Purpose
This guide provides clear, practical answers to common safety questions surrounding oxy-acetylene (oxy-fuel) brazing, welding, and cutting equipment. It follows WorkSafe Victoria’s best-practice standards and Australian Standards such as AS 4332, AS 4839, and AS 4603 faq_oxy_aceylene_equipment
1. Transporting Cylinders
Always remove regulators before transport.
Close cylinder valves and fit protective caps.
Secure cylinders upright to prevent tipping.
Do not transport cylinders in enclosed, unventilated spaces (e.g., covered utes or vans).
Never cover cylinders with a tarpaulin or expose them to heat
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2. Storing Cylinders
Store in well-ventilated outdoor areas with weather protection that does not block airflow.
Keep oxygen and fuel gas cylinders separated by 3 m or a 4-hour fire-rated barrier (see diagram on page 4).
Cylinders must be upright, secured, and labeled—treat all as full.
Display “No Smoking” and “Authorised Personnel Only” signage.
Do not repaint or obscure labels, even if cylinders are worn
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3. Use and Handling
Avoid rolling, dropping, or lifting cylinders by the valve.
Never use acetylene cylinders horizontally; if transported on their side, stand upright for 12 hours before use to stabilize acetone.
Use forced ventilation where possible when brazing or cutting.
Do not use jubilee (worm-drive) clips—they can cause gas leaks
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4. Flashback Arrestors
Flashback occurs when flame burns back into the hose—often due to incorrect pressures, tip blockage, or gas imbalance.
Fit AS 4603-compliant flashback arrestors on all gas lines.
For hoses ≤ 3 m → fit at the regulator.
For hoses > 3 m → fit at both the torch and regulator ends.
Use high-flow arrestors for heating applications
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5. Fire Protection
Keep a CO₂ or dry-chemical extinguisher on or near the cylinder trolley.
Have an emergency response plan in case of leaks or fire.
Regularly inspect hoses and connections for leaks with soapy water (never a flame)
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6. Maintenance
Only competent, trained personnel should maintain oxy-fuel systems.
Suggested inspection schedule:
Daily: Visual check and leak test before use.
Weekly: Inspect for wear or oil contamination.
6-Monthly: Function test internal components.
Annual: Test flashback arrestors for flow, non-return, and leak tightness.
Keep records or attach inspection tags to equipment
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7. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Eye protection: Use goggles complying with AS 1336, Shade 3–7 filters for brazing or cutting (not sunglasses).
Clothing: Wear cotton or wool, leather gloves, and safety boots.
Avoid synthetic or flammable fabrics such as nylon or high-vis polyesterfaq_oxy_aceylene_equipment
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8. Reference Standards
AS 4332 – Storage and Handling of Gases in Cylinders
AS 4839 – Safe Use of Portable and Mobile Oxy-Fuel Systems
AS 4603 – Flashback Arresters
AS 1336 – Eye Protection
AS 1674.1 – Safety in Welding and Allied Processes
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Summary
Safe brazing and welding depend on:
Proper cylinder storage and handling
Regular inspection and maintenance
Use of compliant safety devices and PPE
Adherence to ventilation and fire-safety standards
Following these guidelines minimizes fire, explosion, and injury risks when using oxy-acetylene systems.