Insurer issues acetylene cylinder warnings

London -- Engineering and maintenance businesses should be aware of the hazards of working with acetylene and the importance of risk management when using this highly flammable gas, warns Norwich Union.

The insurance company’s call comes as London Fire Brigade is campaigning for new government controls over businesses using acetylene cylinders. Acetylene is widely used in the engineering and maintenance sectors as the fuel gas in oxy-fuel sets for cutting, burning and welding.

Application of heat or mechanical shock to acetylene cylinders will cause spontaneous internal heating of the flammable gas, and decomposition of acetylene can cause the cylinder to explode.

“With such potential hazards, businesses must undertake risk management and implement a number of key actions to reduce the risks of fire or explosions associated with acetylene cylinders,” said Phil Grace, NU casualty risk manager.

The insurance company recommends that businesses consider alternative procedures or fuel gases such as propane. If acetylene cylinders are required, it said, the company should consider the implications for business interruption, as the minimum evacuation time is 24 hours should a fire occur.

Grace went on to list a number of essential precautions for companies that use acetylene, including that all employees be fully trained and understand the necessary emergency procedures.

“Where acetylene is used for hot work, flashback arrestors should be fitted to all cylinders,” said the NU manager. “In the use of long length hoses, flashback arrestors should be fitted at both blowtorch and regulator ends. Non-return valves should also be fitted on the blowtorch, which should be checked and replaced regularly. Acetylene should only be taken from the cylinders at the recommended pressure of less than 0.62bar.”

Companies must also ensure that cylinders are stored and handled correctly, Grace commenting: “Do not drop or roll along the floor and keep vertical at all times. Minimise the quantity of acetylene kept on-site and return redundant or unwanted cylinders to the supplier without delay. If you suspect a fault on a cylinder, contact the supplier immediately.”