What is the recommended sequence of actions if a gas leak is detected at the manifold?

• A. Isolate the leak; stop the dive if needed; evacuate if required; call for repairs.
• B. Increase gas flow and continue.
• C. Ignore and wait for the next dive.
• D. Replace the manifold while the system is active.

Answer: (A)

When a gas leak at the manifold is detected, the immediate priority is to control the hazard by stopping the gas flow. Isolate the leak by closing the appropriate valve so the system stops losing gas and exposure is minimized. After the leak is contained, assess the dive situation: stop the dive if continuing would put divers at risk, and evacuate the area if required to keep people safe. Once personnel are secured, call for repairs from qualified technicians and tag out the affected equipment so it isn’t used until fixed. This sequence protects lives and prevents further gas loss. Increasing gas flow, ignoring the leak, or replacing the manifold while the system is active would create greater danger and are not appropriate actions.