- Keep equipment clean and in good condition. Do not use oil or grease or any substance containing oil or grease to clean the equipment.
- Inspect equipment daily before use. This is done by visual inspection and immersion in water (where possible) to detect cuts, cracks, dents, burnt and worn places. Such defects must be properly repaired before the equipment is used. Remember: never test for leaks with a naked flame.
- Faulty or leaking equipment which cannot be repaired on the job, i.e. leaking regulators or cutter must be sent for overhaul or condemned and taken out of service without delay and not used again until repaired.
- Ensure that hoses, while in use, are so arranged that they cannot be damaged by falling material, slag and rocks, wheels of passing cars or trolleys, stepped on by bystanders or cut on sharp edges
- Cylinders must be transported on standard trolleys. If these are not available make use of material cars or where transport is being done by hand, ensure the sufficient labour is employed to prevent bumping. This may damage the valve or damage or dent the walls of the cylinder, weakening the structure and can be the cause of a violent explosion.
- Cylinders may not be rolled or dragged along the floor or footwall.
- Always remove regulators and equipment before transporting cylinders.