16. WELDING AND FLAME CUTTING
16. Welding and flame cutting
Gases
Colors of the gas cylinders:
Oxygen Acetylene Nitrogen Carbon dioxide Argon Helium
(white) (reddish brown) (black) (grey) (dark green) (brown)
Colors of the gas hoses:
Acetylene Oxygen Inert gas Liquid gas
(red) (blue) (black) (orange)
The gas hoses must meet the requirements of the European standard EN 559.
Serious accidents and hazardous conditions may occur during welding or flame cutting
if proper precautions are not taken and safety measures are not followed. Do not
mix up hoses with clean air with shielding gas hoses.
Good maintenance and careful handling of gas equipment are necessary for accident
free operations. The gas hoses should be inspected every year.
Damage is caused by:
Ignorance and carelessness when handling or using equipment
Insufficient knowledge of the properties of gases
Poor condition of the equipment due to e.g. lack
of regular maintenance
Cross-connection of inert gases and breathing air
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