Can I use this oxygen tank?

[CRBrewHound]

I bought this oxygen tank and regulator at a yard sale. I'm assuming it is a medical tank. I have some questions:

1. Am I allowed to own someone else's medical oxygen tank? If not, can I use the regulator on some other oxygen tank?
2. Will I be able to get it refilled?
3. It seems to be about 1/3 full. Can I use the oxygen that is in it?
Adam

1. Yes you are allowed to have it filled, O2 is not a licensed gas.
2. You will be able to get it filled, if the tank inspection is still valid, if the tank is out of inspection, it will have to be inspected prior to being filled, there should be an inspection date on it somewhere.
3. I would not use the gas, you don't know what type of gas is in it. Most likely O2, but you are not sure, not worth it. The ingrediants for one batch of beer is more then it costs to have them filled.

[BrewerAdam]

I called my local Airgas, and they said they cannot fill medical tanks for individuals. He came short of saying it was against the law, but Im assuming there is something like that. Looks like I might be stuck with this tank and not be able to get it filled. I wonder if I could sell it on craigslist....

[CRBrewHound]

I called my local Airgas, and they said they cannot fill medical tanks for individuals. He came short of saying it was against the law, but Im assuming there is something like that. Looks like I might be stuck with this tank and not be able to get it filled. I wonder if I could sell it on craigslist....

You could try several things at this point. He is correct that for medical oxygen an Rx precription is required but you are not wanting it for medical purposes, so they should be willing to fill without medical labeling. Try the following:

1) Explain you are not wanting it for medical; will they fill without the medical labeling (tell them you want to use for welding).
2) call another place and see if they will fill. Some place are more difficult then others. (One place, I went to would not fill my CO2 contain unless they delivered it for fear of exploding tanks, not a law just new company policy).
3) Ask the place if they are willing to do a tank exchange with you giving you credit for that tank in return for a full welding O2 tank.

[BrewerAdam]

I called my local Airgas, and they said they cannot fill medical tanks for individuals. He came short of saying it was against the law, but Im assuming there is something like that. Looks like I might be stuck with this tank and not be able to get it filled. I wonder if I could sell it on craigslist....

You could try several things at this point. He is correct that for medical oxygen an Rx precription is required but you are not wanting it for medical purposes, so they should be willing to fill without medical labeling. Try the following:

1) Explain you are not wanting it for medical; will they fill without the medical labeling (tell them you want to use for welding).
2) call another place and see if they will fill. Some place are more difficult then others. (One place, I went to would not fill my CO2 contain unless they delivered it for fear of exploding tanks, not a law just new company policy).
3) Ask the place if they are willing to do a tank exchange with you giving you credit for that tank in return for a full welding O2 tank.

Good point. I tried to explain to him that I didnt want it for medical, but he said that it didnt matter, they couldnt fill medical tanks for personal use. I need to find some more places to call, just havent had the time. Ill keep checking around and see what I find.