Frozen and free-flowing regulators
Incident Date
1905-06-06
Incident Description
On a very cold day after his diving equipment had been left in the car overnight the diver noted ice forming on the first stages on entering the water. Heading upstream the diver was approximately 60m from base when the regulator in use started to free-flow. The diver switched the tap for the offending regulator off and swapped to the other regulator while turning round and heading for the entrance. After a few breaths the second regulator now started free-flowing. This was also switched off at the tap and swapped back to the first regulator while switching this tap on. This still free-flowed so the exit was made using the tap to supply air whilst keeping air waste to a minimum.
Lessons Learned
Avoid leaving regulators in cars overnight in winter where they will become extremely cold. Consider using anti-freeze caps (even though I never have!) Remember to stay cool and that hand driving the taps is not too dificult.
Factors |
|
Line Management |
Unknown |
Gas Management |
Unknown |
Equipment Management |
Unknown |
Equipment Failure |
Major |
Training |
Unknown |
Medical |
Unknown |
Planning |
Major |
Procedural Error |
Unknown |
Cave Environment |
Minor |
Weather |
Major |
Other Factor |
Unknown |