Flash-point fears
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• The Health & Safety Executive has issued a report warning that welders who use oxy-propane torches to pre-heat steelwork immediately before welding may he at risk from a build up of explosive gases.
The report states that a welding gap between components can interfere with the flame by allowing the passage of unburned fuel through the gap. This can result in the formation of an explosive atmosphere in any cavity behind the welding gap.
There have been several instances of explosions—one fatal—where unburned fuel gas had appeared to collect in such cavities. The study represents important reading for welding engineers, production managers, safety professionals, process specifiers and torch designers.