Death sparks warning over filling scuba dive cylinders

Divers who filled their air tanks or cylinders at an East Gippsland dive shop have been warned not to use them after an inspection revealed unsafe levels of carbon dioxide. WorkSafe Victoria inspected Cross Diving Services in Marlo after the death of a diver in Queenscliff in April, which is the subject of an ongoing coronial investigation. Inspectors found three cylinders at the site contained carbon monoxide levels of at least 150 parts per million (PPM) — more than 30 times the maximum acceptable carbon monoxide level of 5 PPM.

The owner of the business has been unable to provide complete records of who has had air tanks or cylinders filled at the shop. WorkSafe has issued prohibition notices to prevent Cross Diving Services from providing further cylinders or using a compressor onsite to fill them.

Anyone who has had an air tank or cylinder filled at Cross Diving Services should not use it under any circumstances and contact WorkSafe on 1800 136 089.

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