Tools and Equipment
6. Hazards resulting from the use of electric arc welding and oxy-cutting equipement
6.3. Specific hazards of oxy-cutting
Projection of fluids
This hazard is mainly due to the handling of pressurised bottles as a result of the bottle breaking or exploding, a blast of escaping high pressure gas in hoses and couplings, etc.
Preventive measures:
- Before connecting a bottle to a pressure regulator or pipe, the tap is to be opened slightly for a short time to remove any dust or impurities form the coupling. To do so, the operator is to stand on the opposite side to the gas outlet and not aim the blast towards persons of sources of ignition.
- Any leak or lack of airtightness (cracks, holes, permeable areas, etc.) must not be repaired with insulating tape; the hose must be replaced.
- Use unspliced hoses; if this is not possible, use special double-entry couplings that are well secured using clamps or clips.
- The hose must have connectors on both ends. If not, these must be installed.
Fall of objects and materials being handled
During the operations of handling materials and when handling and transporting bottles, these may fall and cause important injuries.
Preventive measures:
- Bottles situated on the job, as well as those used without employing a trolley or special supports,, must be kept upright and secured with chains or similar means.
- Transport in trucks is to be carried out on completely closed platforms to prevent the bottles from falling; chocks are to be used to stop the bottles from sliding.
- The bottles are not to be suspended directly by means of electromagnets, rope, wire or chains; suitable cages are to be used in these cases.
- Whenever possible, trolleys are to be used to transport the bottles.
Personal protection equipment to use:
- Safety helmet against the possibility of falling materials, particles, etc.
- Screens, leather apron, welder’s gloves and sleeves.
- Safety goggles and visor for operations involving the risk of projected particles.
- Safety footwear against the possibility of materials or objects falling onto feet and medium-length boots or normal footwear used with leggings to avoid the entry of incandescent particles.
- Self-filtering masks for gases and vapours with the appropriate filters when required. Autonomous breathing equipment, if necessary.
- Boiler suit or jacket and trousers set.
- Hoods in those jobs to carry out in small spaces in which there is a need to adopt a posture that requires displacing the head sideways with respect to the welding area.
