Posted By safetybod We are currently trying to replace acetylene cylinders with those of oxypropane. The guys who work with them (welding) are not happy about this?! Can anyone offer any information to relay to these guys, as obviously such a replacement will (hopefully) have less risk attached with regard to storage/explosion etc

Posted By John Murgatroyd I fail to see any advantage from using propane instead of acetylene. Explosion risks from acetylene are low, and incidents are rare. Practically, almost the same risks attach to propane. Any cost advantage of using propane would involve using large tanks outside the workshop, if you do so much flame cutting that this is advantageous then I suggest you consider another way of cutting. If you are welding using acetylene and are thinking of changing to propane, then I am not surprised at the attitude of the welders. If you consider the risks from acetylene cylinders in direct contact with flame are higher than propane then I suggest you consider getting better advice. Used by suitably trained persons and with the necessary equipment and at the correct pressures acetylene is a safe fuel gas for welding and flame cutting.ie: flashback arresters and pressures lower than 1.5 bar to the torch. If you are allowing untrained people to use any welding gear, then you need even more help.