Prior to the actual operating of the equipment the following precautions must be taken.
- Under no circumstances may oxy-acetylene equipment be used for cutting or welding operations unless it is in through ventilation. If in doubt, the Environmental Control Department must be consulted before proceeding with such operations.
- Inspect hanging for loose rocks that may fall and damage equipment or which may cause bodily injury.
- Remove all waste, papers and timber, which may burn for at least 5 metres around the area where the torch will be used.
- Examine the area, pipes, or other objects to be worked on for the presence of explosives of flammable material around, under or inside them.
- The cylinders must be kept clear of electrical equipment or live wires.
– The acetylene cylinder must be in an upright position during operation or where this is not possible at as steep an angle as practical possible, BUT not less than 15°, as acetylene is in liquid form in the cylinder.
– The cylinder must be kept away from sparks, flames and welding and cutting operations. Cylinders must not be used to support the work being done.
The person who uses the equipment must assemble the equipment to ensure his own safety.
- Ensure that no oil or grease is present in containers, on the sidewalls or footwall or the object to be worked on.
- Oil and grease will react violently when brought into contact with oxygen and can ignite or even explode.
- If there is timber in the vicinity which cannot be removed, wet this timber thoroughly first.
- Before commencing work water the area down.
- A valid fire extinguisher must be on hand at all times.
- After cutting or welding has been completed the area should be inspected thoroughly for any sign of smouldering material.
- Flame cutting of cadmium or zinc-plated bolts or other items is lethal.
Surface workshops:
Any operation involving the release of cadmium fumes (welding, silver brazing, and thermal cutting) may not be carried out without the use of effective local exhaust ventilation system and/or respiratory protective devices. The responsible Engineer must approve safety precautions, before work may commence.
Underground:
Under no circumstances may cadmium plated bolts be welded, flame cut or brazed underground.
NOTE: All plated bolts, nuts and other materials must be considered potentially dangerous and treated as for cadmium plated.
In addition to the precautions prescribed for the prevention of fire during welding or flame cutting operations in a shaft or winze, no welding or flame cutting operations shall be commenced or carried out in workings unless:-
- A full 20 litre water container must be available at the site of the operations.
- A fire extinguisher with a seal still in order is available at all times in addition to water.
- After completion of work, and if available, vertical shaft sprays must be opened for at least 30 min
- A slag drip tray or shovel must be available to catch slag to prevent hot slag falling down the shaft.