OSHA Releases Final Rule for Acetylene Storage Requirements

On November 9th 2009, the revised OSHA standard for acetylene will take effect; but for many in the industry the new revision comes as no surprise.  Although it is important to note that companies had until September 10th 2009 to object to the new standard by showing how these changes would present a hardship to their business.  However, since the revision is mainly designed to update outdated references and bring rules up to current industry standards, no strong opposition was expected.

Much of the revision is dedicated to increasing understanding and conformity in the industry, by incorporating plain language, referencing documents that are currently in use and easily obtained, and providing measurements from the International System of Units.

Here are a few things you need to know about the new standard.

* For cylinders, the previous standard referenced the 1966 edition of the Compressed Gas Association’s section on acetylene, while the revision references their 2003 guidelines.

* Although the new revision only advises against transporting in automobiles, it specifically prohibits storing acetylene cylinders in confined spaces, such as unventilated cabinets, closets, and drawers.
* While the old standard recommended a flow rate of 1/7 of the cylinder capacity regardless of the duration of use, the revision has advises a flow rate of 1/10 per hour for intermittent use and 1/15 for continuous use.
* Language has been added in the new standard to draw attention to the possibility of mechanical shock due to the use of cylinders that are not equipped with protective caps or guards.
* It is recommended that acetylene cylinders valves are not opened without a regulator and flow restrictor.
* The new standard also suggests that the CGA connection is visually examined for signs of contamination and, that all contamination is removed before it is connected to the regulator.
* The revisions for piped systems and filling cylinders will either be the 2001 or 2006 edition of the National Fire Protection Association’s standard for these sections.
* The standard for your company will be determined by when the approval for construction or installation of the facilities and/or equipment used to create or charge acetylene was obtained.

For more information, and to insure that your company is in compliance, you should refer to the National Fire Protection Association’s standard for acetylene charging plants and the 2003 edition of the Compressed Gas Association’s standard for acetylene.