Safer use of acetylene

Every year, fire and rescue services attend hundreds of fires and incidents involving acetylene cylinders.    
If a cylinder is involved in fire, the risk of explosion can last for up to 24 hours after the fire has been extinguished.

If a cylinder explodes it can cause:

  • Travelling fireballs
  • Projectile hazards
  • Structural damage to near by buildings
  • Death and injuries

Impact on the community and business

Any fire involving acetylene will cause severe disruption.

This could involve a 200 metre radius hazard zone, for up to 24 hours, meaning:

  • People will have to leave their homes
  • Businesses will have to close
  • Roads closed, including motorways
  • Rail services suspended
  • Schools and hospitals closed and evacuated

The law

Businesses, including those that use acetylene, are required to comply with key laws that include:

Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002

This requires businesses to assess the risks of work activities with dangerous substances and to eliminate, substitute, or reduce the risks as far as reasonably practical.

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (FSO) 2005

This requires a responsible person (typically the business owner) to carry out a fire risk assessment.

The assessment should take account of the impact that a fire involving a cylinder might have on surrounding premises and people.

The Order became law on 1 October 2006.

In addition, your insurance company may require you to inform them if you use acetylene on your premises.


Emergency procedures 

Include the following points in your emergency plan:

  • If safe to do so, remove acetylene cylinders whilst evacuating
  • Store only what is required and not in bulk
  • Store securely outside when the building is not occupied
  • If used inside a building, ensure the trolley is close to an exit
  • Keep plans of the location of acetylene cylinders
  • Train staff on what to do in the event of fire

Alternatives 

Some welding or cutting jobs can be done without the use of acetylene:

  • Arc welding (electric)
  • Oxy-propane
  • Tungsten inert gas welding (TIG)
  • Metal inert gas welding (MIG)
  • Mechanical cutting
  • Use of a sub-contractor for welding activities

Safe storage and use of acetylene 

If you need to use acetylene you should:

  • Carry out a risk assessment (FSO and DSEAR)
  • Inform the local fire and rescue service (acetylene is classified as a dangerous substance)
  • Store in accordance with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance
  • Ensure cylinders are stored in the upright position
  • Store cylinders in a well ventilated area away from heat sources, flammables and corrosive oils/materials
  • Always use the correct personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Ensure flashback arrestors are fitted
  • Read and understand the safety data sheets

Returning acetylene cylinders

Contact your supplier – they should remove it for free
The details can normally be found on the shoulder of the cylinder
Advice on disposal can be obtained from your supplier

Useful contacts

British Compressed Gases Association

Health and Safety Executive