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Linde launches global initiative to improve safe handling of acetylene gas

Linde Gases, a division of The Linde Group, Munich, has launched a worldwide safety program to help improve the safe storage and transportation of acetylene cylinders by customers.

Packaged acetylene is commonly used for welding and cutting applications. When combined with oxygen, it can produce the hottest flame temperature of any fuel gas, but it also is highly flammable; when under pressure, such as in gas cylinders, acetylene and acetylene mixtures need to be transported, stored, and handled in a way that minimizes safety risks.

The two primary causes of acetylene accidents during transportation are the accumulation of gas through leakage overnight in an enclosed commercial vehicle and valves being knocked open when cylinders are not properly restrained and protected.

The company’s worldwide retail outlets now are fitting disposable plastic valve protection caps on unprotected acetylene cylinder valves and encouraging customers to restrain and ventilate cylinders properly in their vehicles. The company also will start a communication campaign on the hazards of improper transportation and storage and the ways to prevent accidents, delivered through retail and distribution centers and in letters sent to individual customers.

The company also will provide further acetylene safety training to all its customer-facing gas retailers and will work closely with trade associations and industry bodies to encourage maximum observance of the new safety guidelines.