Editing Paintball safety (section)

== Compressed-gas equipment ==

Paintball markers commonly use compressed air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide as propellants.

These gases are stored in pressurised cylinders connected to the marker.

Compressed-air systems commonly operate at nominal service pressures of 3,000 or 4,500 pounds per square inch, depending on the cylinder design.

Cylinder safety involves correct equipment selection, inspection, filling procedures and compliance with applicable pressure-vessel regulations.

ASTM publishes standards addressing several aspects of paintball gas systems, including:

* ASTM F2030, covering paintball cylinder burst-disc assemblies.
* ASTM F2773, covering the transfilling of compressed air or nitrogen and the safe handling of small paintball cylinders.
* ASTM F2856, covering the transfilling and handling of small CO₂ cylinders.
* ASTM F2653, covering specified valve-to-cylinder threaded connections.[7]

Cylinders may also be subject to periodic inspection and testing requirements established by national transport or pressure-equipment authorities.

Hydrostatic testing intervals and cylinder service-life requirements depend on the cylinder specification, certification and applicable jurisdiction.

Filling equipment must be operated in accordance with the cylinder manufacturer's requirements and relevant legal standards.