Checklist : Acetylene Generators for Welding

Acetylene generators produce acetylene, a welding gas for gas welding operation. It is highly combustible and explosive gas and must be handled with utmost care. Proper experience and maintenance of acetylene generators is essential to ensure safety of personnel and equipment. Here is a typical checklist for handling acetylene generators.

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1Is ample space provided around the generator for operation and maintenance?
2Are generators placed where water will not freeze, and is the use of sodium chloride to prevent freezing prohibited?
3Are portable generators located at a safe distance from the welding position?
4Are the walls, floors, and roofs of outside generator houses constructed of non-combustible materials?
5Are exit doors readily accessible in case of emergency?
6Are generators installed inside buildings enclosed in a separate room?
7Are the walls, partitions, floors, and ceilings of inside generator rooms of non-combustible construction with a fire-resistance rating of at least one hour?
8Are generator rooms or buildings well ventilated with vents located at floor and ceiling levels>
9Do generator rooms or buildings have natural light during daylight hours or artificial light restricted to electric lamps installed in a fixed position>
10Are operating instructions posted in a conspicuous place near the generator or available for ready reference?
11Is the generator room electrically wired in accordance with (hazardous locations)?
12Do you ensure that the water-carbide residue mixture drained from the generator is not discharged into sewer pipes or stored in areas near open flames?
13Do you ensure that calcium carbide is kept in metal packages strong enough to prevent rupture?
14Are the packages marked “Calcium Carbide – Dangerous If Not Kept Dry”?
15Do you ensure that the calcium carbide stored indoors does not exceed 600 pounds and that the storage area is dry, waterproof and well ventilated?
16Are carbide containers that are stored outside periodically examined for conditions that could affect water or air tightness?