What should you do with damaged cylinders?

• A. Retire damaged cylinders.
• B. Return to supplier for reuse.
• C. Keep in service after repaint.
• D. Ignore.

Answer: (A)

Damaged cylinders must be retired from service because any flaw in the cylinder wall can become a rupture or leak under pressure. Repainting or attempting to reuse does not fix a compromised vessel, and returning damaged cylinders to a supplier for reuse is unsafe. The proper action is to remove the cylinder from service, tag it as out of service, and arrange disposal or replacement through a qualified cylinder service facility or the supplier. Until disposal, keep the valve closed, store the cylinder upright, and away from heat or ignition.