Transporting welding and cutting gases

Workers have died and sustained serious injuries after their work vehicles have exploded.

These explosions have occurred when gas from oxy-acetylene equipment or LP gas cylinders leaked into vehicles and formed an explosive fuel and air mixture. This mixture has then been ignited by a spark from the vehicle electrical system such as remote locking systems or interior lights or the lighing of a cigarette. Any fire will burn faster with a ready supply of oxygen.

The risk of gas regulators being hit during transport is real. Potentially deadly consequences include rocketing cylinders. Unsecured cylinders pose a risk.

Enclosed trade vans

The following precautions will reduce the risk of an explosion:

• install a gas cabinet
• ensure the gas cabinet is securely mounted with a vapour-tight seal on the door and around the vent pipe
• ensure the gas cabinet is sealed and ventilated to outside air
• secure the cylinders
• remove regulators
• close cylinder valves
• tighten safety caps
• securely seal cabinet door before transport
• don't smoke
• remove cylinders from the van before use
• carry a fire extinguisher.

Utilities and open-tray vehicles

The following precautions will reduce the risk of an explosion or the cylinder becoming a projectile:

• ensure gas bottles are secured in an upright position on the back of the utility or tray top
• remove regulators
• close cylinder valves
• tighten safety caps
• don't smoke
• don't cover with a tarpaulin
• remove cylinders from the vehicle before use
• carry a fire extinguisher.