Hoses
Use only hoses that meet the European standards and are of the best quality such as those supplied by AGA. Inferior hoses harden and may later crack or leak or catch fire internally when subject to oxygen. Never use water hose.
Ensure that hoses are of the right length and not longer than necessary! Still it must be long enough to allow the cylinders to be safely positioned from flying sparks and hot metal. Do not coil surplus hose around the cylinder or regulator or on the floor close to cylinders. A fire in a coiled hose is very difficult to extinguish. Surplus hose is preferably positioned behind you to keep it clear of sparks. Hoses should not be positioned underneath the cutting/welding area.
The right connection
Bad hose connection is a frequent cause of accidents. AGA fitted hoses are supplied with the ends firmly attached to nipples, with loose nuts for connection to regulator outlets and blowpipe inlets. We have also the traditional ones with hose clamps.
Never use old or second-hand clips for hose connections. Twisted wire can cause serious injury if the hose works loose and flails about. Check connections regularly. Remember to purge hoses before lighting a cutting or welding torch.
Hose check valve and flashback arrestors
When using oxy-fuel gas equipment, flashbacks can and do occur due to recommended pressures and procedures not being observed, nozzle blockage, faulty equipment, or leaking equipment. One of the main causes of flashback is back feeding which occurs when higher pressure gas feeds back up a lower pressure stream.
The presence of a hose check valve will prevent oxygen and fuel gas mixing in the hose and subsequently causing fire, injury and damage.
A flashback arrestor is designed to quench the flashback and, when it incorporates a cut-off valve, will automatically shut off the gas flow. These multifunction devices afford an additional safeguard, particularly in locations where a fire following a flashback would be especially dangerous, e.g. hospitals, garages, and workplaces with flammable or hazardous chemicals. Any equipment used for oxygen must be known to be approved for such use. 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.
National regulations differ when we talk about oxygen and flashbackarrestors. We recommend flashback arrestors with 4 safety features including the pressure sensitive shut – off valve which need to be opened manually before the gas can flow .
Use correct work wear and personal protective equipment
When welding or cutting use goggles with double lenses (carrying the CE mark). 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 also 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, and in awkward work locations additional protective clothing may be required.
