It is a common understanding among welding supply representatives that “only ten percent of the workers using oxy-acetylene equipment really know what they are handling.” To help increase that percentage, here are some helpful tips for those that use or work near oxyacetylene equipment.
Take the time to read the following WHMIS/MSDS 1. Acetylene has an explosion range of 2.5% to 80% (when mixed with air). This is the widest explosive range of any commonly used gas.
2. Acetylene gas is unstable. To combat this characteristic, acetylene cylinders are not hollow, but rather they are packed with porous diatomaceous earth that is saturated with acetone.
3. As per CCOHS Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety:
Store oxygen and fuel gases separately. Indoors, separate oxygen from fuel gas cylinders by at least 6 meters (20 feet), or by a wall at least 1.5 m (5 ft.) high with a minimum half-hour fire resistance. (From: CSA W117.2-06 “Safety in welding, cutting and allied processes”. Local jurisdiction requirements may vary.)
4. Acetylene should never be used at a hose pressure gauge in excess of 15 psi. At higher pressures, without the stabilizing effect of acetone, acetylene can become explosive.
5. Any amount of acetylene in an oxygen gauge is an explosive situation.
6. Close the valves when not in use. Acetylene cylinder valves should be closed when leaving the job unattended. Defective hoses are the most likely places for gas to escape into the room/confined space where a spark from any source can explode it.
7. Each cylinder has several heat safety plugs at both ends that will come out at the temperature of boiling water. Don’t store cylinders next to furnaces or hot areas.
8. The cylinder’s safety plugs are thin brass shells sometimes protruding from the cylinder in recessed tops. Storage of tools in the top could break them off.
9. Oxygen under pressure is explosive upon contact with oil or grease. Do not use oxygen as compressed air, because it isn’t.
10. Secure your cylinders. All compressed gas cylinders should be secured in place at all times. The fact that acetylene has such interesting properties makes it even more important to secure these cylinders. And remember, remove the gauges and screw on the protective cap when not in use.