CSLB C-36 Plumbing ContractorSafetyMedium
A plumbing contractor is using an oxy-acetylene torch for cutting and welding. Which of the following is NOT an acceptable safety practice for storing oxygen and acetylene cylinders?
- AStore cylinders in an area with adequate ventilation.
- BSeparate oxygen and acetylene cylinders by a minimum of 20 feet or by a non-combustible barrier at least 5 feet high.
- CStore cylinders vertically and secured with caps in place.
- DStore full and empty cylinders together to save space.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Store full and empty cylinders together to save space.
Storing full and empty cylinders together is not an acceptable practice. Empty cylinders should be clearly marked as 'empty' or 'MT' and stored separately from full cylinders to prevent confusion and ensure proper inventory management and safe handling.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Adequate ventilation is essential to dissipate any potential gas leaks, preventing hazardous accumulations.
- B. Separating oxygen and acetylene cylinders by 20 feet or a 5-foot non-combustible barrier is a critical safety requirement to prevent a co-incident explosion in case of a leak or fire.
- C. Storing cylinders vertically and secured with caps protects valves and prevents tipping, which is a correct safety practice.
Oxy-Acetylene Cylinder Storage
Safe storage practices for oxygen and acetylene cylinders to prevent leaks, explosions, and mishandling.
- Separate oxygen and fuel gas cylinders.
- Store vertically and secured with caps.
- Ventilate storage area.
- Separate full and empty cylinders.
Memory trick: Separate, secure, ventilate, segregate - that's the cylinder fate.