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What should I do if a bursting disc pops?

All carbon dioxide (Suregas) cylinders have a safety mechanism called a 'bursting disc'. It is a quick pressure release system that ruptures if the pressure in the cylinder rises above a certain limit. It is designed to release the contents so that the cylinder itself does not burst. If a bursting disc ruptures, there will be a sudden loud noise and a plume of white vapour as the gas is released, and the cylinder may fall over.

(For more information about dealing with a gas leak, see our 'How to spot a gas leak' guide)

A bursting disc may rupture if:

Reason

Action

The cylinder is dropped and/or the cylinder neck is damaged

Evacuate the cellar and ventilate it by opening all doors and cellar flaps (make sure there are barriers around the open flaps).

The cylinder is stored or used near a heat source (e.g, a freezer)

Turn off the heat source, wait until the area has cooled, then move any other cylinders to a different part of the cellar.