DC MUSEUM

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR OXYACETYLENE CUTTING OUTFIT

1. Use no oil or grease on any cutting equipment.
2. Use a spark igniter to light your torch. Do not use matches.
3. Open the acetylene valve about ¼ turn to light an acetylene torch. Don’t light it with both valves open.
4. Be sure there are no leaks in your oxyacetylene equipment. Don’t use it if there are.
5. Keep the kinks out of your welding hose.
6. Wear proper protective clothing at all times when cutting or even if it is a small job. Hot metal from a small job will burn just as much as hot metal from a big job.
7. The people walking nearby or watching you are also your responsibility. See that they are protected.
8. Hang torches in their proper places – not on regulators.
9. Welding or cutting on fuel containers is dangerous – it can be done only after thorough cleaning with live steam or other precautionary measures are taken.
10. Provide yourself with a standby fire watch when welding or cutting.
11. Use tools made for the job. Don’t improvise makeshift tools.
12. Don’t try to repair valves and regulators.
13. Baby those cylinders; it doesn’t pay to get rough with them.
14. Check your ventilation. Don’t weld or cut in confined spaces.

Most important of all: . . . . . THINK!!!