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How is Safety Ensured in Oxy Fuel Cutting in Houston?
How is Safety Ensured in Oxy Fuel Cutting in Houston?
Performing oxy fuel cutting on metal plates exposes the body of the operator to several kinds of injuries. These injuries can be the result of misappropriation of oxy fuel cutting tools, lack of maintenance, not following safety procedures and several other reasons.
Luckily, Houston’s oxy fuel cutting service providers, such as Apache Steel Works, are highly experienced at dealing with these issues. So, let us look at how safety is ensured in oxy fuel cutting in Houston.

What is Done to Ensure Safety During Oxy Fuel Cutting
Inspection of Oxy Fuel Cutting Tools
The first thing an oxy fuel cutting operator does is inspect all the tools available for the job. This is important as any tools that show signs of breaking down during the process can easily cause serious harm to the operator. Inspecting the torch and its hoses, gas cylinders, pressure regulators, safety equipment, and other aspects is crucial for safety.
Once the inspection is complete, the oxy fuel cutting expert will start to assemble all the usable equipment and fit each part tightly in their right place. Finally, before beginning, the connections of each material will also get examined to ensure that no issues occur during oxy fuel cutting.
Preparing the Work Environment
After ensuring that the equipment for oxy fuel cutting is ready for use, the operator will start to optimize the work environment. Oxy fuel cutting must be performed in areas where there is good ventilation and is located away from any heat source. Good ventilation allows all the gases produced during oxy fuel cutting to escape the facility.
Heat sources pose a risk of explosion and fires as fuel can become ignited if any sources are present near the site of oxy fuel cutting.
Wear Safety Gear
It should surprise no one wearing safety gear is a necessity during oxy fuel cutting in Houston. Oxy fuel cutting involves producing a flame of intense heat level. This heat can easily burn through the skin of the operator which is very dangerous. These flames also produce extremely bright light which can blind an operator.
Wearing safety gloves and a shield mask helps to prevent any direct contact between the body of an operator and the flame of the torch.
Being Aware of Signs of Damage
During the oxy fuel cutting process, the only noise that should be audible to the operator must be the sound of the flame coming from the torch. However, if the torch suddenly starts to generate sparks along with a hissing sound, this is a sign of something getting damaged within the torch.
Staying alert for such early signs can help to prevent disasters during oxy fuel cutting in Houston.
Post Procedure Steps
Once oxy fuel cutting has been completed, the operators will start to store every equipment back in its proper place. This includes storing both the oxygen and fuel gas separately and in a well-ventilated area. The tools are also stored in proper storage facilities where they are not exposed to natural elements.
If you are looking for a safe oxy fuel cutting service in Houston, contact Apache Steel Works today.