If a relief valve is leaking, what should be the immediate course of action?

When a relief valve is leaking, the most appropriate immediate course of action is to replace the relief valve and investigate the cause of its activation. A relief valve is a critical safety device designed to prevent system pressure from exceeding safe limits. If it is leaking, this indicates that the valve may not be functioning properly and could fail to operate as intended under excessive pressure conditions.

Replacing the valve ensures that the system is returned to a safe state and helps prevent potential hazardous situations. Investigating the cause of the valve's activation is also essential, as it can reveal underlying issues such as overpressure conditions, system malfunctions, or other anomalies that need to be addressed to prevent recurrence.

By taking this action, you ensure the integrity of the system and maintain safe operating conditions, which is paramount in gas-related work.