Acetylene

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.

Regulatory citations

• 29 CFR 1910.102 — Acetylene
• 29 CFR 1910.253 — Oxygen-fuel gas welding and cutting

Key definitions

• Department of Transportation (DOT): The government agency that prescribes requirements for design and marking of cylinders used in transport.
• Compressed Gas Association (CGA): OSHA references CGA pamphlets for most common acetylene requirements.
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): 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.