Marine Engineering Study Materials

Precautions in Storage and Handling

Acetylene cylinders should always be stored in a specifically assigned storage location and never lashed to handrails or inside accommodation spaces. Other precautions include;

• Store vertically (not horizontally) in a dry and well ventilated area at temperatures below 35 degree Celsius more than 6 meters from oxygen cylinders.
• Use the cylinders in the order received from the supplier.
• Except when the cylinders are actually in use, keep cylinder valves closed and use valve protection caps even when empty.
• Store empty and full cylinders separately.
• Post conspicuous signs forbidding smoking or open flames.
• Protect acetylene cylinders from sea water, accumulations of ice or snow, and screen them from continuous direct rays of the sun.
• Avoid dropping a cylinder or subjecting it to abnormal shock.
• Check cylinder contents by weight, by using the factor of 0.92 m³ / kg and not by pressure.
• Never attempt to repair or alter cylinders or valves.
• Never attempt to transfer acetylene from a cylinder.
• Never use acetylene cylinders for any purpose other than as acetylene cylinders.
• Avoid handling electric welding equipment where acetylene cylinders may come into contact with the welding apparatus or electrical circuits.
• When moving acetylene cylinders, avoid abnormal shocks.
• Ensure all valves are closed before cylinders are moved.
• When loading or offloading acetylene cylinders use a platform, cargo, cradle or net.
• Never drag the cylinders, which must be carried upright.