If air in a tank is suspected contaminated due to its smell or taste, what should you do?

• A. Do not use the tank and immediately call the dive shop that filled the tank so they can investigate the problem
• B. Continue diving and report after
• C. Breathe from the tank and test again
• D. Use another tank from a different shop without notifying

Answer: (A)

If you detect a smell or taste of contamination in breathing air, the priority is to stop using the tank. Do not breathe from it. Surface safely or switch to a known-good gas source, and immediately notify the dive shop that filled the tank so they can investigate. The shop can quarantine the cylinder, test the air supply, and identify any problems with the compressor, filters, or filling procedure to prevent others from being exposed. Continuing the dive with suspect air or trying to use another tank without informing the shop could put you at risk and may spread the issue.