Oxy Fuel Cutting Torch SafetyDisclaimer: This information, while well researched and believed to be accurate, is for informational purposes only. Weldingtipsandtricks.com accepts no responsibility for anything that happens as a result of your use of oxy fuel cutting torch equipment.this is for information only and not to be used as a substitute for manufacturers instructions for the equipment in use. Since all oxy fuel equipment is slightly different, manufacturers guidelines are the recommended best practice.Introduction Safe operation for the use of gas cutting, heating and welding requires a clear understanding of oxy fuel cutting torch equipment and the fundamentals of combustion.But lets cut through all the Bullshit shall we?An Oxy fuel cutting torch can kill your Ass! plain and simple.Its probably the most dangerous piece of welding equipment there is.Once you really learn all about it, you wonder how it is that you dont read about deaths everyday in the paper from oxy fuel cutting torch accidents.OSHA's own data estimates that the risk of death for users of oxy fuel equipment is 4 in a thousand over a working lifetime. WHAT??That's a lot if you are one of the 4.Now that we have that out of the way, lets talk about how we can use a cutting torch safely to keep from being one of the 4 in a thousand.1. What are the three basic elements in the triangle of combustion?

a. Fuelb. Oxygenc. Kindling temperatureAll three elements must be present to support combustion. It is important to understand that virtually everything can be a fuel source. When burning a particular fuel, the combustion process will stop if the fuel drops below kindling temperature; the oxygen supply becomes depleted; or, the fuel is used up.2. Does the oxygen in a oxy fuel cutting torch burn?No.Pure oxygen is nonflammable. Oxygen is a colorless, odorless and tasteless elemental gas that supports life and makes combustion possible. It constitutes about a fifth of the atmosphere approximately 21%. All elements but the inert gases combine directly with oxygen, usually to form oxides. However, oxidation of different elements occurs over a wide range of temperatures with phosphorus and magnesium igniting spontaneously in air at ambient temperatures. All materials that are flammable in air burn much more vigorously in oxygen. Some combustibles, such as oil and grease, burn with nearly explosive violence in oxygen if ignited. Oxygen lowers the ignition point of flammables and greatly accelerates combustion.Oxygen is shipped as a non-liquefied gas at pressure above 2000 psi, and also as a cryogenic gas at pressures below 200 psi. Industrial applications for oxygen include combination with acetylene, hydrogen and other fuel gases for such purposes as metal cutting, welding, hardening, scarfing, cleaning and dehydrating.3. What is the value in knowing kindling temperatures of materials?Combustion is expected to occur which could be very rapid. Storage of oil and grease soaked rags is a classic example of this condition. Materials with a low kindling temperature, in the presence of oxygen and minimal heat, can ignite spontaneously. When certain fuels burn, whether liquid or gas, their respective rate of burn is so rapid that we refer to the burning process as an explosion.4. What is the difference between burning rate, temperature output and BTU output?Burning rate refers to the speed with which the combustion process will consume the fuel source. Temperature, obviously, is how hot the fire actually is, but BTU refers to the energy that the fire will produce.Fuel sources vary in their characteristics of burning rate, temperature and BTU output. When fuel gases are used, as in cutting, welding and heating processes, these differences are very important.A simple demonstration to show the effect of oxygen in the combustion process is to light a small candle. After the candle burns for a short time, place a glass over the candle, allowing no oxygen to enter the system. After a few seconds, the flame goes out. This simple example shows that by altering one of the basic elements of combustion, the process of combustion stops.If you were to add oxygen from a cutting torch to the candle flame, the candle would burn furiously.A cutting torch is sometimes also called an oxy fuel torch.oxy fuel is a generic term that encompasses all fuel gases like propane, propylene, acetylene, natural gas, mapp gas, or any other fuel gas.Learning about fire triangles can be pretty boring but using a cutting torch safely requires a good understanding of combustion.A cutting torch is one of the most useful tools ever... Unfortunately, it seems like sometimes, the more useful a tool is, the more dangerous it is. A cutting torch, used improperly, is also is one of the most dangerous tools ever.2. Does oxygen burn?3. What two characteristics does oxygen contribute, relative to ignition point of a combustible and to rate of combustion?4. Why must compressed gas cylinders always be secured when stored as well as when in use? What is the typical pressure of an oxygen cylinder?5. What is the maximum safe regulator pressure for acetylene use?6. What are the reasons that a regulator can be burned out?7. Why is it important to know gas consumption rates of cutting or heating tips, and why is it important to know the withdrawal rate of a cylinder?8. What is the danger of applying heat directly to concrete, and why?9. What is the danger if using a heating tip in a very confined area?10. What are two safety devices that can be used on an oxy-fuel system; what is the difference between them; and, why should they be checked periodically?11. Why is it important that the oxygen orifice in a cutting tip be clean and smooth?12. Explain the correct process to set a heating tip for proper operation.13. What is the difference between an oxidizing, a neutral and a carburizing (reducing) flame?14. Why should the adjusting screw on a regulator be left in the off or out position at the end of shift?15. What is a flashback and what can cause this condition?16. What is the function of the mixer in an oxy-fuel torch, and does it make any difference what fuel gas is used in a torch?17. Oxyfuel safety means keeping you safe from injury, as well as a responsibility to operate safely so that coworkers remain safe. What are situations in which your operation with oxy-fuel equipment could endanger your coworkers?