Acetylene has many industrial uses from being a raw material to use in welding. The substance poses a flammability hazard and must be used, transported, and stored properly.
Scope
The OSHA requirements apply to employers who have employees who use or are exposed to acetylene. The specific requirements vary depending on the application.
Key definitions
- DOT: means the Department of Transportation. The government agency who prescribes requirements for design and marking of cylinders used in transport.
- CGA: means the Compressed Gas Association. OSHA references CGA pamphlets for most common acetylene requirements.
- NFPA: means the National Fire Protection Association. OSHA references NFPA codes for some aspects of acetylene safety.
Summary of requirements
Employers must:
- Ensure cylinder safety. Employers must follow the provisions of CGA Pamphlet G-1-2009 for all in-plant transfer, handling, storage, and use of acetylene.
- Keep piped systems safe. Employers must comply with Chapter 9 (“Acetylene Piping”) of NFPA 51A-2006 (“Standard for Acetylene Charging Plants”) (National Fire Protection Association, 2006 ed., 2006), except systems installed prior to Feb. 16, 2006, may comply with the provisions of Chapter 7 (“Acetylene Piping”) of NFPA 51A-2001 (“Standard for Acetylene Charging Plants”) (National Fire Protection Association, 2001 ed., 2001).
- Ensure that facilities, equipment, structures, or installations used to generate acetylene or to charge (fill) acetylene cylinders comply with the provisions of NFPA 51A-2006 (“Standard for Acetylene Charging Plants”) (National Fire Protection Association, 2006 ed., 2006), except for facilities constructed or installed prior to Feb. 16, 2006.
- Communicate hazard information through a hazard communication program.
- Ensure cylinders are properly marked.
- For welding applications, follow the requirements in 1910.253.
Caution
There are 11 different designations of powered industrial trucks, and each designation is suitable for use in certain locations and under specific conditions. However, workers must not use powered industrial trucks in atmospheres containing hazardous concentrations of acetylene. See 29 CFR 1910.178(c)(2)(i).