Afternoon all... As in the title, can anyone advise as to what the specific guidance/legislation is for the maintenance of these? Before anyone jumps in with the standard PUWER answer :), let me set out what I know already... Firstly, DSEAR (Schedule 1 - General Safety Measures): http://www.legislation.g...002/2776/schedule/1/made 4. Maintaining work processes in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair. Hmmm.... a bit vague there, methinks. No problem, let's try PUWER (yes, I know, it's always good for a laugh). PUWER: http://www.legislation.g...8/2306/regulation/5/made 5.—(1) Every employer shall ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair. Yup, as suspected, hopeless... How about trying the well-known and respected welding company, Murex? Murex: http://tinyurl.com/3xlyld8 "In response to the need for industry safety, the British Compressed Gases Association recommended in their Code of Practice 7 that Regulators and Flashback Arrestors be replaced or refurbished after 5 years in service or manufacturers recommendation. This is an excellent recommendation and has been widely adopted by industry." Aha! Getting somewhere now... Unfortunately I don't have a copy of that particular ACoP (about the only one I don't have). So... reading between the lines, it seems that there is no requirement to inspect flashback arresters specifically, but rather they come under the general provisions of PUWER and DSEAR. The only specific guidance appears to be "bin it after 5 years". Anyone got anything to add? Cheers, Jack Orion

Jack, I would suggest that you adopt the BCGA 5 year replacement regime for the arrestors, you may need to expand this to also include any regulators you may be using, a scheme of inspection should be in place for regular checks and recording of all gas equipment, including fixed pipework. I would be very concerned if I was using refurbished arrestors, essentially I see them as a throwaway item. Please note that arrestors and regulators should be date stamped, one with a use until date and one with a use from date, but alas I cannot remember which is which!!!! Best of Luck Nick