Suppliers to the Jewellery Trade

Technical Information Sheet
Compressed Gas Association Safety Bulletin
for Oxy-Fuel Gas Work

DO carefully read the equipment manufacturer's operating instructions prior to using the equipment. If you do not have operating instructions, obtain a copy from the equipment manufacturer (or their local distributor) or obtain a copy of general welding and cutting instructions from another source (eg. library).

DO have a qualified person demonstrate the proper operating procedures before attempting to install or use the equipment unless you are already familiar with the equipment.

DO follow the equipment manufacturer's operating instructions at all times. Deviation from these instructions could result in injury and/or property damage.

DO inspect oxygen regulators prior to installing them on cylinders. Inlet connections must be clean. If there is evidence of oil, grease, or other contaminant on the nut, nipple, or filter, have the regulator inspected and cleaned by a qualified repair facility before using.

DO inspect the oxygen cylinder valve outlet connection before attaching the regulator to ensure that there is no oil, grease, or other contaminant present. Return the cylinder to the supplier if any contamination is evident or if the valve is damaged.

DO back off the pressure adjusting screw of the regulator before opening the cylinder valve to release spring force - this closes the regulator before the cylinder valve is opened.

DO open the cylinder valves very slowly. Opening oxygen valves quickly could result in a violent reaction if contaminants are present.

DO stand with the cylinder between yourself and the regulator (cylinder valve outlet facing away) when opening the cylinder valve.

DO use protective clothing and appropriate eye protection when operating oxy-fuel gas apparatus. Severe injury can result from sparks, splashing metal, and intense light.

DO purge hose lines individually prior to lighting the torch tip. This will ensure that no oxy-fuel gas mixture is present in the hoses that could cause explosion or fire on ignition of the torch.

DO ensure that the work area is kept free of combustible materials. Sparks can ignite materials such as paper, rags, woods, and plastics can cause serious fire damage. Sparks can fly 35 feet or more.

DO ensure that the work area is adequately ventilated. Welding, cutting, and heating processes can enrich or deplete the oxygen concentration of the air. An oxygen deficient atmosphere can cause suffocation in seconds while an oxygen enriched atmosphere is a severe risk for accelerated fire or explosion.

DO have equipment inspected periodically and have repairs made by a qualified repair facility.

DO ensure that, when used, hose line check valves and flash arrestors are inspected and tested regularly, at the interval recommended by the manufacturer, so that they function as intended.

DO NOT handle oxygen regulators, oxygen cylinders, valves, or any other equipment with oily or greasy hands or gloves. Oxygen reacts with oil and grease in such a manner that will easily result in fire or explosion.

DO NOT attempt to repair or substitute parts on equipment, particularly regulators. Special tools, cleaning procedures, and techniques are needed to safely repair oxy-fuel gas welding and cutting apparatus. Repairs should be made by qualified personnel using the parts and procedures specified by the equipment manufacturer.

DO NOT change regulators from one gas service to another or replace a pressure gauge with one taken from any other service. Contamination can take place, resulting in fire or explosion.

DO NOT use oxygen in place of compressed air to supply pneumatic equipment, tools, hoses or blow guns. Serious fire or explosion can result.

DO NOT blow dirt off clothing with oxygen. The fabric can become saturated and burst into flames if touched off by a source of ignition such as a spark, flame, or cigarette.

DO NOT enter an unventilated confined space without first assuring that the oxygen concentration is at a safe level. Use an oxygen analyzer to measure the concentration.

DO NOTuse acetylene at operating pressures above 15 psig (100 kPa). This is the maximum working pressure permitted by Federal Regulations.

DO NOTempty an oxygen cylinder below 25-50 psig (170-340 kPa). If the oxygen cylinder is allowed to become completely empty, it will lose its positive pressure and fuel gas or other contamination may enter the cylinder creating a hazardous situation.

DO NOT transfill or refill oxygen or fuel gas cylinders. Return them to the gas supplier for proper testing and filling. Special procedures and requirements are necessary to safely fill cylinders.

DO NOT leave pressure in a regulator when not in use. Close the cylinder valve, drain the hose to a safe location and back off the regulator pressure adjusting screw to release spring force.

DO NOT smoke in the presence of oxygen or fuel gases. Smoking can be an uncontrolled source of ignition causing fire or explosion.

PLEASE NOTE
The information contained in this document was obtained from sources believed to be reliable and is based on technical information and experience currently available from members of The Compressed Gas Association, Inc. and others. However, the Association or its members, jointly or severally, make no guarantee of the results and assume no liability or responsibility in connection with the information or suggestions herein contained. Moreover, it should not be assumed that every acceptable commodity grade, test or safety procedure or method, precaution, equipment or device is contained within, or that abnormal or unusual circumstances may not warrant or suggest further requirements or additional procedures.

This document is subject to periodic review and users are cautioned to obtain the latest edition. Comments and suggestions are invited from all users for consideration by the Association in connection with such review; any such comments or suggestions will be fully reviewed by the Association after giving the party, upon request, a reasonable opportunity to be heard.

This document should not be confused with federal, state, provincial or municipal specifications or regulations, insurance requirements, or national safety codes. While the Association recommends reference to or use of this document by government agencies and others, this document is purely voluntary and not binding.

Second Edition: 1993
Copyright 1993 by The Compressed Gas Association, Incorporated.
1725 Jefferson Davis Highway, VA, USA 22202

Other information references and notes have been omitted in this bulletin reproduction but are available from CGA upon request.

Additional technical information is available from:

• American Welding Society, Box 351040, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.
• Rubber Manufacturer's Association (Hoses).
• National Fire Protection Association.
• American National Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018.
• Code of Federal Regulations 29 1910.251 through 1910.257.

CGA grants permission to reproduce this bulletin.