Precautions and Safe Practices for Welding - PREVENT ARC-BURNS ON CYLINDERS



Electric-arc bums on cylinders are potentially dangerous. The arc-bum causes higher stresses and might lead to cylinder rupture. Arc-bums can be caused by arc current passing through a grounded cylinder. They can happen quickly, and in a number of ways. The basic thing to remember is to keep the torch, arc, and any source of current away from compressed gas cylinders. With a little care while operating, arc-bum damage to cylinders can be eliminated by the following these precautionary steps.

Never strike an arc on a cylinder. When you want to test the system operation, use a piece of grounded scrap metal.

Be sure that shielding-gas cylinders are never grounded. Cylinders, fittings, and supports should be electrically insulated from metallic building structures or fixtures to which they are secured.

Do not fasten cylinders to work tables and fixtures. They may become part of the work circuit. Use insulating shields to electrically isolate cylinders that cannot be removed.
Be careful of where and how the work is grounded so that the ground connections will never touch the cylinder.

Do not hang the torch or any electrode holder on the cylinder. Use a nearby hook; not the regulator or flow meter. This will help keep arcs away from the cylinder at all times.
Remove empty cylinders from working areas. Return them to a designated storage area as soon as possible.

Make sure all electrical wiring is in good condition. Repair or replace defective, frayed or exposed sections immediately.



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