Welding and Flame Cutting

(i) HS (G) 118 Electrical Safety in Arc Welding (HSE)
(ii) HS (G) 139 - The safe use of compressed gases in welding, flame cutting and allied processes (HSE)

· leaks (from joints, fittings etc.) causing fires and explosions.
· enhanced fires and explosions due to oxygen.
· fire and explosions inside the equipment due to :

· burns
· eye injuries (heat, intense light, ultra-violet radiation).
· explosion from over pressurisation.
· manual handling injuries from cylinders.

· Materials to be compatible with the gases used (construction, lubricants etc)
· Oxygen service equipment in particular to be free of any
solid or liquid inorganic or organic contamination.
· Cylinders to comply with the Pressure Systems Safety
Regulations 2000 and other relevant requirements.
· Use of appropriate pressure regulators, capable of safely
handling the maximum supply pressure.
· Use of suitable pressure gauges (cylinder contents and
outlet pressures)
· Use of suitable rubber hose (to BS EN 559, ISO 3821 or
equivalent) is recommended. These have reinforced outer
protective cover and resistant lining. Colour codings to be:

- red for acetylene and other fuel gases except LPG
- orange for LPG
- blue for oxygen
- black for non-combustible gases.

· Use of suitable hose connections (to BS 1389, ISO 3253 or equivalent); quick - action couplings should comply with BS EN 561 and ISO 7289)
· Use of suitable blow pipes (to BS 6503), suitable for the
gases and process involved, producing a stable, adjustable
flame and resistant to backfire.

· Storage of LPG - See element on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in this manual
· Storage of other gases - preferably in clear open air;
secure; free or well separated from toxic/corrosive/combustible materials;

· Cylinders for use to be stored and secured in upright position in a well, ventilated area within the workroom.
· Avoid hazardous manual handling activities, use of wheeled trolleys etc.

· Eye protection (goggles with double lenses to protect against glare and flying fragments (replaceable outer lens to be clear and the inner lens tinted)
· Hand and arm protection
· Flame retardant protective clothing
· Safety footwear

· Provision of adequate training for operatives and supervisors/managers
· Establishment of emergency procedures including evacuation, backfires, acetylene cylinders in fires etc.
· Prohibition on misuse of oxygen
· Ensure good ventilation and working practices, to prevent exposure to substances above any Occupational Exposure Limits, and to prevent any dangerous accumulations of fuel gas.

· Safe location for the work.
· Removal or protection of combustible materials.
· Provision of suitable fire-fighting equipment.

· In addition to pre-use checks it is recommended that the following are included in a system of regular examination:

- Leaks at connections.
- Damage to hoses.

· The necessary frequency of such checks will depend on the frequency of use of the equipment and work conditions.

· Care and maintenance of equipment and associated safety devices
· Instruction and training of staff in safe working practices.
· Keeping records relating to the 2 items above
· The issue and use of PPE
· Actions to ensure a safe and healthy environment in which to work (ventilation, housekeeping, signage etc)
· Standards for proper storage and handling of cylinders