Lifejacket gas cylinders

[cgull]

Who knows about how often to check?
I have 4 lifejackets of varying age and make, all different size cylinders.There does not seem to be a standard data marking. I have a 38g, stamped min gr wt 136.5g weighs 140g. Another(bit worn) 33g, weight 100g. slightly bigger than first one. If the wrong cylinder is fitted the jacket wont work properly i assume. Not all jackets are marked with buoyancy.

 

[snowleopard]

Most cylinders are of the fully-sealed type, like a Sparklets bulb. It's a good idea to just have a quick look at it to check for corrosion and if in any doubt do a check-weigh. The Hammar type has the cylinder inside the bladder which should protect it indefinitely but it would certainly be a good idea to take it out once in a while - and when test-inflating, use a pump, never your mouth.

That said, the whole mechanism has a limited life, 5 years IIRC.

 

[Cornishman]

PM me for further advice