Guide to safe usage of gas torches on construction sites

Working with gas torches on a building site requires compliance with safety standards. The following are the essential precautions to be taken when working on a building site.

1.    Preparing the site for the use of gas torches

All combustible materials or those likely to cause a fire or explosion must be kept away from workstations: grease, oil, sawdust, shavings, rags, etc. Exercise caution to avoid greasing or lubricating components used in torches, particularly those connected to the oxygen circuit, such as cylinder taps, fittings, valves, etc. If the room where the welding takes place is not naturally ventilated, provide artificial ventilation.

In addition, no work should be undertaken in a tank, pipe or pit without first checking its former contents, which may contain remnants of flammable products. Gas cylinders must be securely fixed and should not be moved during work.

Do not use acetylene cylinders stored lying down. An alarm system and fire-fighting equipment must be available as close as possible to the site, including a water spray extinguisher and an extinguisher appropriate for the products in the immediate environment.

The personnel present in the building must be trained in the use of these extinguishers. Other trades working on the site must be informed of the scheduled times for torch usage to prevent interference between potentially conflicting activities.

At the end of the working day, a two-hour supervision is recommended to ensure that there is no risk of fire.

Checking the condition and tightness of torches

2.    The good condition of the torches must be guaranteed at the start of the site, but they must also be checked regularly, throughout the construction of the building.

You should : check that the connecting joints are watertight ;

• check all parts :
• adjustment devices, blocked nozzles, taps, etc. ; test the connections;
• check the condition and cleanliness of the hoses.
• Wise use of gas cylinders

3.    Too much gas in the atmosphere can cause an explosion.

To prevent this, never use too much oxygen. For example, never use a pressurised oxygen jet to blow out dust or unblock a pipe using pressure. Adhere to the established rules of conduct.

4.    It is strictly forbidden to smoke in a building near gas torches and the cylinder storage area.

The cylinder storage room must be kept at an average temperature: no excessive heating or exposure to frost. Sparks and excessive heat can be dangerous on a worksite, which means that safety lamps must be used in explosive atmospheres.

Leaks should be detected using soapy water or a foaming product. These solutions should not contain any grease. Ensure that your workers are equipped with the appropriate gear.

5.    Workers using blowtorches, as well as other trades working in the vicinity, must wear suitable equipment that complies with current European directives and standards.

Clothing that is hard to ignite, such as fire-resistant cotton.

• Leather aprons and leggings.
• Fireproof gloves.
• High boots or gaiters that cover the lower part of the trousers.
• Trousers without cuffs or outside pockets.
• Protective glasses or goggles with tinted lenses and side shields to protect against splashes and light rays.
• Clothing must be clean and never soiled with greasy residues likely to catch fire.