O2 Test Dates

[TerryH]

Following on from the M26 misinformation thread, was just wondering how
many are fully aware that O2 testing interval changed to 15 months last
year.

Reason I say is that my regular test staion has been doing 15 month
punchouts since then, but another not 3 miles away is still on 12.

Might be worth checking next time you get yours done, either that or
vote with your feet.

[neilh]

Has there been any communication or publication about this?

Also does it apply to existing cylinders - i.e. you should still be able to get a fill for 3 months after the date on the current label (which was punched for a 12 month interval)?

[robf]

Would be interested to see the official announcement form IDEST or whoever it is as I don't think my LDS will take my word for it....
15 months does make sense though with the whole 2 1/2 year testing thing

[TerryH]

Originally Posted by neilh

Has there been any communication or publication about this?

Also does it apply to existing cylinders - i.e. you should still be able to get a fill for 3 months after the date on the current label (which was punched for a 12 month interval)?

It's been a standard published in the trade circular since last year, but
reckon a few are keeping it quiet, because they lose a test fee every
3 years.

Nope it's not retro. The current punchout still applies, but when tested
you should now have a 15 month interval.

[nigelH]

Originally Posted by TerryH

Reason I say is that my regular test staion has been doing 15 month punchouts since then, but another not 3 miles away is still on 12.

Surely since enforced O2 testing is a dive shop scam they can punch what they like?

[JasonP]

Originally Posted by TerryH

Nope it's not retro. The current punchout still applies, but when tested
you should now have a 15 month interval.

But most places punch out when it's tested, not when it's valid to.

Jason

[neilh]

Originally Posted by TerryH

It's been a standard published in the trade circular since last year, but
reckon a few are keeping it quiet, because they lose a test fee every
3 years.

Standard published by whom? I didn't think that the O2 cleaning racket was covered by standards...

Originally Posted by TerryH

Nope it's not retro. The current punchout still applies, but when tested
you should now have a 15 month interval.

Ah of course, so the guy that cleaned it last time only did a good enough job for it to last 12 months. Now he'll make sure it's ok for 15. FFS.

Ah well, looks like with M26 and 12/15 month O2 cleaning it'll be a bundle of laughs trying to get fills this year! Time to get some "just fill the fecker" stickers I think

[Garf]

Originally Posted by nigelH

Surely since enforced O2 testing is a dive shop scam they can punch what they like?

precisely.

[Garf]

Originally Posted by neilh

Ah well, looks like with M26 and 12/15 month O2 cleaning it'll be a bundle of laughs trying to get fills this year! Time to get some "just fill the fecker" stickers I think

Ive been using these for ages

http://www.noviz.co.uk/divecylinders.doc

[TerryH]

Offical Chapter & Verse

SITA/IDEST

Date of circulation 05.09.2007
Page 21
8:1
Paragraph 5

In the case of properly maintained cylinders where oxygen service
has been maintained the frequency of cleaning shall fit with the
cycle of visual and hydraulic inspections carried out on the cylinder.
The acceptable maximum timeframe between cleaning for oxygen
service is 15 calendar months.