Rubber welding
hose can be used safely if proper procedures are followed. Adhering to the
"Do’s"
and "Do not"
listed below will reduce the possibility of incurring serious injury.
Do
- Blow powder or other residue out of new hose and blow out hose that has
been left open to dust, dirt, etc. before attaching the hose to a torch or
other equipment.
Do
- Examine hose before each use, especially for cracks in the hose next to
the regulator and equipment connections.
Do
- Wipe off hose frequently and inspect for burns and other damage. Never
use solvent to wipe off hose.
Do
- Replace hose when worn, weathered, damaged, or when the fabric braid
shows.
Do
- Splice only with proper fittings and ferrules or replace with new hose.
Do
- Select welding hose that meets the relevant standards in the size and
grade suitable for both the conditions and gases being used.
Do
- Be sure hose is fitted in accordance with Standard Connections for
Regulator Outlets, Torches and Fitted Hose for Welding and Cutting
Equipment.
Do
- Make sure all connections are wrench tight and leak free before
each use.
Do
- Test for leaks with soapy water, leak check solution, a water bucket, or
a static pressure test, especially where hoses connect to regulator and
equipment fittings. An occasional total immersion of hose is recommended
(at maximum working pressure).
Do
- Purge each hose line separately in well ventilated area before lighting
the torch each time equipment is to be used. This prevents the mixing of
gases in the hose lines and will warn the operator if one of the gases is
not turned on, or if the cylinder is empty. Dangerous mixing of gases in a
hose can be caused by a cylinder emptying during use and causing
unbalanced pressures.
Do Not
- Pull hose with
torch. Grasp hose to adjust the free length and position it for proper
use.
Do Not
- Use hose to pull equipment.
Do Not
- Let hose put strain on fittings attached to torch or regulators. This
can weaken fittings, crack hoses, pull over cylinders or damage valves.
Reposition cylinders if more hose length is needed. Cracked hoses can
break and leak from strain.
Do Not
- Allow sparks or flame from cutting and welding operations to
fall on or contact welding hose. Fire or explosion can result from
careless work habits.
Do Not
- Drag hose over hot metal or sharp edges.
Do Not
- Let hose fittings, connections, hose come in contact with oil, grease or
other contaminants.
Do Not
- Use hose with more than one splice per 50 foot (15 m) section.
Select fittings with adequate inside diameter to avoid flow restrictions.
Do Not
- Bend, kink, or pinch hose to shut off gases.
Do Not
- Leave pressure in hoses when equipment is not being used - i.e.,
lunchtime, overnight, weekends, etc. Close cylinder valves, drain hoses in
a well ventilated area, and close both regulator and equipment valves.
Hoses can be weakened and attacked by solvents in fuel gases. Leaks could
develop in unattended equipment and result in fire or explosion.
Do Not
- Repair worn or cut hoses with tape or other temporary materials.
Instead, splice with proper fittings and ferrules or replace with new
hose. Screw type hose clamps are not recommended.
Do Not -
Reuse hose that has been subjected to flashback or external burn. |
