Skip to content

Incorrectly colour coded oxygen cylinders

A member has reported that it has received a small number of ‘W’ size oxygen cylinders which were incorrectly labelled as nitrogen (oxygen free).

Members are reminded of the guidance set out in Marking and colour coding of gas cylinders, quads and banks for diving applications (IMCA D 043) – and particularly of section 7, ‘Gas sampling’:

“Sampling of all gases must be carried out prior to the commencement of, and during, diving operations.

“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 is stressed that analysis of gas as received from a supplier to 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.”

Safety Event

Published: 23 July 2008
Download: IMCA SF 12/08

IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report

IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding [email protected] to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.

IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.

IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.