Properly used, oxy-fuel equipment can safely weld, heat and cut metals, but carelessness can create serious hazards including fire and explosions. Oxy-fuel equipment mixes flammable fuel gases and oxygen under pressure to support a flame. Oxygen is not flammable, but it vigorously accelerates combustion of fuel gases and combustible material. Knowledgeable operators can avoid unnecessary risks by protecting him/herself from accidents. This safety meeting describes some of the risks that you need to be aware of.
All Employees MUST Wear Proper PPE as per:
CSA Standard W117.2-94, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes. CSA Standard Z94.3.1-02 Protective Eye Wear All Respirators MUST be CSA Standard Z.94.4, Selection, Use and Care of Respirators.
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values (TLVs®) for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents & Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs®), and The ACGIH Documentation of the TLVs and BEIs
A. Oxygen is not compressed air. Do not refer to it or use it as compressed air. Oxygen is not flammable, but even materials
that do not burn in air usually burn in oxygen. Materials that burn slowly in air can ignite easily and burn violently in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere. Remember the fire triangle: (1) ignition source, (2) fuel, and (3) oxygen.
B. Never use oxygen to ventilate confined spaces. Always ventilate using forced or natural ventilation. The air used in the ventilation replaces any oxygen that is consumed by welding or cutting operations.
C. Oxygen leaks can be disastrous. Always inspect and repair leaky oxygen lines, particularly those passing through or contained within a confined space.
D. Oxygen-enriched atmospheres (those over 23%) or oxygen-depleted atmospheres (those under 19%) should be avoided. Do
not work in, or create this type of hazardous condition. The nominal oxygen content of air is 20.9%.
E. Clothing saturated with oxygen will burn intensely when ignited. It is dangerous to clean clothing with oxygen streams, or hang clothing on oxygen cylinders. Should clothing be permeated, do not weld, cut, light a cigarette or generate any kind of spark or flame for at least 20 minutes, or until the clothing is aired out completely.
F. Grease, oil, oil-bearing materials, greasy gloves and rags, and other combustibles that can readily ignite in the presence of
oxygen must be kept away from any equipment that uses oxygen.
G. Oxygen equipment should not be contaminated by using it for any other service. If equipment is used for other service, do
not use it again for oxygen services.
H. Never use oxygen as a substitute for air. Do not: cool yourself off; pressurize a container; blow out pipelines; use in air driven tools; use in oil-preheating burners; or use to start an internal combustion engine.
Cylinder Storage: Store oxygen cylinders at least 20 feet from fuel gas cylinders or other readily combustible materials, particularly greases or oils — OR keep cylinders and materials separated by a 5-foot non-combustible barrier having a fire resistance rating of at least 1/2 hour. All cylinders should be secured and stored in an upright position.
As Per CSA Standard W117.2-94, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes.
J. Never attempt to clean an oxygen gauge that has been contaminated with oil. Replace it with a new oil-free gauge.
Learn the do’s and don’ts and follow them. Your life could depend on it!