Explosive ????
Explosive ????
(OP)
In our shop a mechanic was observed igniting an oxy acetelene torch by striking an arc with the electric arc welder. This seems to me to be extremely risky business especially if the electrode comes in contact with the torch if it is in contact with the grounded welding bench during the ignition attempt.
Am I wrong? Does anyone have any info on the dangers of this. The supervisor thinks it is wrong too but doesn't take it very seriously. I think it could be a very explosive situation.
Thanks
Am I wrong? Does anyone have any info on the dangers of this. The supervisor thinks it is wrong too but doesn't take it very seriously. I think it could be a very explosive situation.
Thanks





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I would say that it is not very serious.
My opinion only.
Regards
StoneCold
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You do, have, safety meetings don't you?
B.E.
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A sample IIPP for High Hazard Employers is at
http://ww
Page 12 has a checklist for WELDING, CUTTING & BRAZING.
This specific hazard isn't listed, but would fall into several general categories for "appropriate operating instructions" and "only approved apparatus."
More Cal/OSHA publications are available at http://www.dir.ca.gov/DOSH/puborder.asp
Cal/OSHA regulations are in Title 8 of the CCR (California Code of Regulations):
Welding & Flammable vapors are found in
Division 1. Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4. Division of Industrial Safety
Subchapter 4. Construction Safety Orders
http://www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/sub4.html
"Article 32. Oxygen, Acetylene, and Fuel Gas
§1740. Storage and Use of Cylinders.
...
(e) Cylinders must not be placed where they might form a part of any electric circuit." [doesn't mention a torch]
"Article 4. Dusts, Fumes, Mists, Vapors, and Gases
§1534. Flammable Vapors.
(a) Flammable vapors shall be controlled so as to avoid hazard to workers.
(b) No source of ignition such as smoking, gas pilot lights, or operating electrical equipment, other than explosion-proof or equivalent, shall be allowed in a room or building when hazardous concentrations of flammable vapors are present."
Lighting acetylene with an arc might be considered an (a) hazard or, if the arc melts a hole in the torch, hazardous concentrations of flammable vapors would be present pretty quick.
Requirements of appropriate eye protection as mentioned by swall can also be found.
RE: Explosive ????
Berkshire - We do not have a special safety meeting just a daily shift change meeting which is probably the best venue available to address this. - thanks
Kenvlach - Thanks for the links, I searched CalOsha site but was unable to locate this issue. I am looking closely at the links you sent - thanks.
Swall - You bring up a good point about UVs - thanks
RE: Explosive ????
I rarely see this with a pipe welder, its normally an iron worker or a fab shop welder that will light the fire in this manner. Sometimes the pipe welder will supply the fire for the fitter in this manner.
Another cute trick is to ask someone to light your torch and you turn on the gas prior to getting to the ignition source, usually a cigarette lighter.
http://www.eh.doe.gov/docs/osh_tr/ch5a.html
http
Anecdotal:
A commercial fishing buddy of mine was a cutter/ burner in a local shipyard and while working on a work plank 40' off the ground he went to light his torch with a striker when he exploded. It blew off all his clothes and knocked him to ground. He suffered two broke hips and very bad burns. His torch was hanging from his clip on his hip and his coat was apparently forcing the gas into his pants. I asked him if he had smelled gas and he answered that there is always a gas smell around.
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"10.5.2.3 Lighting Torch. A friction lighter, stationary pilot flame, or other suitable source of ignition shall be used. Matches, cigarette lighters, or welding arcs, shall not be used for lighting torches.
Manufacturers procedures shall be followed with respect to the sequence of operations in lighting, adjusting, and extinguishing torch flames."
ANSI Z49.1:1999 Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes,
A free download from the American Welding Society:
htt
*American National Standards Institute standards are voluntary unless adopted by OSHA or other governing bodies. OSHA has adopted this standard (an earlier version, I don't know how it differs):
"29 CFR
Incorporation by reference. - 1910.6
...
1910.6(e)(62)
ANSI Z49.1-67 Safety in Welding and Cutting, IBR approved for §1910.252(c)(1)(iv)(A) and (B)."
Also, Canadian institutions participated in the writing of this standard, so perhaps it's also a legal standard in Canada.
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You can find about explosion caused by welding works here:
http://www
or
h
RE: Explosive ????