Using Propane Safely e-learning reference material

Guide Book Series

Using Cylinders

Using Cylinders Safely Preparation for use with a blowtorch

Check the regulator thread for damage and/or contamination and if it is in good condition attach it to the cylinder valve outlet using the correct size spanner and only reasonable force to tighten.

Damaged or contaminated regulators must not be used.

This information is for guidance only. Operators should always follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions as well as an authorised standard operating procedure for the job being undertaken.

Visually check the hose is the correct colour and standard and is undamaged, then attach it to the regulator outlet.

Hose assemblies manufactured to BS EN 1256 will have a non return valve (NRV) fitted to one end of the hose. The end with with NRV must not be fitted to the regulator outlet.

Before undertaking any activity with propane cylinders operators should ensure that they are wearing the correct personal protective equipment.

Attach the end of the hose with the non return valve to an undamaged blowtorch torch that is suitable for the job being undertaken, in this example, shrink wrapping.

Safety glasses are essential when working with high pressure gas cylinders.

The cylinders should be located in a safe, well-ventilated area and secured to stop them from toppling over. Ensure you have the correct gases by referring to the product label or stencilling on the cylinders. New cylinders are fitted with either a valve cap and/or shrink wrapping to protect the valve from contamination. Most valve caps are removed by peeling away the plastic tab and flipping the lid open. Wearing eye protection, look inside the valve outlets and check for any foreign material such as particles of dirt or water. Any material detected must be removed. This can be carried out by wiping the inside of the valve outlet with a clean, dry, lint-free, oil and grease free cotton cloth.

Slowly open the cylinder valve, half a turn on the handwheel is usually sufficient.

If the regulator is fitted with a pressure adjusting screw, slowly screw it in and set the correct working pressure on the outlet gauge of the regulator.

The regulator in this example is fitted with a red ‘flow’ button that should be depressed, allowing gas to flow from the regulator, through the hose towards the blowtorch.

Before lighting the torch an approved leak test solution should be applied to all joints and any potential leakage points.

If there is frothing the system should be immediately de-pressurised and the leak corrected.

Visually check that the regulator is undamaged and is the correct regulator for the gas contained inside the cylinder. Ensure the regulator has the inlet capacity to cope with the pressure inside the propane cylinder and has the correct outlet pressure rating for the job to be undertaken. Never open and quickly close the cylinder valve to blow any debris out of the valve outlet. This old industry practice called ‘snifting’ has resulted in some serious injuries.

Never use jointing compounds or thread tapes to try and rectify a gas leak.

Once the system is leak free the operator can press the trigger on the torch which automatically lights the gas

At the end of the work period close the cylinder valves and, depending on the type of system being used, safely de-pressurise the system in a well ventilated area.

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