Acetylene

Topic index

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Overview

Acetylene is the most common gas used for fueling cutting torches; when mixed with pure oxygen in a cutting torch assembly, an acetylene flame can theoretically reach more than 5,700 degrees F. If you use acetylene for cutting, you probably know about the fire hazards associated with the flame and hot slag. Acetylene is also sensitive to excessive pressure and temperature, static electricity, and mechanical shock.

Acetylene can decompose violently under pressure in excess of 15 pounds per square inch. Always store acetylene cylinders in a well-ventilated area away from oxidizers, open flames, sparks, and other sources of heat or ignition. Storage areas must have fire extinguishers or fire suppression equipment.

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Publications

Fact sheets
- Compressed gas safety
  Key safety and health requirements for working with compressed gases, including safe handling and use, cylinder storage, and cylinder inspection.
  English 05/11/2015
Hazard alerts
- Peligro de quemaduras causadas por reguladores recargados
  Regulator burnout danger
  Peligro de quemaduras causadas por reguladores recargados.
  Spanish 10/30/2008
- Regulator burnout danger
  Hazard alert on the danger of regulator burnout (RBO).
  English 09/12/2006
References
- Rules with requirements
  We get many calls and emails from employers asking the same question. It begins: “Which of your rules have requirements for…” You can finish the sentence with words like “recordkeeping,” “employee training,” and “written documents.” To answer those questions, we’ve organized these rules requirements into a filterable, sortable, searchable table.
  English 05/10/2019

Education and training

Rules and rule-related

Final Rules
- Division 2, Subdivision H, Hazardous Materials (including Hazardous Waste Operations & Emergency Response, PSM)
  3-2019 Word version
- Division 2, Subdivision Q, Welding, Cutting, and Brazing
  Administrative Order 11-2021 Word version
- Division 3, Subdivision J, Welding and Cutting
  6-2014 Word version
- Division 4, Subdivision H, Hazardous Materials
  3-2014 Word version Div. 4/H
- Division 4, Subdivision Q, Welding
  2-2010 Word version
- Division 4, Subdivision Z, Chemical/Toxins
  Administrative Order 4-2022 Word version
Interpretations
- Backflow and flashback devices on welding torches
  11/24/1992
- Backflow/flashback preventers
  05/29/2001
Program Directives
- Compressed Gas: Securing Compressed Gas Cylinders
  Purpose: This directive clarifies the application of 1926.350(a)(9).
  A-186 02/02/2017
- Welding, Cutting and Heat Treating Operations in Tunnels and Shafts
  Purpose: To establish guidelines for compliance personnel to use in the enforcement of 29 CFR 1926.800(m)(5)(i) in the context of the rules described in the following paragraphs which permit gas welding and cutting underground under carefully circumscribed conditions.
  A-075 05/04/2000
- Welding, Cutting, or Heating Metals Coated with Lead Based Paint
  Purpose: This directive explains the requirements imposed by rules 1926.353(c)(1) through 1926.354 when welding, cutting, or heating is performed in an enclosed space on metals coated with lead-bearing paint.
  A-009 06/06/2000
Summary of comments and decisions
- Summary of comments and agency decisions regarding proposed changes to oxygen-fuel gas welding, compressed gases, and acetylene in Division 2 General industry, and Division 3 Construction Administrative Rules
  6-2014

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Highlights

Learn about handling and storing acetylene cylinders in Oregon OSHA's Compress gas safety factsheet
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