Welding Gas Cylinders Handling

1. Use the following personal protection when welding:

(a) Face or handheld shields shall be fitted with filters, to BS679 or equivalent, for the operators.

(b) Goggles to BS2092 or equivalent for use when chipping slag.

(c) Hand Gloves long enough to protect wrists and forearms against heat, sparks, molten metal and radiation.

(d) High-top boots to prevent sparks from entering footwear.

2. Screen off the work area with sturdy opaque or translucent materials because glare can cause eye injury.

3. Key for opening the acetylene cylinder valve must be kept on the valve stem while the cylinder is in use so that the cylinder valve may be immediately shut off in emergency.

4. Ventilate the workplace using air blowers and exhaust fans to remove poisonous fumes and gases that are given off during welding.

5. Make sure that a closed vessel, tank or cylinder, which may have contained petrol oils, spirits, paint, or any flammable or explosive material, contains no trace of the substance or explosive vapour, or flammable vapour, and has been purged to make it safe when welding it.

6. Take precautions against flying sparks and hot slag where welding is being done near flammable materials and check the area before leaving.

7. Do not weld material degreased with solvents until completely dry.

8. Do not use gas cylinders for supporting work or as rollers.

9. Do not use oil grease on oxygen cylinder fittings.

10. Do not use cylinders with damaged valves. 

11. Do not use undue force if valves are stuck. Always open cylinder valves slowly.

12. Ensure that appropriate type of regulators and flashback arrestors are installed and maintained in sound condition.

13. Open the regulator screw on a welding torch before opening the cylinder valve. Open cylinder valves slowly and shut all valves when the equipment is not in use.

14. Replace valve caps after use.

15. Ensure that hose lines are in sound condition and secure to avoid damage.

16. Search for leaks in equipment by using a solution of soapy water.

17. Shut the cylinder valve if acetylene from a cylinder catches fire at the valve or regulator due to leakage at a connection.

18. Treat all gas cylinders as “full” unless you are sure otherwise.

19. Never attempt to transfer acetylene from one cylinder to another or attempt to refill an acetylene cylinder.

20. Place portable fire extinguishers near the welding area.

21. Secure all cylinders against accidental displacement.

22. Always lift gas cylinders. Do not slide them along the ground or drop them from trucks.

23. Keep gas cylinders in a vertical position both in storage and when in use.

24. Keep the workplace dry, secure, free from combustible materials and obstruction.

25. Store the acetylene and oxygen cylinders separately. 

26. Store gas cylinders in a properly constructed store.

27. Keep the gas cylinders from source of heat, flammable materials, corrosive chemicals and fumes.

28. Do not store gas cylinders in excess of the "exempted quantities" as stipulated in the Dangerous Goods Ordinance, except in a licensed DG store.