The testing of diving cylinders is currently defined in the following European and British standards:
BS EN 1968: Transportable gas cylinders – Periodic inspection and testing of seamless steel gas cylinders 2005
BS EN 1802: Transportable gas cylinders – Periodic inspection and testing of seamless aluminium alloy gas cylinders 2002
A decision was taken by the European and International standards committees that two existing International standards (ISO 10461: 2005 and ISO 6406) would be joined with the above European standards, thus creating one all-encompassing global standard (BS EN ISO 18119 Transportable gas cylinders – Periodic inspection and testing of seamless cylinders). At the first draft of BS EN ISO 18119, it was identified that the new standard had not included any test periodicity recommendations. The United Kingdom lobbied for the inclusion of a test periodicity and in line with a number of other international countries, including Australia and the USA it was agreed that the second draft would include a recommended diving cylinder test periodicity of ‘1 yearly internal visual inspection’ and a ‘hydraulic inspection every 5 years’.
As the UK’s National Standards Body, BSI is responsible for producing and publishing British Standards and for representing UK interests in international and European standards. All formal standards are developed with a period of public enquiry and full consultation.. They incorporate the views and expertise of a very wide range of interests from consumers, academia, special interest groups, government, business and industry. As a result of this all-inclusive group , standards represent a consensus on current best practice. Standards are designed for voluntary use and do not impose regulations. However, laws and regulations may refer to certain standards as guidance alongside manufacturers recommendations.
For many years, the HSE has worked alongside other diving stakeholders highlighting the serious risks of injury caused by the effects of internal corrosion. The HSE is one of a number of organisations represented on the BSI standards committee, specifically focusing on the prevention of risk and injury of those involved in at work activities. With that in mind, HSE believes that their decision to support the proposed changes to the internal visual inspection testing periodicity is proportionate and will provide those most at risk with additional protection.
It should be noted that the BS EN ISO 18119 public consultation period took place between July and September 2015. The outcome of this consultation and subsequent committee meetings, resulted in a negative vote from the United Kingdom amongst others and we are now awaiting the revised draft. It should be noted that the negative vote was not related to the test periodicity.
FAQs:
Q. When will the new standard become effective?
A. Until the proposed standard has been agreed by at least 67% of international voting members, there will be no immediate changes to the requirements imposed by existing arrangements.
Q. Will there be a period of transition from the current to the new standard?
A. The HSE is working closely with key stakeholders and will endeavour to ensure that all interested parties are kept informed throughout once a final standard draft has been agreed.
Q. The proposed standard will increase the number of cylinder stamps. How will this increase be managed?
A. The HSE is working closely with Inspectorate for Diving Equipment Servicing & Testing (IDEST) and Association Of Scuba Service Engineers & Technicians (ASSET) and are confident that a pragmatic revised marking procedure is available.
