SAFETY

STANDARDS FOR ACETYLENE GAS PRODUCTION :

• NFPA - 51A
• IS 8471
• UL-408T
• RAC-203
• EIGA (IGC Doc 51/02)
• Section 8 of the ASME Code

What is NFPA 51A?

Our plants are approved to NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 51A. This standard stands for safety requirements for the design, construction, and installation of acetylene cylinder filling plants and to provide safeguards for the protection of the plants, their employees, and the public.

Abbreviation: NFPA Formation: 1896 Headquarters: Quincy, Massachusetts

UL-408T

Headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois; UL (Underwriters Laboratories) is a safety consulting and certification company. UL-408T certification stands for public adoption of electricity and the drafting of safety standards for electrical devices and components. Established in 1894, the company maintains offices in 46 countries. UL offers safety-related certification, validation, testing, inspection, auditing, advising and training services to a number of customers such as manufacturers, retailers, policymakers, regulators, service companies, and consumers.

The UL Certification Mark
Abbreviation
UL Motto Working for a safer world

EIGA (IGC Doc 51/02)

The EIGA -(IGC Doc 51/02) (European Industrial Gases Association) is a safety and technically oriented organization standing for the vast majority of European and a number of non-European companies designing, developing and supplying industrial, medical and food gases.

The member companies function in technical and safety matters to achieve the highest level of safety and environmental care in the handling of gases. The company remains in touch with Standardization and Regulatory Organizations and Authorities despite of trade and industrial organizations.

Section 8 of the ASME Code

A machine which complies section 8 of the ASME Code, is perfect to use as it is approved for its quality. Manufacturers and suppliers of different types of plants who wish to export to North America are routinely required to comply with the requirements of the ASME Code, which defines internationally recognized standards for the design, manufacture, inspection, erection, commission, installation and testing of all kinds of machines.

HAZARDS OF ACETYLENE GAS

Acetylene has become the most common gas employed for fueling cutting torches in both general industry and the mining industry. Since the gas is highly combustible when comes in contact with the oxygen, safety must be taken into account when working with acetylene in order to prevent accidents. This safety advice of the gas describes the properties of acetylene that are related to safety, and offer practical hints for working safely with this gas. However, most of the users may not be aware of the unique characteristics of acetylene gas itself that create special hazards than the other fuel gases.

Chemical Composition: An acetylene molecule is fabricated by the composition of two carbon atoms and two hydrogen atoms. In fact, the two carbon atoms are incorporated together, which is known as a triple carbon bond. This bond is vital as it stores substantial energy that can be released as heat during combustion. On the other hand, the triple carbon bond is unstable, making acetylene gas very sensitive to a number of conditions such as excess pressure, excess temperature, static electricity, or mechanical shock.

What are the hazards?

Specifically designed and developed cylinders are perfect to store the gas. The compressed gas cylinders contain gas stored under significant pressure, posing a significant hazard in the workplace. Some of the hazards due to the chemical properties of gas cylinders include:

• Fire or explosion due to the release of flammable gases near ignition sources (such as acetylene or liquid petroleum gas)
• Quick combustion from oxidising gases (for instance oxygen or nitrous oxide)
• Due to exposure to toxic or corrosive gases (such as anhydrous ammonia) or
• Asphyxiation from a few non-toxic, non-flammable gases by dislocation of oxygen (for instance nitrogen, carbon dioxide or argon).

Storage : Since the gas is unstable nature, it must be stored under special conditions. It should be stored by dissolving the acetylene in liquid acetone. Thereafter, the liquid acetone is stored in the acetylene cylinder, which in turn, is filled with a porous (sponge-like) cementitious material.

• Do not try to store acetylene into any type of vessel, tank, or enclosure. Reason being; improperly stored acetylene gas is unstable.
• The regulators of acetylene gas should not exceed a setting of 15 p.s.i.g.
• Both the torch base hose connections and the regulator hose connections should be connected through flame arrestors and check valves.
• Acetylene cylinders should be designed and developed properly. The movement of cylinders should be done with proper care. In addition, the cylinders should be protected from flame or heat.

PRECAUTIONS FOR ACETYLENE PLANT BUILDING

While acetylene plant is designed and developed, a lot of precautions should be taken in order to evade fire or explosions. Acetylene is a highly flammable gas so it should be kept away for oxygen.

• While manufacturing the machine, extreme caution should be exercised when using any types of welding equipment.
• Injury or health hazards can result from fire, explosions, electric shock, or harmful agents.
• Do not let untrained persons to use welding or cutting equipment.
• Do not weld in a building with wooden floors, which catches fire quickly.
• Keep all flammable material such as cotton, oil, gasoline, etc. away from the vicinity of welding.
• The professionals involve in wielding should use proper clothing or goggles.
• Ensure a suitable fire extinguisher nearby at all times.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

• Helmets and Shields -

• Safety Goggles -

• Protective Clothing -

ACETYLENE GAS HANDLING

Acetylene cylinders should only be handled and transported by appropriately equipped and trained personnel.

Handling the acetylene cylinders wisely :

• Use the technologically advanced regulators, flashback arrestors, check valves and torches.
• Do not effort to make repairs yourself. Contact the professionals.
• Do not drop or damage the cylinder.
• No hot work, grinding and cutting etc. next to the cylinder.
• Do not try to transfer gas from one cylinder to another.

Safety Precautions :

• Examine the equipment for wear and leaks at all connections
• Replace damaged or suspect hoses
• Always wear protective clothing
• Employ proper eye protection
• Employ compatible items
• Employ the proper regulator for each specific gas

Safe Handling Practices

Most accidents or injuries involving acetylene cylinders happen when moving or handling the acetylene gas cylinders. Whether it is small or large sized cylinders, the cylinders require special care and equipment in handling and securing so they don't fall or tip over and lead to injury. Before handing the acetylene gas cylinders, the individuals should take on some basic induction training or go through the Safe Work Procedures relating to the transport, storage and use of Gas Cylinders.

Work Areas :

• Ensure the work area is clear of combustible materials
• The working area should be well ventilated
• Fire extinguishers should be easily available
• Keep cylinders at a safe distance from all hot work

Cylinder Storage Precautions :

• Choose outdoor storage for proper ventilation.
• Never store cylinders in confined poorly ventilated areas.
• The place should be clear of and ignition sources, flammable or corrosive materials.
• Separate flammable gas cylinders from oxygen and other oxidizing gases during storage.
• Store cylinders in a dry area to avert corrosion of the steel cylinder walls.
• Keep the cylinders vertical and secured.