No part of an oxygen cylinder wall may be thinner than?

• A. 1/4 inch
• B. 3/8 inch
• C. 3/16 inch
• D. 7/32 inch

Answer: (A)

Oxygen cylinders must withstand high internal pressure and potential impacts, so they’re built with a definite minimum wall thickness to keep the shell strong. The minimum allowable wall thickness is 1/4 inch. This thickness provides a safety margin to prevent failure from pressure, corrosion, or minor damage that can occur during handling and use. If any part of the wall were thinner than this, the cylinder could rupture or leak under pressure, creating a serious fire hazard since oxygen supports combustion. Thinner measurements like 3/16 inch or 7/32 inch are below the required minimum, while 3/8 inch is thicker than necessary but still acceptable; the key point is the minimum standard, which is 1/4 inch.