PAA: Oxyfuel Safety and Welding

PAA: Oxyfuel Safety and Welding

Refer to documents:

* AWS Oxyfuel Safety - Check Valves and Flashback Arrestors

* O2 safety

* MSHA - Safety Hazard Information - Special Hazards of Acetylene

* Acetylene MSDS

Oxy-Fuel Welding

Gas cylinders require special care in oxy-fuel welding. The acetylene cylinder is hollow and contains a porous material saturated with liquid acetone, which keeps the gases stable under pressure. For this reason, always store the cylinder in the vertical upright position and secure it. If the cylinder is tipped, acetone may leak into the valve area and could release acetone into the system. If an acetylene cylinder is tipped, place it upright for twice as long as it had been lying down before using it. Also, be certain a cap covers the valve when the cylinders are not secured. If the cap is not present and the cylinder falls, the valve could break and propel the cylinder, causing injury to you or other worker