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Mine Type:  All Mines Category:  General Safety and Maintenance
Mine Safety and Health Administration
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Miner's Tips

"Torch Safety"

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Oxygen-Acetylene Torches, if not handled correctly, can cause injury or even death.

Torch Safety In Illinois, a fire started in a prep plant after a miner left a torch unattended. The tank valves were not turned off when the employee left the area. The torch and tanks were set ablaze by what could have been a leaking valve. This could have easily turned into a fatal accident. Fortunately, the fire did not spread and was quickly extinguished.
  • Workers should inspect tools. Check for loose connections, leaking gas sounds or odors, damaged hoses along their lengths or at their fittings, and broken gages. Also ensure that tanks are secured, the torch tip is clean, and pressure regulators are properly set.
  • Flame traps must be fitted into both oxygen and acetylene gas lines.
  • Fire extinguisher equipment should be readily available.
  • Wear gloves, goggles or face shield, flame resistant clothing with long sleeves, hearing protection, and, if appropriate, a respirator.
  • Do not rely on the color of the cylinder to indicate the contents. Some manufacturers use different color cylinders for the same gas.
  • Always close down cylinder valves when you are finished working. Shut off gas at the tanks, bleed lines, and back off regulator screws to protect regulator diaphragms.


If you have a tip you would like to pass on, you can e-mail it to
zzMSHA-MinersTips@dol.gov.
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Issued: 03/15/2005
Tag # AP2005- M90863



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