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I'd just like to throw my two cents at this. It seems that there are certain
procedures that certain people proscribe as being necessary for the handling
of o2 in the United States.(what i'll call the US standard) Others outside
the US ( Capt Thorton)and some inside the US( WKPP) claim that these
standards are unnecessary as they may well be.(what i'll call the Technical
Standard) Why can the Technical Standard group use o2 safely while ignoring
the warnings of the US standard??
The answer lies i think in the word liability. Those using the US standard
are probably giving their advice tempered by the fear of lawsuits, a common
problem in the US. The Technical Standard people have found what they
consider the true physical limits of safe o2 handling and want to pass this
info along. However when those who are unsure of the Technical Standard
group turn to the US standard group they are told conflicting information
because the US standard does not want to be involved in any way with an
accident or a fatality or injury.
Those using the Technical Standard are probably less concerned with
lawsuits and more concerned with cost and ease of use.
Which standard is correct??? Like many things in life it all depends. It
must be remembered that no matter what standards you use O2 is still o2 and
will always be prone to burn in the presence of fire and fuel. O2 is
dangerous. Each person must seek out the advice of those he finds reliable
and follow that advice. No one can assure complete safety so one must decide
what standard one is comfortable with. If you need to put stickers on tanks
and pay money to have gear cleaned ( which i have done in the past but am
reconsidering) then do that. If others are saying that they can do certain
things and they "get away" with them and you feel comfortable following that
advice then do it. If you feel the need to state your standard because you
feel others are not following your standard and you need to issue a warning
to them to assuage your conscience go ahead. But, as George can tell you,
just because you know what your doing doesnt mean others will listen.
You should also consider, in the US, the local fire codes and zoning
ordinances. I know several people who are "garage blenders" and who keep K
cylinders of O2 in their attached garages. This is definately a violation of
the local fire code and can carry a stiff fine and/or criminal penalty. Also
to be considered is the insurance for this property; your residental policy
may have a disclaimer thats absolves the insurance co from paying for an
accident that was an intentional violation of a local ordinance. If you blast
your fill whip and K bottle out the window and kill the kid next store you
may have bigger problems that the ppo2 in your mix. And remember in Diving
nothing is 100% certain;you can follow all the rules and still get bent like
a pretzel .
Remeber its your decision--thats dive store bastard whose sucking the cash
out of your(and Mine)pocket is also absorbing the liability of an
accident--Maybe its a better deal than you thought. Again everybody has to
decide for themselves--mommie isnt here to help you anymore.
I now have to say that the above information was presented for your
information and entertainment only. Nothing i have said should be considered
legal or technical diving instruction or advice. If you have questions about
the law in your locality contact an attorney. If you have diving questions
ask someone qualified to answer them.
If ive wasted your time i apologize and if i said something stupid im sure
youll let me know.
safe
diving,
Al
Marvelli
P.S. Ive been diving in the Northeast for about 4 years(85 logged open water
dives) and have Andi Nitrox and Padi certs to rescue. Im also a first year
law student. -ajm
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