Most workers probably don’t think about the hazards of oxyacetylene much. That doesn’t mean they aren’t safety conscious, or that they are careless. Often, gas-welding hazards are not visually obvious, and therefore they may not be realized. Even with “old timers” it’s easy to become complacent. Doing so is very dangerous.
CSA Standard W117.2-94, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes All equipment must be CSA Standards C22.2 No.60 or be acceptable to the regulatory authority.
Here are some examples why care is always needed:
1. Oxygen is usually stored at pressures of 2,000 psig. That’s a lot of potential body-smashing force in the storage cylinder. How much of that force could you handle if the regulator valve were damaged in the course of transporting the cylinder, or while using it? You now know why we say all cylinders must be secured upright at all times. Storing your cylinder upright & secured at all times helps to protect the cylinder’s valve.
2. Acetylene is an extremely unstable gas. It has a very wide explosive range and can be explosive at pressures above 15 psi. That’s why acetylene must never be mixed with oxygen under pressure, or used at hose pressures greater than 15 psi.
3. High-pressure oxygen will erupt in flame or explosion if it comes into contact with oil or grease. Never use oil or grease on any gas welding apparatus, and be sure to keep the torch clean and free of grease. Don’t change cylinders or regulator valves unless you have clean hands. Just a little grease on your hands could cause an unfortunate explosion.
4. Always close down cylinder valves when you are through welding. A pinhole leak in the hose could allow a large amount of gas to accumulate in work place areas.
5. When opening valves, turn them slowly, and stand to one side of the regulator. If oxygen and acetylene were to mix inside the regulator under pressure, an explosion could result.
These are just a few of the major hazards associated with welding operations. There are many others.
Learn the safety rules and follow them.