Oxy-Acetylene Torches
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Extra precaution required for welders. Training / Tool Testing is essential. See Welding Safety doc. |
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Eye protection required! |
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| Oxy-Acetylene Torches | |
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| General Info | |
| Make | Various |
| Model | n/a |
| Serial | Unknown |
| Specs | n/a |
| Manual | n/a |
| Asylum Info | |
| Location | Metal Shop |
| Rubric | n/a |
| Training | Tool classes |
| Testing | Tool testing, or come to the shop on Tool Testing Night |
| Restrictions | red |
Use for:
- Heating or cutting metal, especially carbon steel.
- Brazing
- Welding (Arc may be preferable)
Do Not Use for
- Anything that might explode when heated.
- Anything that produces excessively noxious gases when heated or burned including:
- Galvanized
- Plated
- Painted
- Oiled
- Powder-coated
Hazards
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- Eye damage from looking at the flame for extended periods. Shade 3 eye protection required.
- Poisoning from gases produced when heating or vaporizing certain metals. Respirator required when appropriate.
- Injury or death from explosion due to tool misuse.
- Burns from flame, sparks, or hot workpieces.
- Two highly dangerous situations to watch for. 'Immediately shut down Acetylene torch if either occurs:
1. Pop sound. This is flashback. 2. Purple flame. Burning Acetone from tank.
Brief Safety Notes
To avoid serious injury or death, be fully aware of how the tanks, regulators, and torches work in conjunction. Follow safe operating proceedures. For more safety information, see Oxy-Acetylene Safety.
Beware of Flashback an explosive situation in which Oxygen flows into the Acetylene hose. A pop sound indicates flashback. The equipment has flashback arrestors to keep the flame from backing into the tank. Still, beware.
Never use all the Acetylene in the tank. Tank Acetylene (Short Tank, Red Hose) is mixed with acetone to stabilize it under pressure. If you drain all the Acetylene, acetone will enter the torch to create and explosive situation. Note that Acetone burns purple.
Oxygen under pressure will ignite sawdust and grease. Tank Oxygen (Tall Tank, Green Hose) is under very high pressure. Oil on clothing or hands can combust under pure oxygen.
Avoid standing in front of the regulator especially when opening the cylinder valve. The weakest part of the regulator is the “bonnet,” which tends to be the first to go if the regulator explodes. The adjustment screw will shoot out with the speed of a bullet.
Keep work area free of flammable or explosive materials especially paper, oil or grease, and flammable solvents such as acetone.
