Safety Bulletin - Use of Rubber Welding Hose

Safety Bulletin

SB-11¾ 1996

Use of Rubber Welding Hose

Rubber welding hose can be used safely if proper procedures are followed. Adhering to the "do’s" and "do nots" 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 Rubber Manufacturers Association and Compressed Gas Association standards in the size and grade suitable for both the conditions and gases being used. Grades R & RM are designated for acetylene use only. Grade T may be used with all fuel gases.

Do - Be sure hose is fitted in accordance with CGA E-1, 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, or Grade R 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 burnback, flashback, or external burn damage.

Do Not - Use grades R & RM for fuel gases other than acetylene.

For additional information consult the following references:

CGA SB-8, Use of Oxy-Fuel Gas Welding and Cutting Apparatus, Compressed Gas Association, 1725 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1004, Arlington, VA 22202.

CGA E-1, Standard Connections for Regulator Outlets, Torches, and Fitted Hose for Welding and Cutting Equipment, Compressed Gas Association, 1725 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1004, Arlington, VA 22202

RMA IP-7, Specifications For Rubber Welding Hose, Rubber Manufacturers Association, 1400 K St. NW, Suite 900 Washington DC 20005.

ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10036-8002.

NIOSH Publication No. 78-138, Safety and Health in Arc Welding and Gas Welding and Cutting, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226.

AWS C-4.2, Operator Manual for Oxyfuel Gas Cutting, American Welding Society, 550 NW LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.

PLEASE NOTE:

The information contained in this document was obtained from sources believed to be reliable and is based on technical information and experience currently available from members of the Compressed Gas Association, Inc. and others. However, the Association or its members, jointly or severally, make no guarantee of the results and assume no liability or responsibility in connection with the information or suggestions herein contained. Moreover, it should not be assumed that every acceptable commodity grade, test or safety procedure or method, precaution, equipment or device is contained within, or that abnormal or unusual circumstances may not warrant or suggest further requirements or additional procedure.

This document is subject to periodic review and users are cautioned to obtain the latest edition. Comments and suggestions are invited from all users for consideration by the Association in connection with such review; any such comments or suggestions will be fully reviewed by the Association after giving the party, upon request, a reasonable opportunity to be heard.

This document should not be confused with federal, state, provincial, or municipal specifications or regulations, insurance requirements or national safety codes. While the Association recommends reference to or use of this document by government agencies and others, this document is purely voluntary and not binding.

PUBLICATION: 1996 COPYRIGHTÓ BY THE COMPRESSED GAS ASSOCIATION, INCORPORATED 1725 JEFFERSON DAVIS HIGHWAY, SUITE 1004, ARLINGTON, VA 22202

CGA GRANTS PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS SAFETY BULLETIN

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