Acetylene cylinders are frequently used in welding and similar process, but the danger lies if they are carelessly used. The cylinders are required to be used with proper caution to reduce the significant risk of fire and explosion hazard. Also, what worries most is the limit of an explosion of acetylene which is regarded to be remarkably high since it can lead to a major explosion even with a small leak. The severity that is associated with acetylene is catastrophic regarding these factors since the explosion that might occur as a result of acetylene can lead to loss of property and even human causalities. This is the main reason to why caution is required especially during the transportation of acetylene cylinders. Also, acetylene is unstable, and thats why it is advisable to store it under a particular condition to reduce the risk of explosion (Special Hazards of Acetylene,2016).Nonetheless. Given the risk that acetylene poses, the probability of explosion incident to occur is rare. Individuals that frequently interact with acetylene and companies that regularly handle these cylinders are aware of the danger that they pose and hence they exercise precaution while handling the cylinders. This is the main reason why I have classified the probability of such hazard as probable since nobody can be sure on that such a danger can take place. The reason is, in spite of the fact that individuals do take precaution, an ignition might happen within a split of a second and go all the way to the storage cylinder and result in an explosion. Furthermore, the flammability nature of acetylene makes it easy to explore much easier(Special Hazards of Acetylene,2016).
The risk associated with the use of acetylene cylinders are high and it for such reason that the selected risk code for acetylene hazard is high. The gas is ranked among the top as the easiest gas to ignite, and studies have shown that energy from a static spark that can ignite acetylene is lower as compared to any other gas. It is estimated that the ignition energy of the gas in an open space is seventeen times than that of methane. For example, a static charge generated when someone walks across the carpet floor on a dry day can be 1700 times more than that is required to ignite acetylene gas (Health and Safety Executive, 2014).It is therefore essential to handle acetylene cylinders with many precautions due to risks associated with the gas. The use of acetylene cannot be overlooked and that why it continues to be used especially in mining industry hence, we should focus on taking precaution that reducing its usage. Even though users are aware of the risk associated with acetylene, it is more shocking that most people do not understand the unique characteristic(Health and Safety Executive, 2014).
The risk assessment that has been constructed addresses acetylene related explosions comprehensively especially those that are likely to be experienced at the workplace. By understanding how we should handle acetylene, it can serve to reduce fire or explosions at work places.
Risk analysis table
Severity Probability Risk Code
1 Catastrophic B Probable H High
References
Special Hazards of Acetylene (2016). In MSHA. Retrieved February 10, 2016, from http://www.msha.gov/alerts/hazardsofacetylene.htmHealth and Safety Executive (2014). Working safely with acetylene, retrieved from
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg327.pdf
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