A flashback arrestor or flash arrestor is a gas safety device most commonly used in oxy-fuel welding and cutting to stop the flame or reverse flow of gas back up into the equipment or supply line. It protects the user and equipment from damage or explosions.
How do you use a flashback arrestor?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyb8JedcFng
Do torches have flashback arrestors built in?
For this reason, a flashback arrestor is the safest and preferred method of protection. There must be two arrestors or backflow devices. One on the fuel line and one on the oxygen line. Torches such as the Victor torch with a “C” in the model number have built-in backflow devices.24 Nov 1992
Are flashback arrestors necessary?
Because flashback happens too quickly for the gas to be turned off manually before damage occurs, it is essential to have flashback arresters on both gas hoses in all oxy. fuel welding, cutting or heating operations. When using atmospheric air with a fuel gas, an arrester need only be fitted to the handpiece.
Are flashback arrestors required by OSHA?
Why aren't flashback arrestors required by law or in the U.S. OSHA safety regulation? OSHA has cited employers for failure to use flashback arrestors under the broad federal regulation 29 CFR 1910.252, failure to recognize the responsibility to provide for the safe use of gas cutting and welding equipment.
Where are flashback arrestors required?
fuel welding, cutting or heating operations. The OSH regulations require flashback arresters be fitted to each end of the hoses when using pressurised oxygen with a fuel gas. When using atmospheric air with a fuel gas, an arrester need only be fitted to the handpiece.
Do you need a flashback arrestor for oxygen?
“Suitable safety devices to prevent reverse gas flow and to arrest a flashback must be installed on each hose in an Oxy-fuel system, between the torch and the regulator.”
Are flashback arrestors required?
4. Why aren't flashback arrestors required by law or in the U. S., OSHA safety regulation? Answer: OSHA has cited employers for failure to use flashback arrestors under the broad federal regulation 29 CFR 1910.252, failure to recognize the responsibility to provide for the safe use of gas cutting and welding equipment.26 Mar 2014
Why are flashback arrestors used on the acetylene torch?
When a flammable mixture of fuel gas and air or oxygen is present in a gas line upstream of a welding or cutting blowpipe, flame can flash back into the gas line, and there is the possibility of a serious accident. A flame or flashback arrestor is a safety device designed to stop a flame in its tracks.
Where should the flashback arrestors be installed on an oxygen acetylene torch?
To prevent flashbacks, flashback arrestors must be installed on the outlets of both regulators, and/or torch inlets.
What is flashback arrestor in a torch?
Flashback arrestors (FBA's) are commonly used safety devices that stop or impede the progress of a flame front upstream of the insertion point. Probably 90% of all FBA's used on oxy-fuel cutting and heating torches are designs which have sintered stainless steel elements.