
OM-254 957 Page 2
Weldingand cutting on closed containers, such a
tanks, drums, or pipes, can cause them to blow u
Sparks can fly off from the welding or cuttin
operations.The flying sparks, hot workpiece, and h
equipmentcan cause fires and burns. Check and be sure the area
safe before doing any welding or cutting.
WELDING AND CUTTING can cause
fire or explosion.
DDo not use this welding and cutting equipment with gases and
pressures other than those for which it is intended. Oxygen is not
flammable; however, the presence of pure oxygen will drastically
increasethe speed and force with which burning takes place. Oxy-
gen must never be allowed to contact grease, oil, or other petro-
leum-based substances; therefore, be sure there is no oil or
grease on the regulator, cylinder, valves, or equipment. Do not use
petroleum-based pipe sealants. Do not use or store near excess-
ive heat (above 125°F/51.5°C) or open flame. Do not refer to oxy-
gen as air and do not use oxygen as a substitute for compressed
air. Do not use oxygen to clean clothes or work area, for ventilation,
or to operate pneumatic tools. Open oxygen cylinder valves slow-
ly. Be sure regulator adjusting handle is in the full out (off) position
beforeopening oxygen cylinder valve.
DInspectall equipment before use. Do not use damaged, defective,
or improperly adjusted welding and cutting equipment. Make sure
levers and valves work properly, threads on equipment are clean
(no grease or oil) and not deformed, gauges are intact and easy to
read,regulator is clean and free of oil or dirt, and fittings are prop-
erly sized for the cylinder. Make sure hoses are clean (no grease or
oil) and ferrules are properly installed so the fitting does not slip in-
side the hose. Be sure all connections are tight.
DIt is recommended that a reverse-flow check valve or a flashback
arrestor be installed between the torch handle and the regulator.
Check valves do not prevent the propagation of a flame upstream
(flashback)but are designed to prevent the unintentional backflow
of gases into the cutting attachment, torch, hoses, or regulator
which could cause an explosion or fire. A flashback arrestor can
be installed on the torch handle instead of a check valve. Miller
flashback arrestor have a reverse flow check valve and prevent
the propagation of a flame upstream. If a flashback arrestor is in-
stalled,a check valve is not necessary. Using a flashback arrestor
and a check valve may reduce gas flow and affect torch operation.
To help prevent the reverse flow of gases, be sure the cylinders
containenough gas to complete the work.
DPerform work only in an area with a fireproof floor (concrete). Do
not heat concrete because it may expand and explode violently.
DPerformwork on a fireproof surface. Use heat resistant shields to
protectnearby walls and flooring.
DDo not use if grease or oil is present on equipment or if equipment is
damaged.Have equipment cleaned/repaired by a qualified per-
son.
DDo not open a cylinder valve quickly or the regulator may be dam-
aged and cause a fire.
DDo not open acetylene cylinder valve more than 3/4 turn. (For all
gases except acetylene, open cylinder valve fully to backseal the
cylinder valve.) Keep cylinder wrench on the cylinder for quick
shut-off.
DDo not slightly open or “crack” fuel cylinder valve to blow debris
from the valve outlet. Remove the debris using nitrogen, air, or a
clean, oil-free rag.
DAlways purge gas from the system before lighting torch. Purge gas
in a well-ventilated area and away from flame or sparks.
DKeeptorch flame or sparks away from cylinder, regulator, and gas
hose.
DUse only the gases recommended by the manufacturer of the
oxy-fuel equipment being used.
DNever light a torch with matches or a lighter. Always use a striker.
DDo not use acetylene above 15 psi (103 kPa) flowing. It is accept-
able to use acetylene regulators that indicate a static pressure up
to 22 psi (151 kPa).
DCheck oxy-fuel system for leaks with an approved leak detection
solution or leak detector. Never test for gas leaks with a flame.
DRemove all flammables within 35 ft (10.7 m) of the welding or cut-
ting operation. If this is not possible, tightly cover them with ap-
proved covers.
DDo not weld or cut where flying sparks can strike flammable
material.
DProtect yourself and others from flying sparks and hot metal.
DBe alert that welding and cutting sparks and hot materials from
weldingand cutting can easily go through small cracks and open-
ings to adjacent areas.
DWatch for fire, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
DBe aware that welding or cutting on a ceiling, floor, bulkhead, or
partitioncan cause fire on the hidden side.
DDo not weld or cut on containers that have held combustibles, or on
closed containers such as tanks, drums, or pipes unless they are
properly prepared according to AWS F4.1 and AWS A6.0 (see
Safety Standards).
DDo not weld or cut where the atmosphere may contain flammable
dust, gas, or liquid vapors (such as gasoline).
DWear body protection made from durable, flame-resistant material
(leather, heavy cotton, wool). Body protection includes oil-free
clothingsuch as leather gloves, heavy shirt, cuffless trousers, high
shoes, and a cap.
DDo not use fuel gases to clean clothes or work area.
DRemove any combustibles, such as a butane lighter or matches,
from your person before doing any welding or cutting.
DAftercompletion of work, inspect area to ensure it is free of sparks,
glowingembers, and flames.
DFollowrequirements in OSHA 1910.252 (a) (2) (iv) and NFPA 51B
for hot work and have a fire watcher and extinguisher nearby.
BUILDUP OF GAS can injure or kill.
DShut off compressed gas supply when not in
use.
DAlways ventilate confined spaces or use
approvedair-supplied respirator.
Compressed gas cylinders contain gas under high
pressure.If damaged, a cylinder can explode. Since
gas cylinders are normally part of the welding o
cuttingprocess, be sure to treat them carefully.
CYLINDERS can explode if damaged
DProtect compressed gas cylinders from excessive heat, mechani-
cal shocks, physical damage, slag, open flames, and sparks.
DInstall cylinders in an upright position by securing to a stationary
support or cylinder rack to prevent falling or tipping. Do not lay
acetylenecylinders on their sides or acetone will flow out of the cyl-
inderand damage the equipment.
DKeepcylinders away from any arc welding, cutting, or other electri-
cal circuits.
DNever drape a welding or cutting torch over a gas cylinder.
DNever weld or cut on a pressurized cylinder − explosion will result.
DUse only correct compressed gas cylinders, regulators, hoses,
and fittings designed for the specific application; maintain them
and associated parts in good condition. Do not use compressed
gas cylinder unless an approved gas regulator is attached to the
gas valve.
DTurn face away from valve outlet when opening cylinder valve. Do
not stand in front of or behind the regulator when opening the valve.
DKeepprotective cap in place over valve except when cylinder is in
use or connected for use.
DUse the right equipment, correct procedures, and sufficientnum-
ber of persons to lift and move cylinders.
DStore compressed gas and oxygen cylinders in separate loca-
tions.
DStore empty cylinders with valves closed and caps in place.
DDo not modify or repair cylinders or valves. Store leaking acet-
ylene cylinders outdoors in a safe area. Identify leaking cylinders
and return them to the supplier.
DDispose of used disposable cylinders according to the manufac-
turer’s recommendations. Do not throw cylinders in fire.
DFollow instructions provided by the gas supplier and on com-
pressedgas cylinders, associated equipment, and in Compressed
Gas Association (CGA) publication P-1 listed in Safety Standards.