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Incorrect pressure-rated manifold fitted to diver’s bail-out

A member has reported an incident in which a manifold rated to 232 bar was fitted to a twin cylinder 300 bar bail-out.

The manifold in question had no pressure rating markings, as shown in the first picture below. The correct manifold is easily identifiable as it has its pressure rating marked clearly about the DIN female connection, as shown in the second picture.

Pressure rating of 300bar marked on manifold
Pressure rating of 300bar marked on manifold
No pressure rating marked
No pressure rating marked

The company has reminded its personnel that the fitting of correct pressure items is crucial in ensuring that a system conforms to safe design criteria and has instigated the following actions:

  • All bail-out assemblies are to be checked by dive technicians to ensure correctly rated manifolds are fitted;
  • Vessel-held stocks of bail-out manifolds are to be checked to ensure that only correctly rated and marked manifolds are in stock. Any unmarked manifolds which are identified are to be quarantined and sent back to the company’s equipment department

Safety Event

Published: 1 December 2003
Download: IMCA SF 13/03

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