A major cause of accidents with gas equipment are leaking connections and the subsequent ignition of leaking acetylene or the increased flammability of materials in the presence of oxygen.
Procedure
Test for acetylene leaks first.
- Use the Safetest Leak Detection Spray
- Spray directly onto the joints and connections
- Check that torch valves are closed and that regulators are set to zero outlet pressure
- Open acetylene cylinder valve very slowly (sudden opening may cause damage to the regulator)
- Adjust regulator to an outlet pressure of 50 to 60 kPa.
- Open torch acetylene valve for a short period (4 to 5 seconds) to purge air from hoses
- Close torch valve
- Apply Safetest Leak Detection Spray to all acetylene connections starting at cylinder valve spindle, regulator stem and work through all connections up to the torch inlet
- Leaks will be clearly indicated by foaming bubbles at point of leak
- Leaks must be corrected immediately by further tightening the leaking joint
- If leak persists the connection is faulty and must be replaced
- A leaking cylinder valve spindle may be corrected by tightening the spindle nut - the regulator spanner is the same size hexagon
- After testing shut on the acetylene valve, open the torch valve to release pressure
- Adjust regulator to zero outlet pressure
- Close torch valve.
Repeat in full the same procedure for oxygen.
The equipment is now correctly assembled, fully tested and if leak-free, is ready for use.