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1.03 Oxygen Cylinders
Oxygen cylinders are steel shells of ample strength for their purpose. Besides routine inspections, they periodically
undergo a searching examination, which includes a hydraulic pressure test. Always call oxygen “Oxygen” not “Air”.
Never use oxygen in pneumatic tools, in oil pre-heating burners, to start engines, to blow out pipelines or to freshen the
atmosphere in confined spaces.
In short, under no circumstances use oxygen as a substitute for compressed air or other gases
.
1.04 Acetylene Cylinders
Acetylene cylinders contain porous material, which is impregnated with acetone. The acetylene is dissolved under
pressure in this acetone. All acetylene cylinders are fitted with fusible plugs. These are designed to vent the cylinder
contents in the event of an unsafe condition arising in the cylinder due to any cause such as overheating or
decomposition arising from either incorrect operating technique, faulty equipment alone, or in conjunction with
excessive temperature. In the event of a safety devise functioning, always notify the supplier. The reason for the devise
operating always warrants special investigation. Always call acetylene “acetylene” not Gas. Always keep acetylene
cylinders upright, whether in use or in store, full or empty. Always keep acetylene cool, store them upright in a well
protected, well ventilated dry location, away from highly combustible materials and oxygen cylinders. Should an
acetylene valve leak around the spindle, close the valve and tighten the gland. If this fails, or if the fusible plug is leaking,
remove cylinder to open air. Keep the cylinder well away from anything which could possibly set the escaping acetylene
on fire. Tag the cylinder to explain the trouble. Notify suppliers at once. If acetylene, escaping from a leaking cylinder
valve gland or from an improperly seated regulator spigot ignites, immediately close the cylinder valve. If this is
impossible, treat from point two below. If an acetylene cylinder is heated accidentally or becomes hot through severe
flashback, or other cause, action should be taken promptly in the following manner:
-
Shut the cylinder valve
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Clear all personal from the area
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Cool the cylinder with a copious supply of water and notify the fire brigade
NOTE:
The person directing the fire hose should be protected behind some suitable shelter. If the safety device
functions and the issuing gas ignites, cool the cylinder as above, but avoid extinguishing the flames. If the
escaping gas does not ignite, care must be taken to avoid an air/acetylene explosion. No source of ignition must
be permitted to enter the area. Existing sources of ignition should be rendered safe.
-
Continue cooling the cylinder with copious quantities of water until it is quite cool. This maybe determined by
removing the cooling water at intervals and watching whether the water on the cylinder fries off, or whether the
cylinder remains wet.
-
Notify the supplier
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In cases where the
supplier’s
representative is unavailable or cannot reach the scene of the incident within half
an hour, the cylinder may after this period be removed carefully to an open space away from buildings and any
source of ignition provided it remains cool and wet.
-
The cylinder valve should then be opened until the cylinder is empty. During this period a copious quantity of
water should be poured on the cylinder.
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When the cylinder is empty check whether the cylinder is cool, if so, close the valve.
