Fuel Gas ProcessesA number of safety issues should be considered when fuel gas processes are used. Fuel gas processes by their very nature use flammable, potentially explosive, gases, often in conjunction with oxygen. The gases may be supplied in and used from pressurised gas cylinders and mixed in welding or cutting torches. The main hazards, therefore, are from naked flames, fire, and explosion. Perhaps the most dangerous occurrence is a 'flashback'. This occurs when a flashback in the hose travels back towards the cylinder at very high speed. If not checked it can set fire to fuel gas in the cylinder and explode. Hose check valves and flashback arrestors must always be used to prevent this. Other physical hazards occur during manual handing of cylinders and the changing and fitting of regulators. Some processes (thermic lancing, powder cutting and spraying) may produce fume in significant amounts, but generally these processes give low levels of fume. All the above hazards may be exacerbated when working in confined spaces, in hot, wet, cramped areas, or if working at height. Workers should be aware of the hazards of each process and the means to avoid or control the risks. Safety training and the adoption of safe working practices will help to minimise risk.
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