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WELDING, CUTTING, AND BRAZING |
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Compressed Gases - Introduction |
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Many welding and cutting operations require the use of compressed gases. To
understand these hazards, we must understand that compressed gases are stores of potential
energy. It takes energy to compress and confine the gas. That energy is stored until
purposely released to perform useful work or until accidentally released by container
failure or other causes. Some compressed gases, acetylene for example, have high flammability characteristics. Flammable compressed gases, therefore, have additional stored energy besides simple compression-release energy. Other compressed gases, such as nitrogen, have simple asphyxiating properties. Some compressed gases, such as oxygen, can augment or compound fire hazards. |
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