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Fumes, gases, and ionizing radiation formed or released when welding, cutting, or brazing are associated with numerous health hazards, including:
The risks vary depending on the welding materials used and surfaces welded. The presence of oil or grease is one potential source of fire danger for gas welders. This danger can be reduced by:
Safe handling of compressed gas cylinders
Handling compressed gas cylinders safely is crucial in preventing fires and explosions. Cylinders must be stored under the proper conditions:
Cylinders must be kept far enough away from a welding or cutting project so that sparks, hot slag, or flames do not reach them. When this is impractical, fire shields must be used.
Valve protection caps must be in place, hand-tight, except when cylinders are in use or connected for use. Before a regulator is connected to the cylinder valve, the valve must be cracked (opened slightly and closed immediately). This clears the valve of dust or dirt that could enter the regulator.