The
following incident involved a welder who was adjusting the pressure on an
oxygen regulator.
The
welder had oil on his hand and there was an oxygen leak from the hose clamp.
General
Precautions
Oxygen
under pressure and hydrocarbons (oil and grease) can react violently, resulting
in explosions, fire and injury to personnel and damage to property.
Never
allow oil or grease to come into contact with oxygen under pressure.
Even
a small amount of hydrocarbon can be hazardous in the presence of high oxygen
concentrations. In fact, any
organic matter in contact with oxygen under pressure
could have a violent reaction.
Installation
Precautions
|
DO
|
Maintain the
pressure element assembly and connection free from dirt and any grease or
grime.
|
|
DO
|
Follow the
manufacturer's instruction manual for the correct pressure ranges to be used
and for proper care and storage.
|
|
DO
|
Use the
proper size wrench to secure the gauge to the regulator.
|
|
DO
|
Use only the
thread sealant recommended by the manufacturer.
|
|
DO
|
Leak test the
gas outlet connection using soap solution prior to use.
|
|
DO
NOT
|
Touch
oxygen regulators or cylinder heads with hands or gloves that are
contaminated with oil, grease, grime or any organic material. An explosion
could result.
|
|
DO
NOT
|
Install
a low pressure gauge into the high pressure port on a regulator. Always
double check.
|
|
DO
NOT
|
Use
gauges designed for a specific gas for a different gas, e.g. never use an
oxygen gauge for acetylene.
|
|
DO
NOT
|
Exchange
gauges from one regulator to another.
|
|
DO
NOT
|
Remove
the restrictor installed in the gauge connection. The restrictor limits gas
flow and aids in limiting temperature rise due to adiabatic compression.
|
|
DO
NOT
|
Use
or handle gas regulators unless you are authorised and qualified to do so.
|
Operating
Precautions
Gauges
can fail during operation and the energy contained in the compressed gases can
produce violent effects should the pressure element assembly rupture.
|
DO
|
Always apply
cylinder pressure slowly. The gas may heat up due to compression and ignite.
This is called adiabatic compression.
|
|
DO
|
Stand with
the cylinder between you and the regulator when turning on the gas cylinder.
This will reduce the possibility of injury from flying parts should the
pressure element assembly rupture.
|
|
DO
|
Use good
judgement and common sense. Know the hazards of the materials you work with.
|
|
DO
NOT
|
Use
clamps or substitute materials that are not approved by the regulator
manufacturer.
|
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