IMCA Newsroom

Press Release 25/07

DIVING GAS CYLINDER/STORAGE COLOUR CODING GUIDANCE FROM IMCA

Colour coding is used primarily to identify the hazard associated with the contents of a cylinder. Individual cylinder labelling is the primary means of identifying the contents of the cylinder which could be a gas that may be supplied direct to the diver; or one that may not be supplied direct to the diver but is manufactured to diving quality standards for incorporation into breathing mixtures. Its importance cannot be over-emphasised, and this has led to the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) publishing guidance on 'Marking and Colour Coding of Gas Cylinders, Quads and Banks for Diving Applications'.

"The title of the guidance explains exactly what the new publication is about," says Jane Bugler, Technical Director of IMCA. "The objective of this new guidance is to enable anyone working with gas cylinders to be able to clearly identify the nature of the contents by means of the relevant markings on the cylinder or quad and/or from the connection point of large banks where the contents are not visible to the operator."

The guidance (IMCA D 043) is applicable internationally, but, national regulations/standards will normally prevail. There are many national standards, codes, guidance and information sheets available, pertaining to the marking and colour coding of gas cylinders which may be used in diving operations. In addition to commenting on this, the guidance has a useful chart showing commonly accepted colour coding for helium, medical oxygen, oxygen and helium mixtures, nitrogen, oxygen/helium/nitrogen mixtures, air (breathing), oxygen/nitrogen mixtures, carbon dioxide, and calibration gases. It also illustrates gas mixtures for medical or inhalation purposes; and shows typical examples of quads and banks (in addition to carrying written descriptions) and also of a cylinder labelling system.

"Sampling of all gases must be carried out prior to the commencement of, and during, diving operations," emphasises Jane Bugler. "Gas cylinders and quads, as received from the supplier, should have a label attached and a purity certificate stating the composition of the gas they contain. However, it must be stressed that analysis of gas as received from a supplier at a diving installation or site is the responsibility of a nominated and competent individual; and that the ultimate authority for establishing the exact contents of any gas cylinder, bank or unit before use rests with the relevant supervisor."

Notes to Editors (common)

• IMCA is an international association with over 450 members in more than 50 countries, representing offshore, marine and underwater engineering companies. IMCA has four technical divisions, covering marine/specialist vessel operations, offshore diving, hydrographic survey and remote systems and ROVs, plus geographic sections for the Americas Deepwater, Asia-Pacific, Europe & Africa and Middle East & India regions, as well as a core focus on safety, the environment, competence and training. IMCA seeks to promote its members' common interests, to resolve industry-wide issues and to provide an authoritative voice for its members.
• IMCA publishes some 200 guidance notes and technical reports. These have been developed over the years and are widely distributed. They are a definition of what IMCA stands for, including widely recognised diving and ROV codes of practice, DP documentation, marine good practice guidance, the Common Marine Inspection Document, safety recommendation, outline training syllabi and the IMCA competence scheme guidance. In addition to the range of printed guidance documents, IMCA also produces safety promotional materials, circulates information notes and safety flashes.
• Judith Patten is here to help you if you want any additional information on IMCA; would like to discuss a feature article; want to organise interviews with key members of the IMCA team, etc.