SAFETY BULLETIN # 005

SAFETY WITH LPG CYLINDERS (PART - 2)

Inspecting Equipment
All equipment should be examined immediately before use and regularly maintained.
All welding operations should be conducted in well-ventilated areas.
Only soapy water should be used to check for leaks. Presence of leak is often indicated
by a hissing sound or by the nature of the torch flame. Cylinders and valves should be
kept clean and free of grit, dirt, grease, oil or oily water.
N.B.:

Oil and grease react vigorously with oxygen and can explode.

The operator should stand well clear when gas is being deliberately blown through to
clear valves and sockets. The "cracking" of cylinder valves should never be attempted
unless the valve and opening are pointed away from the operator and other persons.
This should never be done near other welding work or near sparks, open flames or other
possible sources of ignition.
Hoses should be kept for one type of gas only and color-coded for identification. They
should be examined before use for any signs of splitting which might give rise to
leakage. All connections should be made by clips or crimps. The hoses used for
acetylene and for oxygen shall not be interchangeable.
N.B.:

Electricians tape is not to be used for repair of hoses.

Connections and check valves should be regularly examined to detect leakage.

Equipment should be fitted with the correct pressure regulators and a regular check
should be made to ensure that the regulator is working properly. The torch nozzle
should be kept tight.
N.B.:

A "Flash Back Arrestor" should be fitted in the Valve Assembly.

An acetylene cylinder valve wrench shall be available at all times the cylinder is in use.
A friction lighter and no other means of ignition shall be used to light the torch.
Acetylene can form explosive compounds in contact with certain metals or alloys,
particularly copper or silver. Joint fittings or lines made from copper should not be used
and acetylene should not be allowed to come into contact with extraneous copper
pipework or tubing.
It is dangerous to let the torch flame come into contact with the cylinders, or for the
lighted torch itself to be hung on the regulators. It is equally dangerous torches, even
extinguished ones on old drums. "Empty" drums which have contained low flash point

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liquids have known to have become lethal bombs when a hot welding torch was laid
down on them.
Wherever possible, the cylinders in use should be kept upright on a custom-built stand
fitted with a bracket to accommodate the hoses and equipment.
If a leaking or damaged cylinder is found:
(1)

A leaking cylinder should be immediately removed to an open space,

clear of all buildings and people or any potential source of ignition.

(2)

The cylinder should be placed with leak uppermost.

(3)

The supplier should be notified immediately.

(4)

A "NO SMOKING" sign must be positioned at site of cylinder.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

CONSTRUCTION SAFETY MANUAL

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