Slightly odd question but need some expertise here. Not of a welding / fabrication background but I’ve always been led to believe that flexible welding gas hoses should crimped clipped to regulators and not jubilee clipped. I pulled our contractor recently when I found a host of Argon bottles that were jubilee clipped and the contractor is now asking for dispensation to use jubilee clips on Argon bottle only, their theory being Argon is inert….. Now we are all aware of the leakage risk and Argon in CFE etc but discussions with our structural welding chap he couldn’t come up with a reason to support the use of crimps on all welding gases other than jubilee clips may be subject to wear and therefore slippage. Two questions. Why are crimps preferred over jubilee clips ? And Should I be insisting that all welding gases including Argon be crimped ? and if not why not ? source of reference ? to back this up There is nothing in the RA either so we’ll need to update that when we find an answer. Over to you welding type experts, Thanks in advance Rgs Ian

Hi, As I understand it jubilee clips are liable leak and damage the hose: http://www.hse.gov.uk/no...p?SF=CN&SV=302319841 Regards Steve

Many thanks - will get into 139. Thanks and Best Wishes Ian

Ian, Your original instinct was absolutely correct. Many an accident has occurred due to gas leakage as a jubilee clip can not be attached to guarentee adequate weight on the screw of the jubilee clip to make a gas tight seal. Yes it is best practice to insist on crimps for all welding and cutting gases, with Argon in mind their is no guarentee that escaping gases that are heavier than air will not fall into a confined space or similar area. Visit the British Compressed Gases Association web site long standing guidance is available. Also refer the contractor to the BOC share exchange scheme eg new for old on everything from regulators to perished hoses. These days their is no reason to have damaged equipment or make own repairs. The costs are reasonable especially when you have seen some of the equipment that they have accepted in order to get it off the streets and properly refurbuished. Incidentally I do not work for the company but I have used the service, not sure if any of the other gas suppliers provide a similar service.