Oerlikon citoarc AP 217, Safety Instruction For Use And Maintenance

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
6 CITOARC AP 217/ AP 225
Make sure of the proper positioning of the ground connection. If this has a faulty contact, it may cause an arc which itself could cause
a fire.
6. SAFETY IN THE USE OF GASES
a) Recommendations for all types of gas
a.1) Risks incurred
Faulty use of gas exposes the user to two main dangers, especially when working in confined spaces :
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the danger of asphyxiation or intoxication
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the danger of fire and of explosion
a.2.) Precautionary measures to comply with
Storage in compressed form in cylinders
Comply with the safety instructions given by the gas supplier and especially:
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the storage or use areas must be properly ventilated and sufficiently distant from the cutting/welding area and other sources of
heat, and not be susceptible to technical incidents;
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fasten the cylinders securely, avoid impacts;
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no excessive heat (> 50° C).
Piping and tubing
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routinely check the impermeability of the fixed piping as well as the rubber tubing;
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never use a flame to detect a leak. Use an appropriate detector or, in the absence of this, use soapy water and a brush;
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use conventional colors for the pipes, according to the different gases;
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distribute the gas at the pressures recommended on the equipment instructions;
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do not leave hoses lying about in the workshops; they may be damaged.
Use of the equipment
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use only equipment which is designed for the gas used;
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check that the cylinder and the pressure-reducing valve correspond to the gas necessary for the process;
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never lubricate the cocks, handle them gently;
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pressure-reducing valve:
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do not forget to bleed the cylinder cocks before connecting the pressure-reducing valve
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make sure that the pressure-reducing screw is loosened before connection to the cylinder
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check that the coupling is properly tightened before opening the cylinder cock
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open the latter very slowly, a fraction of a turn.
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in case of leak, never loosen a fitting under pressure; first close the cylinder cock.
Work in confined spaces (such as, in particular, tunnels, piping, pipe-lines, ship holds, shafts, manholes, cellars, cisterns, vats,
tanks, ballasts, silos, reactors)
Special precautions must be taken before any welding operations in these enclosures where the dangers of asphyxiation-
intoxication and fire-explosion are very great.
A work-permit procedure defining all the safety measures must be systematically implemented.
Make sure that there is adequate ventilation, paying special attention to:
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to under-oxygenation
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to over-oxygenation
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to excesses of combustible gases.
a.3) Actions subsequent to an accident
In case of non-ignited leak:
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close the gas inlet
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do not use a flame, or electric equipment in the area where the leak has spread.
In case of ignited leak:
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close the gas inlet if the cock is accessible
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use powder-type fire-extinguishers
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if the leak cannot be stopped, let it burn while cooling down the cylinders and nearby installations.