Handling and storing compressed gas are inherent parts of virtually all diving
activities, whether conducted with scuba or surface supplied diving equipment. It
is imperative that divers be familiar with the safety aspects of handling
compressed gas. Diver’s compressed gas shall be stored in military standard
(MIL-STD) or DOT approved cylinders or ASME flasks applicable to the type
and pressure levels of the compressed gas being stored.
Compressed gas shall be transported in cylinders meeting Department of Transportation
(DOT) regulations applicable to the compressed gas being handled. DOT
approved cylinders bear a serial number, DOT inspection stamp, a pressure rating,
the date of last hydrostatic test, are equipped with applicable cylinder valve, and
are appropriately color coded.
Refer to the following references for more detailed information on compressed gas
handling and storage:
-
Industrial Gases, Generating, Handling and Storage, NAVSEA Technical
Manual S9086-SX-STM-000/CH-550
-
American and Canadian Standard Compressed-Gas Cylinder Valve Outlet
and Inlet Connections (ANSI-B57.1 and CSA-B96).
-
American National Standard Method of Marking Portable Compressed-Gas
Containers to Identify the Material Contained (Z48.1)
-
Guide to the Preparation of Precautionary Labeling and Marking of
Compressed Gas Cylinders (CGA Pamphlet C-7).
