Exploding Tank in Utila

[KevinNM]

FYI. The cylinder had been condemned and was taken from a scrap pile. Then put back into service by the individual.

OMG. I guess that's why you are supposed to drill holes in them. Though I've heard of people using bolts to "fix" the holes, so I understand you need to drill through the threads these days. Poor kid, in the wrong place at the wrong time.

 

[scubafanatic]

OMG. I guess that's why you are supposed to drill holes in them. Though I've heard of people using bolts to "fix" the holes, so I understand you need to drill through the threads these days. Poor kid, in the wrong place at the wrong time.

So, if a tank is condemned, isn't it legally required to drill a hole or strip the neck threads to prevent the tank from EVER being put back in circulation ? Or is this just a 'first world' policy ?

 

[DogDiver]

Only if you play by DOT rules. Not so much in third world countrys.

 

[tridacna]

So, if a tank is condemned, isn't it legally required to drill a hole or strip the neck threads to prevent the tank from EVER being put back in circulation ? Or is this just a 'first world' policy ?

Neither a first or third world policy. You can’t destroy someone else’s property. You can choose never to fill it but not to destroy it. Owner can choose to do something else with it but that’s not the prerogative of an inspector.

This is why I said that whoever filled the tank is at fault.

 

[Diverdonb6784]

The most we are allowed to do as PSI inspectors/DOT hydro facilities is to stamp out the DOT marks or stamp "condemned" on the tank. The only time you have the right to destroy the tank is if the owner signs an agreement prior to inspection. Nothing we are allowed to do will stop people from filling the tank themselves or finding a way around what we do. Also agree with tridacna about whom is at fault.

 

[jfe]

Refilling must have been a "buddy favor". I do not know of any dive shop that will fill a cylinder that is out of date with inspections, and this is from several in different countries. Usually dive shops will first verify the stamps before filling a cylinder. This does not read well if a this kind of practice is / was norm at the shop (if it was a shop the filling was done at) or even if it was a private induvidual doing it from home, he should be aware of the risk he is putting himself and others at. Especially concerning if the shop should be affiliated to any agency. Sad event for the young girl and her family.

 

[yle]

FYI. The cylinder had been condemned and was taken from a scrap pile. Then put back into service by the individual.

I always thought the threads are supposed to be destroyed when a tank is condemned, to keep it from being used again. Is this not a universal standard?

 

[yle]

The most we are allowed to do as PSI inspectors/DOT hydro facilities is to stamp out the DOT marks or stamp "condemned" on the tank. The only time you have the right to destroy the tank is if the owner signs an agreement prior to inspection. Nothing we are allowed to do will stop people from filling the tank themselves or finding a way around what we do. Also agree with tridacna about whom is at fault.

Thanks, this answers the question I just posted above.

 

[scubafanatic]

FYI. The cylinder had been condemned and was taken from a scrap pile. Then put back into service by the individual.

When you say the tank was condemned, what does that really mean ? If the tank can't be physically disabled (drill hole/wreck threads) do they at least mark 'XXXXX' via stamping to signify 'condemned' ? If it's illegal to sabotage someone's tank by drilling, etc, then it's also illegal to confiscate (steal) the tank and toss it on any scrap pile as well. The tank owner would never have to recover his/her tank from a scrap pile as it's illegal for the dive ship/inspector to place it in any scrap pile in the first place. Why bother inspecting/condemning any tanks in this environment if a failed tank cannot be pulled from circulation by said inspector ?

 

[tursiops]

When you say the tank was condemned, what does that really mean ? If the tank can't be physically disabled (drill hole/wreck threads) do they at least mark 'XXXXX' via stamping to signify 'condemned' ? If it's illegal to sabotage someone's tank by drilling, etc, then it's also illegal to confiscate (steal) the tank and toss it on any scrap pile as well. The tank owner would never have to recover his/her tank from a scrap pile as it's illegal for the dive ship/inspector to place it in any scrap pile in the first place. Why bother inspecting/condemning any tanks in this environment if a failed tank cannot be pulled from circulation by said inspector ?

None of this illegal/condemned talk has any applicability in Honduras.