We have at our sites that use this equipment. I guess its down to your risk assessment?

Oxy fuel welding a cutting equipment has come a long way over the past fifty years. The equipment is much safer than at any time in its history. Having said this it is still dangerous. As Ian has stated the British Compressed Gases Association offers a lot of literature on this matter. The answer is primarily yes although you should be aware that most modern welding and cutting totches do tend to act as a flash back arrestor in their own right. Another area that would be worth your consideration is the lease lend schemes offered by the major gas suppliers. Here all of your equipment is technically replaced for free including regulators and hoses etc. They then go back to the manufacturers workshop and are completely rebuilt, tested and returned to service. Not necessarily with you. One advantage of this it removes the need for maintenance departments to make inappropriate repairs such as jubilee clips in stead of crimped joints at the end of the hoses. A common cause of leaks and subsequent fires.Hope this helps have a look at the BOC website for more details. Not sure if any of the other manufacturers run a similar scheme. The danger of course is small contractors who may not be aware of such a scheme.