Acetylene is a flammable gas, widely used for welding, cutting and other allied purposes. Other flammable gases, for example, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which includes propane, are also frequently used for similar purposes.
However, these other gases have quite different properties. Due to the different properties, each gas requires a specific design of gas regulator that has been manufactured from materials compatible with, and type tested for use with, that gas. LPG regulators are not compatible with acetylene, and vice versa.
The use of an unsuitable regulator for acetylene can cause an explosion. This may be due to incorrect pressure or incompatible materials.
This Safety Alert, which has been issued by the British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA), highlights the safety and legislative issues of using an unsuitable regulator for acetylene. It highlights that the Acetylene Safety (England and Wales and Scotland) Regulations 2014 make it a legal requirement to fit components, including regulators, which are specifically designed and constructed for use with compressed acetylene.
It is available here.
British Compressed Gases Association August 2021
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