t
- Oxygen and acetylene gases mixed at the correct proportions and ignited produce
one of the hottest flames known - Up to 6300 deg F
- Every time you use oxygen-acetylene equipment, if certain safety guidelines are
not followed, it is the same as handling live explosives ready to go off…….
-Rules for Handling & Using Regulators
• Be extremely careful when removing from cylinders
• Never use oil or grease
• Do not attempt to interchange oxygen and acetylene regulators
• Check adjusting screw before opening cylinder valve
• Crack cylinder valves before attaching the regulators
• If a regulator creeps, have it repaired immediately
• If the gauge doesn’t return to zero when pressure is released, have it repaired
• Keep tight connections between the regulator and the cylinder
• Have a qualified repair person check the regulator if it does not function
properly • WARNING! Never stand in front of or behind a regulator when opening the valve
- Oxygen and acetylene gases mixed at the correct proportions and ignited produce
one of the hottest flames known - Up to 6300 deg F
- Every time you use oxygen-acetylene equipment, if certain safety guidelines are
not followed, it is the same as handling live explosives ready to go off…….
-Rules for Handling & Using Regulators
• Be extremely careful when removing from cylinders
• Never use oil or grease
• Do not attempt to interchange oxygen and acetylene regulators
• Check adjusting screw before opening cylinder valve
• Crack cylinder valves before attaching the regulators
• If a regulator creeps, have it repaired immediately
• If the gauge doesn’t return to zero when pressure is released, have it repaired
• Keep tight connections between the regulator and the cylinder
• Have a qualified repair person check the regulator if it does not function
properly • WARNING! Never stand in front of or behind a regulator when opening the valve
Oxy-Acetylene Torch Safety - Regulator
3
The internal working parts of the regulator are precision units. Only qualified technicians should clean or repair a regulator!
Low Pressure Gauge
indicates delivery
pressure to hoses &
torch
High Pressure Gauge
indicates pressure
from tank
Inlet Connection
-Oxygen LH thread
-Acetylene RH thread
Keep free of oil/
grease / dirt
Pressure Adjusting Screw
-Turn clockwise allows gas
to flow
-Turn counterclockwise
reduces or stops gas flow
Oxy-Acetylene Torch Safety – Backfires & Flashbacks
4
• Backfires occur when the torch flame burns back into the torch tip and is extinguished with a loud pop.
• They occur either because the torch tip touched the work or because of insufficient gas pressure.
• They are generally harmless, however, backfires can turn into flashbacks!
• When this happens, the popping sound turns to a whistle as the gases burn back through the tip and torch head. If not stopped, the fire can travel through and damage the torch, hoses and explode the cylinder!
• A common inside diameter of oxy-fuel gas hose is 1/4 inch. If you calculate the volume of 100 feet of hose with an inside diameter of 1/4 inch, this means, should oxygen enter the fuel gas hose or should fuel gas enter the oxygen hose, a mixed gas explosion with the force potential of 20 sticks of dynamite could occur!
• Check valves and flashback arrestors help prevent this.
If a flashback occurs, immediately turn off the oxygen, then the acetylene and allow the torch unit to cool. Check for damage and make repairs as needed!!
Oxy-Acetylene Torch Safety – Backfires & Flashbacks
4
• Backfires occur when the torch flame burns back into the torch tip and is extinguished with a loud pop.
• They occur either because the torch tip touched the work or because of insufficient gas pressure.
• They are generally harmless, however, backfires can turn into flashbacks!
• When this happens, the popping sound turns to a whistle as the gases burn back through the tip and torch head. If not stopped, the fire can travel through and damage the torch, hoses and explode the cylinder!
• A common inside diameter of oxy-fuel gas hose is 1/4 inch. If you calculate the volume of 100 feet of hose with an inside diameter of 1/4 inch, this means, should oxygen enter the fuel gas hose or should fuel gas enter the oxygen hose, a mixed gas explosion with the force potential of 20 sticks of dynamite could occur!
• Check valves and flashback arrestors help prevent this.
If a flashback occurs, immediately turn off the oxygen, then the acetylene and allow the torch unit to cool. Check for damage and make repairs as needed!!