Inspections

Gas cutting operations are one of the most effective and quickest ways of cutting heavy items but they can be equally dangerous as they involve fire and flammables. A risk assessment is a must for such operations on the operator, the machines itself and the surroundings to the operation.

To avoid accidents or incidents when cutting with gas, a lot of precautionary measures should be put in place. While gas cutting equipment is used to cut heavy items, the equipment itself is very sensitive.

The machine casing is mainly made of aluminium alloy to reduce weight. For this reason users should be careful not to drop heavy items on the machine or drop the machine when carrying it as the alloy is not designed to withstand such impact.

When attaching hoses to the torch and distributor nuts should be tighten with the attached wrench.

The following can be used as a checklist to ensure your premises conduct the safest gas cutting operations:

• The gas cylinders should be of sound and safe order as sparks can cause an explosion.
• Install cylinders in a place free from heat, sparks, slag and naked flame and ensure it is upright. Use cylinders only for specified purposes.
• Check if there is no gas leak with a detection spray. (If a gas leak is found, retighten the nut firmly, and re-check for a leak.)
• Check for any obstacles, dangerous materials and flammables near or in the direction of cutting.
• Never move the machine while the preheat flame is on.
• Take great care of spatters when operating the machine at an elevated position as this may cause injuries to people below.
• Ensure sufficient ventilation for gas cutting operations.
• Do not use pressure regulators from which gas is leaking, nor malfunctioning pressure regulators. Check that all pressure regulators are operating correctly.
• Do not use pressure regulators smeared with oil or grease.
• Use the oxygen hose for oxygen gas only.
• Replace cracked hoses or other hoses damaged by sparks, heat, shielded fire etc. To prevent breakage of hoses, take great care during operation and transportation.
• Periodically check the hoses for damage, leakage, fatigue, loose joints etc. to ensure safety.
• Cut hoses to the minimum possible length. Short hoses reduce hose damage and pressure
• drop as well as reduce the flow resistance.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, fire extinguishing sand, bucket of water etc. ready on the site
• where gas cutting is performed.
• Ignoring hot metals sparks and slag could cause a fire. Always allow steel plates to cool that have become hot after cutting, as well as hot cut parts of scrap, before bringing them close to flammable materials.
• Do not keep flammable items nearby.
• Flames from the torch will burn skin. Keep your body away from the torch and tip, do safety checks before operating the switches and valves.
• Determine the gas pressure. The gas pressure must be within the appropriate range. (For the gas pressure, refer to the Cutting Data).

On top of the above mentioned measures, the use of Personal Protective Equipment is emphasised. The torch, tip and heat shield are heated to very high temperatures. Always wear gauntlets when handling them. The surface after cutting will be very hot, so do not touch it even whilst wearing gauntlets. Other PPE that should come along with gauntlets are safety goggles, helmets and safety shoes and ear-plugs where necessary. Fire resistant work suits should also be provided. Operating gas cutters without any protection may result in serious burns and injuries.

Lastly, gas cutters are sophisticated equipment. Never tamper with the machine other than during maintenance and inspection as the machine may malfunction. Only a qualified electrician must perform repairs and inspection service and maintain the machine periodically.