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Posted By James Perry
All
We have a need to flame cut an internal skin of one of our boilers, i.e. confined space entry. Could anyone provide information on (or point towards) the risks associated with using an oxyacetylene torch within a confined space? Particularly fume and depletion of Oxygen.
The boiler is vented (although not forced) through entry port and flue creating a natural chimney effect.
Thank you in anticipation.
Jim
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Posted By TBC
I'm no expert and it has been a long time since I was involved in confined space work, but I would suggest at least force ventilation or extraction with atmosphere checks taken before starting. What was in the vessle anyway?
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Posted By Steven Thomas.
It will need constant monitoring during the task and not forgeting hot works.
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Posted By TBC
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg258.pdf
This is a free download leaflet - you may have it already.
The other HSE link to The Confined Spaces Regulation 1997 doesn't seem to be working at the moment.
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Posted By Frank Hallett
Unless you have the competence to undertake the full CS RA and your Operatives are suitably trained in CS work - you should be very wary about proceeding.
Frank Hallett
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Posted By Chris Pope
You can still buy the report into the Accident caused by oxygen leakage on HMS Glasgow in the 70s which killed 8 men, HSE books about £3 - worth a read.
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Posted By Ron Hunter
beware asbestos interlinings!
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Posted By Mark Eden
Although confined space requirements apply why use oxy-acetylene. A plasma arc cutter would be a much safer bet along with a forced vetilation system as well.
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Posted By Eric Taylor
You could always try a 110V Grinder? With the proper cutting wheel, it'll take a lot less time than the hassle you are going to get using the Gas Axe
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Posted By Robert K Lewis
Just as a thought - Could you cut through the outer skin and then the inner in preference to having to undertake confined space work for this activity?
The other problem touched on is that of oxygen enrichment as alluded to in one response to the Swann Hunter case. If the boiler is large enough there is a tendency to bring the cylinders inside for ease. There is also a belief that you can "sweeten" the air with a quick oxygen blast!! Other cutting methods have real advantages in places like this.
Bob
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Posted By Helen C
I agree with the above, try to either do the job without going in to the confined space or find a safer way.
However, as is often the case, you may have to go in.
Beware risk of; flammables from leaking cylinders, high oxygen from leaking cylinders (especially if cylinders/hoses are left in overnight), CO from burning without the O2 on and CO2 when it is on, low O2 from burning and displacement due to CO2.
Give me a call if you need any help on site......
Helen (Consultant from Confined Spaces Training Services)
01925 244144
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Posted By leyton
Do not leave hoses or cylinders in the confined space overnight.
Acetylene is lighter that air so ventilation should be available in the top of the boiler for ny build up to escape.
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Posted By John Murgatroyd
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg297.pdf
http://www.hse.gov.uk/fod/infodocs/668_22.pdf
These are two documents you should read.
I WOULD NOT go into a confined space to gas cut at all.
Apart from the risk from fuel gases, there is also the risk from the oxygen enhanced atmosphere. The cutting gas stream is not burnt and is released directly back to the atmosphere, clothing will readily burn with EXTREME ferocity in an oxy enhanced atmoshphere. Especially as most people wear artificial fibre clothing.
I won't even go into the instability of acetylene and its ability to readily breakdown into carbon and hydrogen....much.
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