If air in a tank is suspected of being contaminated, what should the diver do?

If a diver suspects that the air in a tank is contaminated, the safest and most responsible action is to refrain from using the tank and to contact the dive shop. Contaminated air can pose serious health risks, such as the possibility of inhaling harmful substances that could lead to various forms of poisoning or other complications while diving.

By calling the dive shop, the diver is ensuring that the tank can be properly assessed and serviced. Experienced technicians at the dive shop can perform tests and inspections to determine whether the air is safe for use and take appropriate measures to rectify any contamination issues. This choice prioritizes safety above all else and aligns with best practices in dive safety protocols.

Utilizing a tank suspected of contamination, even with the consideration of purging it, does not guarantee that all harmful substances have been completely removed. Similarly, attempting to mix the air with fresh air could present unknown risks and does not ensure the overall safety of the air supply. Testing the air with a gauge may not accurately indicate the presence of certain contaminants, which further emphasizes the importance of leaving such assessments to professionals.