Why is purging necessary?

Purging is essential primarily for new and contaminated containers because it ensures that any residual materials, contaminants, or undesired substances are removed before the container is put into use. This process is critical in maintaining the quality of the contents inside the container and in preventing contamination that could affect the integrity of processes or products that rely on those materials. By purging, operators can prevent cross-contamination and ensure that purging agents are effectively cleaned out, which ultimately leads to safer and more reliable handling of substances.

While routine maintenance, proper storage, and cylinder inspections are important aspects of handling and managing containers, they do not address the immediate need to eliminate potential contaminants from within new or previously used containers, which is the primary focus of purging.