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Maintenance and Use of Gas and Oxy Equipment

Date: 06-03-2024
Weldclass Academy

 

This article outlines recommended maintenance procedures and general use instructions for Weldclass gas and oxy-fuel equipment. Although this is written for the listed Weldclass equipment, many of these steps outline general best-practice that is applicable to other brands.

 

Maintenance Schedule For Gas and Oxy-Fuel Equipment

The following maintenance schedule aligns with the requirements of AS 4839-2001 The Safe Use of Portable and Mobile Oxy-fuel Gas Systems for Welding, Cutting, Heating and Allied Processes. 

Equipment

Maintenance
Weekly As nominated Refurbishment
Gas Regulators Visual examination to
determine suitability for
service, checking for:
  • Any signs of damage
  • Condition of threads & sealing surfaces
  • Any evidence of oil or grease contamination
Leak test all joints & connections at
working pressure.		 Six monthly:
Functional tests to ensure correct operation of internal components.		 Manufacturer or supplier
recommendation, but not
exceeding five years.*
Flashback Arrestors Visual examination to
determine suitability for
service (e.g. gas,
pressure rating, damage);
condition of threads and
sealing surfaces; and oil
or grease contamination.
Leak test all joints at
working pressure.		 Yearly as detailed in AS 4603 or following a flashback:
Proper functioning of non-return valves		 Not
exceeding five years
Hose assemblies Visual examination to
determine suitability for
service (e.g. gas,
pressure rating, damage);
condition of cover; and
threads and sealing
surfaces of the end
fittings.
Leak test all joints at
working pressure.		 Six monthly:
Check for absence of
cuts and excessive wear
by bending the hose in a
tight radius, to ensure
reinforcement is not
visible.		 Determined by the hose
assembly condition.
4. Blowpipes, mixers
and attachments		 Visual examination for
damage of the threads
and sealing surfaces of
the hose connections and
the attachment
connections.
Leak test all joints at
working pressure.		 Six monthly:
Test control valve
function. Blank the
attachment connection
and leak test for internal
malfunction.		 Manufacturer or supplier
recommendation, but not
exceeding five years.*

 * Regulator elastomers and seals will wear and deteriorate in service and deteriorate out of service. Items stored for one year or over without use should receive inspection as per the annual maintenance inspection.

   

General Instructions and Guidelines


⚠️ Safety Guidelines

  • Operate the torch system using proper procedures to ensure safety and reliability.
  • Wear protective gear and keep hair and loose clothing away from flames.
  • Check for leaks at all joints before each use using leak detection fluid or soapy water — never use fire.
  • Use flashback arrestors at both ends of the hose. If a flashback occurs, shut off valves immediately and inspect for damage.
  • Only trained professionals should repair or modify the equipment.  

Tags
Gas & Oxy Equipment