Do O2 bottles need to be VIPed anually just like SCUBA cylinders?

ChrisF · Apr 24, 2003

The dive club at work has a Jumbo D O2 cylinder that hasn't been inspected since it was last hydroed and filled back in 2000. Should an O2 bottle be treated just like a SCUBA cylinder (e.g. annual VIP w/ hydro every 5 years)?

And while we're on the subject, what about maintenance of the Oxygen regulator and demand valve? Is there a prescribed maintenance/cleaning schedule for those things or as long as they seem to be working, do you leave them alone?

The Chairman · Apr 24, 2003

The VIP procedure is important because Scuba tanks spend time underwater. Since most (not all) tanks are not filled by Scuba shops, there is usually no need for them to be vip-ped. Scuba shops that fill their own O2 cylinders may require them, but I see no reason for it at all.

Stone · Apr 24, 2003

I'm not sure the "H" tanks I get delivered to my house would pass a scuba VIP. Peeling green paint and surface rust are the norm.

ChrisF · Apr 24, 2003

I suspected this was the case, but then again it's pure O2 so I wasn't sure if there a need to have them looked at to be sure there was no contamination.

I guess not regularly emersing the O2 cylinder in water must reduce the risk of contamination significantly vs. a SCUBA tank.

pt40fathoms · Apr 24, 2003

Medical Oxygen tanks are visually inspected every time they are refilled. At least in Canada they are, I'm sure the same goes for the USA. The reason for this is simply put "the Lawyers make them do it". Ergo, no vis sticker needed, cause it's just done at every fill.

As for hydro testing, the 5 year rule applies to them, just as it does to any high pressure tank.

Do O2 bottles need to be VIPed anually just like SCUBA cylinders?

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