PHOTO SHOWS → DANGEROUS WELDING SETUP
Mixed oxygen & fuel, no chains, hoses on floor → Explosion, trip, and fire hazard
What You Are Looking At
• Portable welding cart (blue Miller welder) with oxygen (green) and acetylene (red) cylinders
• Additional cylinders along wall, some on hand trucks
• Hoses, regulators, torches, and cords throughout work area
Why This Is a Serious Concern
• Oxygen + fuel stored together without 20 ft separation or fire-rated barrier → major flash-fire/explosion risk (OSHA)
• Unsecured cylinders can fall and shear valves → “rocket” effect / violent gas release (OSHA)
• Hoses/cords on floor → trip hazard + hose damage/ignition risk (OSHA)
• Frequent cause of welding-shop fires & OSHA citations (SafeCon)
Good Condition (Acceptable)
• Cylinders secured upright with two-point chain/strap restraints (upper and lower areas)
– Stanford EHS
• Oxygen and fuel separated by ≥20 ft or a 5-ft, ½-hour fire-rated barrier (OSHA)
• Clear placards: OXYGEN – OXIDIZER / ACETYLENE – FLAMMABLE GAS (OSHA)
• Hoses/cords elevated or protected (OSHA)
• Hydrostatic test dates visible; correct regulators in use (OSHA)
Fix Needed – HIGH PRIORITY (Immediate Hazard)
• Oxygen + fuel cylinders stored together without required separation (OSHA)
• Cylinders not chained/secured (UC Irvine EHS)
• Hoses/cords on floor or damaged (OSHA)
• Missing placards, clutter, or overdue hydrostatic test (OSHA)
Corrective Actions & Recommendations
Immediate
• Separate oxygen & acetylene by 20 ft OR install a 5-ft, ½-hour fire-rated barrier (OSHA)
• Secure each cylinder upright with two-point chain/strap restraints (UC Irvine EHS)
• Close valves & replace protective caps when cylinders are not in use (OSHA)
Within 7 days
• Elevate or protect hoses/cords
• Install NFPA/OSHA placards
• Clear area, verify hydrostatic test dates
• Remove or tag-out damaged regulators/hoses (OSHA)
Ongoing
• Conduct monthly inspections
• Maintain hot-work permit program
• Keep portable ABC extinguisher readily available
• Follow NFPA 51B fire-watch rules (typically 1-hour post-hot-work)
Report Wording Suggestions
“Good” – “Cylinders secured, oxygen/fuel separated >20 ft (or fire-rated barrier in place), hoses elevated, area clean, placards current, hydrostatic dates verified.” (OSHA)
“Fix Needed – HIGH RISK” –
“Oxygen and acetylene cylinders stored together and unsecured; hoses on floor. Immediate explosion/fire hazard. Separate gases by 20 ft or fire-rated barrier today, secure cylinders with two-point restraints, elevate hoses, add placards, and verify hydrostatic dates per OSHA 1910.253 / 1926.350 & NFPA 51/51B.”
LCA Certified Inspector Motto
“Separate it. Chain it. Clear it. Rec it.”
Disclosure
This card summarizes commonly accepted safety practices for welding gas cylinder setup. Requirements may vary depending on the specific gases used, equipment type, and workplace safety policies. Always follow current OSHA regulations, applicable fire codes, and manufacturer instructions, and verify final procedures with your site safety authority.© 2026 SpotRisk, Inc.