Changes to acetylene regulations

Until now, the use of a flashback arrestor with oxy-fuel gas systems was covered by best practice, but was not a legal requirement. With the new regulations, however, a flashback arrestor with a non-return device is becoming a mandatory requirement when using acetylene gas in individual portable, mobile cylinder supply or manifold systems and those who are 'duty holders', or owners of a workplace which uses acetylene gas, are required to ensure that the appropriate device is fitted to an acetylene system.

Today, oxy-fuel gas systems using acetylene are widely used for welding and cutting operations. To assist companies and individuals to comply with the new requirement, ESAB offers a range of flashback arrestors that carry full HSE acetylene approval and are wholly suitable for use with UK oxy-fuel gas systems. 

For example, the ESAB FRT series of in-line flashback arrestors have the specifications required by the regulation change. The resettable ESAB FR1000 & FR2000 series offer more safety features than the FRT as well as angled connections to reduce the potential damage from hose strain.