House insulation all over Regs

[chillyinCanada]

FWIW The OP is in NY which is a very very low probably area for Hantavirus. Now he was west of the Mississippi River and in particular the West/Southwest then it could be on concern.

I would first give then a quick washing under running water, especially the first stage, which I would then hook up to a cylinder so to blow out the second stages. After that I would remove the second stage purge cover and diaphragm and wash in hot soapy water with disinfectant.

OK, here's another:

Salmonella

Clean as they've never been cleaned before

 

[chillyinCanada]

ok here is a weird situation. I went and unpacked my scuba gear and found a mouse decided to make a nest inside my regulator bag and got insulation all over my regs. Theoretically this should only be on the outside of the regs but I’m not sure what to do? I do believe insulation is bad for you to breath and if anyone has gotten it on their skin they know it can itch. Thoughts?!?

Is this the kind of insulation with fibreglass in it?

 

[jgttrey]

Inspect, test, wash with some water with a little dish soap, and Steramine. Done. Not hard. This is not a big deal.

Service only if they need it.

 

[k4kafka]

Did you learn something from this experience ? If,so...what ?

 

[Basking Ridge Diver]

I will send you shipping cost. You will never get them clean and you would not want to use them knowing they were dirty.

I - on the other hand would like to help you out - ship them to me and you will never see them again those pesky regs...

lol

 

[broncobowsher]

Get them serviced. Mice may have started to nibble on the exhaust valve or other bad stuff that washing won't catch.

 

[jgttrey]

If OP needs to have them serviced to feel comfortable, then by all means. But you can inspect and and function test your regs very easily. After washing, put them on a cylinder, leaving the valve closed. Or, securely tighten dust cover. Either way, just so no air comes in through the first stage. Try to inhale on a second stage. You shouldn't be able to -- that means the exhaust valve is working. If you get air, then you have an issue. If you have second stages with seat saver (Atomic/Zeagle F8), you might get a little air coming into the system from the other second stage, but otherwise, it should be easy to tell that the exhaust valve is working. You can check the purge diaphragm by unscrewing the cover and looking. Or, look at the service manual for your second stages and you can see how to access the exhaust valve and look at it yourself.

But, like I said, if the regs need service anyway, or it makes you feel better, go for it.

A basic function test is easy. Does your first stage hold IP? Does the system hold pressure after you turn off the tank valve? Do the second stages free flow? Can you pass the exhaust valve test above? Do they breathe okay without giant drops in IP? The whole mess takes about 15 minutes. If your regs check those boxes, you're good to go.

Just be aware that, either way, you will need to do the cleaning part yourself. "Service" does not include sterilization. At most, the plastic parts get a quick rinse with some dish soapy water. Only certain of the metal bits get ultrasonic, and only if they need it. The exhaust valve is generally only check-and-replace if needed. It generally isn't in the parts kit for regular service. Same for the purge diaphragm. The parts most likely to be impacted by a curious mouse are not those that get replaced, are easy to check yourself, and you're going to have to clean them yourself anyway because the service tech is not typically do much to them.

 

[D_Fresh]

I think a good service tech could perform not only a service to clean any physical insulation contaminants, but also sterilize if he's aware of the mouse situation. I don't think that's unreasonable to ask. Better safe than sorry...

 

[Marie13]

For future storage, put reg bag in a closed plastic storage tub.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

IF they were sent to me for service, knowing what happened, I'd put them on a tank rinse them outside. Then toss in a tub with Steramine or other disinfectant outside. Then I'd rinse and allow to dry before bringing them in for a service. Agree that the 1st is unlikely to suffer much if the dust cap is intact and was on. The seconds? Well, I'd probably rebuild them. The diaphragms would be checked and replaced if necessary.