What is a common practice before using a Nitrox tank?

Analyzing the oxygen percentage in a Nitrox tank is essential for ensuring that you have the correct blend of gases for safe diving. Nitrox is a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen with varying oxygen concentrations, which can range up to 40% oxygen. Each dive plan relies on this specific ratio for managing both the benefits of reduced nitrogen absorption and the potential risks of oxygen toxicity.

By verifying the oxygen percentage, you ensure that you are diving with the gas mixture that matches your dive plan and depth limits, thus promoting safety throughout your dive. If a diver were to use a Nitrox tank without analyzing the gas mixture first, they could potentially exceed safe exposure limits to oxygen, leading to serious health risks, including oxygen toxicity during the dive.

The other practices, while they may contribute to a broader safety protocol, do not specifically address the crucial step of verifying the gas mixture in Nitrox tanks. For instance, sealing the tank is important for maintaining the integrity of the gas but does not guarantee the correct blend. Weighing the tank or testing for leaks are generally good practices for equipment maintenance but aren't as critical as confirming the oxygen content prior to a dive.