Pull Ring on Pressure Relief Valve

[NetBoy]

I have an air compressor with a pressure relief valve that has a pull ring on it.
The air compressor is portable and in an area with live animals.
The animals like shiny things and will periodically tug on the ring, accidentally depressurizing the tank.
I would like to remove the pull ring, but want to make sure this does not violate any standards.

Does anyone know if that ring can be removed without issue/violation?
If it cannot be removed, can someone point me in the direction of what the non-compliance would be?

The construction of the ring is a simple bent wire appearing to be for convenience of testing the PRV.

 

[nickelkid]

Can't you just put a varmint guard around the equipment?

You may want to check the OEM manual to be sure they do not consider it an essential component.

With that said, I am sure my uncle, who is a farmer, would just take it off and move on with life.

 

[LittleInch]

Just remove it. It does not compromise the safety function of the valve, more it's operability and your ability to pull it to re-seal.

The purpose of the pull ring is to allow you to occasionally open the valve and ensure its working correctly. You need to keep doing this, but you can simply fashion a hook device to do it.

Some good words here - scroll down a bit.

http://fix-my-compressor.com/compressor-prv/

A picture would be nice to make sure we're all talking about the same thing.....

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[NetBoy]

@nickelkid: Unfortunately the compressor is not stationary, which would make guarding easier. While it would be possible to shield the compressor, I was hoping to simply remove the ring from the PRV to alleviate the issue. The manual only states to 'pull on the safety valve' or 'open the safety valve', which, even without the ring is still possible.

@LittleInch: the picture on that site is functionally identical to the PRV on my compressor. I agree that we should be periodically cycling the PRV. I like your suggestion about a hook. Further expanding that idea, a needle nose pliers or a small screw driver may also be appropriate. I can, by just using my fingers, operate the PRV with no ring connected. But using a 'helper' may be a better option.

UPDATE: I just got off the phone with Mike (technical service) from Control Devices, LLC, a manufacturer of safety valves. He was quite helpful and explained that the safety valves can be run without the pull ring. I appreciate all the comments and help on this.

Thank you!