Hazards of Acetylene Gas

Acetylene is commonly used for fueling cutting torches in both general industry and the mining industry. As the gas is highly combustible when comes in contact with the oxygen, it is recommended to ensure safety measures to avoid accidents.

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?

Working with acetylene gas requires specialized equipment and materials. Acetylene cylinders are specially designed and developed for storage of 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 oxidizing 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: Acetylene gas being unstable in nature, it requires to be stored under special conditions. It should be stored by dissolving the acetylene in liquid acetone.  Then, liquid acetone is stored in acetylene cylinder which is filled with a porous 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

Acetylene plants are specially designed and manufacture taking proper precautions to prevent fire and 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 –