Connecting cylinders and equipment safely is vital
Valve operation
open cylinder valves slowly using the correct spindle key or the handwheel fitted on some cylinders
soft seat, spindle key operated cylinder valves should not be subjected to excessive torque
an opened valve should never be left against the backstop but should be turned back half a turn to avoid seizure in an open position
to shut the valve turn it clockwise just enough to stop the gas completely - never use force
if you stop work for more than a few moments, close the cylinder valve
Non-flammable gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, argon and air all have conventional right-hand threads.
Flammable gases such as acetylene, hydrogen, propane and mixtures containing fuel gas all have left-hand threads.
The only exceptions are special cylinders of dissolved acetylene, specified for purposes other than welding and cutting and some propane cylinders used on fork lift trucks: these cylinders have right-hand thread valve outlets.
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Acetylene cylinders
If an acetylene cylinder has been transported horizontally, it should be placed in an upright position for a minimum of 12 hours prior to use.
Non-standard keys
To avoid damaging the valve seat or spindle square:
never use anything but the recommended cylinder valve keys
never increase the leverage of keys or use longer ones
never use spanners with long handles; or even the correct key if it is badly worn
If the valve spindle is too stiff to open by hand with the spindle key, return the cylinder to the supplier.
Broken spindles
If you think your cylinder valve has a broken or damaged spindle, do not try to use it.
Do not attempt to remove the gland nut as the broken spindle could be ejected or unwound at great risk to the operator.
Before fitting a pressure regulator to a full cylinder always screw out the pressure adjusting screw to stop flow through the regulator when the cylinder valve is opened.
Pressure regulator connection
This advice applies to ALL gas cylinders and regulators:
never try to ease any regulator threads with oil
never use PTFE tape
never 'pack-out' a connection
never use any connection that appears worn when tightening or loose when fully screwed home
Correct regulator
Never interchange left-hand threaded pressure regulators between gases. They are designed for use with a specific gas and to interchange them could be hazardous.
Never use left-hand to right-hand adaptors.
Remember: cylinder pressure and properties are different for each gas.
Fit flashback arrestors
Flashback arrestors prevent flames travelling back into cylinders.
They should be fitted downstream of pressure regulators in oxygen, acetylene, propane and hydrogen systems.
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Manifold - regulators and flashback arrestors
cylinders connected to a manifold or header system must be properly designed for the task and installed by a specialist engineer
it must be fitted with one or more pressure regulators
acetylene manifolds must also be fitted with a flashback arrestor
Use a non-return valve with mains gas
When using mains gas, the law states that a British Gas (BG) approved non-return valve must be fitted.