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Flash Back Arrestors maintenance requirments
Rank: Forum user
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Hi all, I have an incident in one of my premises where a flash back arrestor failed to work correctly and this resulted with a sustained flash fire occurring on the valve of the oxyacetylene bottle.
I have asked the head of maintenance why the arrestor failed and what maintenance or testing he conducts on the arrestor. He has replied that the operative gives a visual inspection prior to use and that's about it.
My questions are the following, are there any methods to test the correct functioning of the flash back arrestor?
Would annual testing be recommended in the product specification/manual?
Thanks and best regards
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Rank: Super forum user
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UK standards as follows:-In accordance with the requirements of the British Compressed Gases Association Code of Practice 7 – Flashback arrestors should have all threads examined for damage or contaminants as well as the joints being tested at working pressure for leak tightness. They should also be tested annually to ensure they are still operating as designed by checking for leak tightness, non return and flow cut off function. Code of Practice 7 “Guidance on Maintenance” recommends that Flashback Arrestors are replaced after 5 years in service
US standards as follows:OSHA and ANSI Z49.1 2012* require that each and every flashback arrestor and check valve be tested and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions. Testing is usually required once per year, or more often in heavy duty or abusive applications. Failure to perform testing can result personal injury accidents, equipment damage, and heavy OSHA violations and fines.
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Rank: Super forum user
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If you wish to throw money down the drain by having the devices tested, or by purchasing "testers", go ahead.
It is almost certainly cheaper to replace them!
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Rank: Super forum user
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In any case, are you sure it was a flashback arrester, or a non-return valve? !
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Rank: Super forum user
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Flash Back Arrestors maintenance requirments
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