(While this particular story is a couple of weeks dated, after reading through it, it appears to be of .68 Caliber's typically excellent content and contains information and commentary on some crucial safety and industry issues. I recommend reading it through to the end... gfgjester)

The Editorial Gnome takes on the NY Times, part 2

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I read it and as is usual Dale has presented the facts in a manor simple to read and understand. You Go Furby!
Good thread Jes.

I'm amazed Kee needs further prodding when it comes to safety.

Thanks for posting.

AxisValkyries.com

Comment: I don't see a problem with guys filling their tanks at home. I know plenty of people who keep their own CO2 refill station or rent scuba tanks to do the HPA.

Questions
1. The lady was killed when a bottle came loose from its valve--does that mean that the bottle literly shot through the air & struck the woman with enough force to kill her?

2. "Old Bottles"-- How old is old?

3. Are we talking CO2 bottles or HPA and which one killed the lady?

4. Anyway we street guys can identify these "older bottles"?

5. What are the DIY modifications for anyway?

Carolina Riot
www.carolinariot.com

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"When you're in command, command!"-Vice Admiral William F. "Bull" Halsey Jr. (WWII)

Just to clarify, I didn't write that particular editorial...however I'll make sure the Gnome involved is made aware of how you guys feel...

I agree. I dont see a problem with people filling their own tanks. Now they should be aware of the risks that are involved. As long as the paintball industry places the proper warnings in the places that they the belong, all should be good. I dont think that right should be taken away from them.

I do agree that the people that run a store or a paintball field should be certified to fill a tank so that it will protect the players and the owner himself.

I do want to know how we can identify these old bottles as regular players.

Strength in numbers only means more for me to kill.

Thanks for the info Sir Rod!!

Carolina Riot
www.carolinariot.com

Proudly Sponsored by SC Army Surplus
www.scarmysurplus.com

"When you're in command, command!"-Vice Admiral William F. "Bull" Halsey Jr. (WWII)

Ace007:
I tried to put the actual DOT regulations to help answer your questions.
Every player needs to read thies rules and understand them. It is of paramount importance to know what your dealing with.
Ive actually seen and stopped players who were doing what killed this pool lady. Whom ever did the mod did not use a thread lock like "Lock Tight" when reinstalling the valve to the tank. Then the terrable mistake happens when the player unscrews the tank from the markers ASA and unawares unscrews the valve from the bottle. Kaboom you got a Rocket...
YOU ARE WELCOME!

For some more information on bottles and their hydro requirements see my BLOG Hydrostatic Testing Requirements […as I understand them]

...but Sir Rod got the high points.

Anyone reading this editorial from 68 Caliber please take the time to read all of the information. This is a subject that can be taken out of contex and get distorted very easily.

I do not believe that NPS or KEE did anything wrong. NPS settled out of court to forestall excessively expensive legal fees [IMHO], it was a business decision. The ultimate fault lies in the person who 'modified' this bottle setup and the one unscrewing the bottle from the gun [again IMHO].

It amazes me how IGNORANT many players, refs, owners...etc there are in the sport of paintball when it comes to safe use of pressurized gas cylinders. It is not rocket science and much of the safety procedures is 'common sense', that is unfortunately not very common. Please if you are involved in paintball get educated on safe handling do some research on your own. Take some responsibility for your knowledge and your actions. There are a lot who are safe or try to be safe but we've all seen some idiots out there.

Maybe it is time to add some more safety information to my Blog.

"Qui tacet consentit"


"Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud."
-Sophocles