Oppy, I dont think anything was 'proven' about the first Stako explosion in Madrid as far as i am aware. What was thought is that oil was some how chucked into the mix, conclusions were made that the owner added oil to the fill nipple not from proof, but because a bottle of oil was found near by. Tim/Trevor, can you shed some light on this?
Keka is right, how many other systems apart from this 1 crossfire blowing up when filled have people heard about over the past 10/15 years? Then we have 3 Stakos in the space of a year..
This is no witch hunt, just conclusions based on fact. In my eyes these facts need to be PROVED wrong before these tanks are deemed safe once again.
Look - we all know the safety of everyone is paramount - however asking them to prove again what they have proven already before it gets investigated is a bit much.
Do we actually know yet that this was the bottles fault? Could the reg be at fault? I don't know, but blaming the bottle 100% before its investigated is a bit too much of a conclusion to draw. If a site wishes to take the safety line, great and if individuals wish to stop using them then all good and dandy,
The words Ban, Kill etc are a bit ahead - I agree that this is a major concern but i still would ask that the flash fill idea to be looked at more carefully to see what the hell is going on and if this is somehow causing bottles (evidently Stakos in particular) a problem? I may be way off line but at least it's an avenue which has then been checked?
But What i am saying is regardless of the outcome of the stako "debate" slowing fill rigs down and increasing the awareness of what to do and not do with HPA would surely be a great step in the right direction. Maybe this and some of the other comments on here could push this forward?
Here ive attached post from the millennium web site from last year - something must have proven (or assurances given) when this statement was released by the millennium series when the last "ban" was lifted.....
"28 of June, 2007
The Millennium are pleased to announce that following a full investigation by STAKO and a report produce by the TUV of Poland and that of H pac the Millennium air supplier, that the tempory ban on the use of their compressed air cylinders is now lifted. Please follow link to see full TUV report www.stakopaintball.com.
We would like to thank STAKO for their full cooperation and understanding, H pac for their professionalism with regard to safety and cooperation with the investigation.
Hpac confirm that any bottle that appears to be leaking or is damaged in any way, regardless of manufacture, will not be filled on the grounds of health and safety.
We are also pleased to announce that the company STAKO will be represented at the remaining millennium events starting in London on the 20th July."
Right - that's my lot, but as a final comment i would ask HPAC what their thoughts are on the use of HPA at events and who uses them - i.e Should the Public be allowed to use the rigs, or should you had it over each time to a qualified person who checks then fills it each time the correct way..? Should everyone who attends an event pass a basic competency course before using them? (cant be much to ask a baller for 15 - 30 mins of their time before an event)
I don't know - just a few thoughts..