Portable air tanks have a variety of purposes. They can be used in scuba diving, construction, auto body repair and health care. Portable air tanks are under extreme pressure and a tank that isn't properly maintained can become dangerous. A tank should be inspected each time it is used and professionally tested every five years. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Inspect the portable air tank before every use. Pay special attention to the seals. Look for the beginning of cracks that could appear in the seals. If a crack is detected in the seal, the tank should be taken to an authorized repair shop immediately.
2. Open the valve. Feel for air escaping from any area of the tank other than directly in front of the valve. Portable air tanks that have air escaping between the valve and the seals is not safe to use.
3. Inspect the portable air tank for corrosion or damage. Release the pressurized air at least once a year and remove the valve from the top of the tank so that the inside of the tank can be inspected for corrosion. This a good time to replace any seals that are showing signs of wear. Document when the tank was last inspected.
4. Complete hydrostatic testing. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires that all pressurized air tanks be hydrostatically tested at least every five years. Portable air tanks that pass hydrostatic testing are stamped with the month and year of the test.
Tags: Portable tanks, every five, every five years, five years, hydrostatic testing, Inspect portable
