The gas equipment’s quality is crucial for safety, welding result and productivity. Good gas equipment also means that the working environment and personal safety are appreciably improved.
Back-flash arrestor SAFE-GUARD-4
According to the Swedish National Board of Occupational Safety, and the corresponding authorities in Denmark and Norway, an approved back-flash arrestor shall be used on each regulator and outlet point for acetylene. In Finland there is a requirement for a back-flash arrestor for both acetylene and oxygen. A back-flash arrestor should also be used for propane. Since oxygen increases the combustion rate, a back-flash arrestor should also be fitted on the oxygen regulator. SAFE-GUARD-4 is constructed in accordance with EN730.
SAFE-GUARD-4 has four safety functions:
- Preventing backward flow.
- Stopping and extinguishing constant back-flash.
- Cutting off the gas supply upon constant back-flash.
- Cutting off the gas supply upon over-heating (95 °C).
SAFE-GUARD-4 displays a green marking when it is open and in use. In the event of a back-flash, the green marking disappears. Resetting is through lifting the cover on the back-flash arrestor whereupon the green marking is again revealed, indicating that the back-flash arrestor is open. SAFE-GUARD-4 is intended for fitting on gas cylinder regulators or on the outlet point in the gas supply system. The back-flash arrestor’s barring and protective functions shall be tested every 24 months in accordance with SÄIFS 1998:7; the testing should be carried out externally at a certified workshop.
Non-return valves BV 12
For increased safety in the use of oxygen/fuel gas processes, AGA has developed non-return valves that are built into the hose-coupling nipples. The non-return valves allow the gas to flow in one direction only. This prevents the gas from flowing back through the hose and forming a potentially explosive gas mixture. This eliminates the risk of hose explosion upon lighting a burner as a result of gas flowing back. BV 12 has a low weight and does not prevent work with gas weld and/or gas burners. The pressure drop in the non-return valve is insignificant. BV 12 can be used up to 16 bar and in the temperature range of -30 °C to 50 °C. The non-return valve is marked with gas type, through-flow direction, maximum working pressure and manufacturer.
According to the Swedish National Board of Occupational Safety’s regulations AFS 1989:1 § 17 "Weld burners shall, when welding and cutting, have a non-return valve between the weld handle and hose for both fuel gas and oxygen. The same requirements are imposed by the Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority in accordance with AT 448 S7. Since the non-return valve is a part of the safety equipment AGA recommends that it is checked at least every 6 months.
NB! The non-return valve does not replace the back-flash arrestor.
Fire protection gloves
Fire protection gloves shall always be placed in an easily visible position adjacent to the place for gas cylinders. Our fire protection gloves meet the requirements of CE 96 0403 EN 407.