Information Note

AB IMCA D 02/14

Metric Thread Standards, Gas Cylinders and Valves

1 Introduction
Following a recent potentially catastrophic incident (see incident 4 in IMCA safety flash 18/13), where a cylinder valve failed
during a charge, it was felt appropriate to remind all contractors of the importance of checking and ensuring that the
appropriate standards are employed, during the fitting of cylinder valves. Part of this information note is a reprint of an
IMCA safety notice, 2/95 Metric Thread Standards, Gas Cylinders and Valves issued in May 1995.

2 Background
The European standards for valve and cylinder threads i.e. British Standard (BS) European Normalised Standard (EN) 144 and
250 respectively, are now being implemented by various manufacturers. This means that for 7 and 12 litre cylinders, the BSP
¾" thread used on cylinders and valves are being superseded by the metric unit M25 x 2. There is a smaller metric thread
M18 x 1.5 but this is for very small cylinders. In the meantime, however, both metric and non-metric specifications are being
used and the potential currently exists for the accidental mating of non-compatible valves and cylinders where the threads
are not designed to be compatible. An M25 x 2 threaded valve and a BPS ¾" threaded cylinder are not compatible although
the threads appear to be very similar, and if used together will result in catastrophic failure of the apparently mated threads
should the cylinder be pressurised.

3 Recommendations

♦ Thread sizes should be stamped on to the equipment;

♦ Only threads of the same type and size should be used together;

♦ Cylinders and valves should only be assembled by competent personnel;

♦ Prior to assembly all cylinders and valves should be gauged for thread size and type whether or not the thread size is
identified on the units.

Further information is also available in the UK HSE’s Diving information Sheet Number 10: Diving Cylinders: Guidance on
internal corrosion, fitting valves and filling available through http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/dvis10.pdf.

For more details, please contact: Issue date: Document reference(s):

Pete.Sieniewicz@imca-int.com January 2014 Diving Division IMCA D 02/14
The information contained herein is given for guidance only and endeavours to reflect best industry practice.
For the avoidance of doubt no legal liability shall attach to any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.