BOC can supply you with plenty of advice regarding the safe use of gas control equipment
Gauges
When a pressure regulator is fitted with pressure gauges, these should never be removed, exchanged or tampered with in any way. If a gauge leaks, take the whole pressure regulator to your supplier.
When using oxy-fuel gas equipment, flashbacks can occur due to:
recommended pressures and procedures not being observed
nozzle blockage
faulty or leaking equipment
Hose check valve
One of the main causes of flashback is backfeeding. This occurs when higher pressure gas feeds back up a lower pressure stream. Hose check valves prevent backfeeding.
Hose check valves are already fitted to hose supplied from BOC for oxygen, acetylene and propane applications.
Flashback arrestors
A flashback arrestor is a device designed to quench flashback. When incorporated with a cut-off valve it will automatically shut off the gas flow.
Flashback arrestors provide an additional safeguard, particularly in locations where a fire would be particularly dangerous, such as hospitals, garages, and workplaces with flammable or hazardous chemicals.
Flashback arrestors should be fitted to all fuel gas supply lines and to oxygen supply lines when they are used in conjunction with fuel gases.
never couple two or more standard lengths together
each hose must be long enough to allow the cylinders to be safely positioned away from flying sparks and hot metal
hoses should not be positioned underneath the cutting/welding area where discarded pieces of hot metal could fall on them
if a long hose assembly is necessary for a special task, use only recommended couplings and dismantle them when the job is complete
ensure that the operator can always reach the cylinders without delay, so that he can close the cylinder valves quickly in an emergency
Hose condition
Never use damaged hose.
Hoses with tears, burns, fraying or cuts should be replaced with new industry-approved fitted hose to the standard BS EN 1256.
Personal safety wear
when welding or cutting, always use goggles with double lenses (carrying the CE mark) to protect your eyes against glare and mechanical impact from flying fragments
the inner lens should be tinted and the outer lens clear
the clear outer lenses should be changed regularly when spatter builds up
it is advisable to wear eye protection (spectacles or goggles carrying the CE mark) when handling high pressure gases to protect the eyes against flying dust particles or the impact of the gas stream
do not wear clothes made of highly flammable materials
leather gloves or gauntlets should be used when necessary
in awkward work locations additional protective clothing may be required