(8) Compressed gas cylinders owned by commercial companies should not be
painted regulation Army olive drab while in the hands of the troops.
(9) Never use cylinders for rollers, supports, or any purpose other than
that for which they are intended.
b. Acetylene cylinders.
(1) Always refer to acetylene by its full name and not by the word "gas"
alone. Acetylene is very different from city or furnace gas.
(2) Acetylene cylinders should be handled with care to avoid damage to the
valves or the safety fuse plug. The cylinders should be stored upright in a well
ventilated, well protected, dry place at a safe distance from highly combustible
materials such as oil or paint. Do not store the cylinders near radiators,
furnaces, or in any above normal temperature area. The heat will increase the
pressure which may cause the safety fuse in the cylinder to blow out. Storage
areas should be located away from elevators, gangways, or other places where there
is danger of their being knocked over or damaged by falling objects.
(3) A suitable truck, chain, or strap should be used to prevent cylinders
from falling or being knocked over while in use. Cylinders should be kept at a
safe distance from the welding operation so that there will be little possibility
of sparks, hot slag, or flames reaching them. They should be kept away from
radiators, piping systems, layout tables, etc, which may be used for grounding
electrical circuits. Nonsparking tools should be used when changing fittings on
cylinders of flammable gases.
(4) Never use acetylene from cylinders without reducing the pressure with a
suitable pressure reducing regulator. Never use acetylene at pressures in excess
of 15 PSI.
(5) Before attaching the pressure regulators open each acetylene cylinder
valve for an instant to blow dirt out of the nozzles. Wipe off the connection seat
with a clean cloth. Do not stand in front of valves when opening them.
(6) Outlet valves which have become clogged with ice should be thawed with
warm water. Do not use scalding water or an open flame.
(7) Be sure the regulator tension screw is released before opening the
cylinder valve. Always open the valve slowly to avoid strain on the regulator gage
which records the cylinder pressure. Do not open the valves more than one and one-
half turns. Usually one-half turn is sufficient. Always use the special T-wrench
provided for the acetylene cylinder valve. Leave this wrench on the stem of the
valve while the cylinder is in use so that the acetylene can be quickly turned off
in an emergency.
(8) Acetylene is a highly combustible fuel gas and great care should be
taken to keep sparks, flames, and heat away from the cylinders. Never open an
acetylene cylinder valve near other welding in cutting work.
(9) Never test for an acetylene leak with an open flame. Test all joints
with soapy water. Should a leak occur around the valve stem of the cylinder, close
the valve and tighten the packing nut. Cylinders leaking around the safety fuse
plug should be taken outdoors, away from all fires and sparks, and the valve opened
slightly to permit the contents to escape.
97
Previous Page
