require replacement. Continued use may cause injury.
CAUTION: DO NOT stand directly over HEED regulator while filling.
CAUTION: Ensure the regulator is firmly attached to the cylinder (hand tight, no tools required).
1. Unscrew black cap from the Check Valve Refill Port.
2. Apply small amount of food grade silicone grease to Refill Port threads with your finger.
3. Screw Refill Adapter onto Refill Port until finger tight.
NOTE: DO NOT apply a wrench or otherwise overtighten.
4. Attach the yoke from the compressor to the Adapter.
NOTE: If line is pressurized over 3200 PSI, adjust the line pressure to 3200 PSI.
5. Turn the valve on your compressor ON.
6. Refill the cylinder to 3200 psi initially, after cooling down the pressure will be approximately 3000 psi.
Regulate the flow so that it takes approximately 45-60 seconds to fill the cylinder.
NOTE: Filling too fast can generate heat and will result in an incomplete fill after the cylinder cools.
NOTE: Fill cylinder slowly and DO NOT OVERFILL to protect the safety burst disc inside the regulator from
rupturing. If it ruptures, a new 3300 psi burst disc must be installed before unit can be filled.
7. When the cylinder is full, turn the compressor or fill station valve OFF.
8. Open bleed knob to release pressure in line. Remove Adapter from compressor yoke.
9. Remove Adapter from HEED and replace black cap on Refill Port.
10. Check the Pressure Indicator. If the tank is full, the Dial Gauge will read 3000 psi.
REFILLING HEED FROM A STANDARD SCUBA CYLINDER USING #910S ADAPTER:
WARNING: If the HEED Check Valve Refill Port or Refill Adapter threads are damaged or worn these parts
will require replacement. Continued use may cause injury.
CAUTION: DO NOT stand directly over HEED regulator while filling.
CAUTION: Ensure the regulator is firmly attached to the cylinder (hand tight, no tools required).
1. Unscrew black cap from the Check Valve Refill Port.
2. Apply small amount of food grade silicone grease to Refill Port threads with your finger.
3. Screw Refill Adapter onto Refill Port until finger tight.
NOTE: DO NOT apply a wrench or otherwise overtighten.
4. Turn knurled ring on Adapter firmly to closed (clockwise) position.
5. Attach Refill Adapter to SCUBA cylinder valve.
6. Open SCUBA cylinder valve very slowly just until you can hear air passing from one cylinder to the other.
NOTE: Filling too fast can generate heat and will result in an incomplete fill after the cylinder cools.
NOTE: If air is escaping from the Adapter during filling, close cylinder valve, wait for air to stop and re-
tighten knurled ring by turning to closed (clockwise position).
7. When at least 2 minutes have elapsed, and air can no longer be heard flowing from the cylinder, turn the
cylinder valve completely open to ensure maximum fill.
NOTE: SCUBA cylinder must be filled to 3000 psi at beginning of refill procedure in order to fill to
recommended full capacity.
8. Close SCUBA cylinder valve.
9. You must turn the knurled ring on Adapter to open (counter-clockwise) position to relieve pressure in the
Adapter.
NOTE: You will not be able to remove the Adapter from Refill Port until this is done.
10. Remove Adapter from SCUBA cylinder and HEED.
11. Replace black cap on Refill Port.
ALL INFORMATION IS PROPRIETARY AND MAY NOT BE COPIED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF SUBMERSIBLE SYSTEMS.
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MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS:
Optional HEED 3 Holster is designed to attach to a modular style vest (MOLLE).
1. Weave the 2 straps on the back of the modular holster through the webbing and snap into place.
NOTE: It is important that the operator be able to grip the regulator having sufficient clearance for a pull of at
least 6 inches.
2. Place unit in Holster and attach flap securely over the regulator ensuring velcro is fully engaged.
NOTE: Mouthpiece can face left or right simply by switching mouthpiece cover and lanyard attachment to
either side of the holster.
3. Attach Mouthpiece Cover.
PRE-USE CHECK:
1. Check for obvious physical damage, broken or loose parts. Do not use if damaged.
2. Visually check Dial Gauge for needle to be within green zone. Refill if necessary.
3. Push Purge Button down and release. Purge Button should move up and down freely. To maintain full
pressure do not purge unnecessarily.
USING HEED:
1. Pull D-ring on flap of Holster to open.
2. Grab HEED regulator head and pull out of the Holster. This action will release the Mouthpiece Cover.
3. Place HEED regulator into user’s mouth.
4. If the system is used underwater press purge button lightly or exhale sharply to expel water from the regulator
prior to inhalation.
CAUTION: Failure to purge the HEED regulator before inhaling will result in swallowing water.
5. Continue to inhale and exhale to a safe and normal rate of ascent. Take small, slow, steady breaths to
maximize the duration of air supply.
NOTE: The HEED utilizes a balanced regulator which means it will provide air in any orientation including the
regulator being upside down or sideways.
CAUTION: If HEED is used until completely empty underwater, it should be referred for five year
service.
TRAVELING:
NOTE: When transporting product (not using) on commercial aircraft, cylinders must be VISIBLY empty and
removed from regulators.
1. Purge until empty of air.
2. Hold upside down and remove regulator from cylinder (regulator is attached hand tight) by turning counter-
clockwise. Leave o-ring, washer and exhaust discs on the regulator.
CAUTION: Do not force regulator on or off cylinder. Excessive force may damage threads. If
regulator does not remove easily, soak in a 1 to 1 vinegar & water solution for 3 hours to loosen any
corrosion.
3. Place HEED in a protective container (plastic bag or box) to keep unit clean and to secure loose parts.
4. Pack in your check or carry-on luggage.
5. When you reach your destination, reassemble (hand tight) and fill the cylinder. Lightly lubricate the tank o-
ring with a small amount of silicone grease – never use a hydrocarbon based oil. DO NOT force regulator
onto cylinder.
NOTE: Replace o-ring after product has been disassembled and reassembled 3 times, or o-ring shows signs
of wear or air leakage.
ALL INFORMATION IS PROPRIETARY AND MAY NOT BE COPIED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF SUBMERSIBLE SYSTEMS.
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GENERAL SERVICING INFORMATION
NOTE: Ensure HEED is always pressurized whenever it is submerged to prevent water from entering system. If
HEED has been emptied of air underwater it should be referred for five year service.
NOTE: If a leak or damage is found at any point the unit should be referred for five year service.
ANNUAL CHECK: (performed by user):
1. Visually check Dial Gauge for needle to be within green zone. If it is not, perform a leak test to determine if
the HEED is actually leaking or if it just needs to be filled.
2. Look for obvious physical damage, such as broken or loose parts. Check openings of diaphragm cover for
presence of foreign objects or punctures of blue diaphragm. Check that all parts are clean and securely
attached.
3. Perform a leak test. HEED must be pressurized and needle within the green zone.
a. Completely submerge filled unit into a tub of water.
b. Shake the unit back and forth several times so that all trapped air is released.
c. Hold the unit still and watch for any leaks for 60 seconds (spend 20 seconds at each of the following:
mouthpiece opening, side ports, and tank o-ring areas).
NOTE: A leak is defined as a continuous bubble at a constant rate.
d. If leak is detected, refer unit for five year service.
FIVE YEAR SERVICE: (must be done by certified repair technician or returned to manufacturer):
1. Overhaul service is recommended for the HEED every 5 years when not used underwater. Service includes
complete overhaul of regulator, replacement of all worn parts, visual inspection of cylinder and labor.
Regulator may be upgraded and receive a new serial number. Cylinder will receive a new VIP (visual
inspection) sticker with the date marked.
NOTE: Only personnel certified to repair HEED can perform the repair or refer units to the manufacturer for
servicing.
2. DOT 3AL cylinder: Hydrostatic testing is required every five years. DOT also requires that any cylinder
exposed to fire or heat in excess of 350°F be condemned. CE marked cylinder - Refer to local country
regulations for how often hydrostatic testing should occur.
NOTE: Any cylinder that shows signs of corrosion, pitting or damage during any service checks should be
evaluated further.
3. Visit www.heed3.com to download Repair Form and return to: Submersible Systems
7413 Slater Ave.
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
ROUTINE CARE & STORAGE:
1. For general cleaning, use a mild dish soap or Simple Green / biodegradable solution.
2. For sanitizing, use a commercially available regulator sanitizer available through a dive shop.
3. Keep the threads on both the Refill Port and Refill Adapter clean and lubricated. Use high-quality, non-
toxic, food grade silicone grease for best results.
NOTE: NEVER use a hydrocarbon based oil (i.e. household oil or motor oil).
4. HEED used frequently in a water training environment need extra care:
a. After use, rinse and soak for at least 30 minutes in warm, fresh water.
b. Gently shake to dislodge any water and wipe dry with a clean towel.
c. Will require service every three to six months.
5. Store HEED full or with some positive pressure to prevent contaminants from entering the cylinder. Store
in a clean, dry environment with optimum temperatures of 50-75ºF for best product performance. Avoid direct
sunlight, automobile trunks or other areas subject to temperature extremes.
NOTE: Industry guidelines recommend replacing air in cylinders annually.
ALL INFORMATION IS PROPRIETARY AND MAY NOT BE COPIED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF SUBMERSIBLE SYSTEMS.
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SERIALIZATION:
All HEED systems are identified with individual serial numbers. Serial numbers are located on the regulator to the
right of the mouthpiece.
HEED 3 SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL #
175
300
Cylinder Capacity
1.7 cu ft / 48 liters
3 cu ft / 85 liters
Water Capacity
16 cu in / .3 liters
30 cu in / .5 liters
Service Pressure
3000 psi / 207 bar
3000 psi / 207 bar
Length
8.75" / 22 cm
13.4” / 34 cm
Diameter
2.25" / 5.7 cm
2.25" / 5.7 cm
Weight
1.5 lb / .7 kg
2.2 lb. / 1 kg
Surface Breaths*
32
57
Cylinder Material
Regulator Type
Pressure Relief
Operational Temperature
Altitude Limits
Cylinder Rating
Duration of Breathing
*Based on 1.5 liters per breath