Hose check valves and flashback arrestors are important safety devices for oxy-fuel equipment. Hose check valves prevent gases from flowing back but do not stop a receding flame, so flashback arrestors must also be used. Flashback arrestors contain a flame-arresting element that extinguishes any flames and automatically shuts off the gas flow. Flashback arrestors should be fitted to all fuel gas and oxygen lines when used with fuel gases.

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Oxy-Gas Equipment
Never use regulators, hoses, cylinders or torches or any other oxy-fuel equipment if
Oil, grease or similar contaminants are present, or the equipment shows sign of damage.
Hoses
Use only hoses to British Standard BS5120 or the European Standard EN559:
blue for oxygen - red for acetylene - orange for propane/LPG - black for inert gases
Do not work with hoses wrapped around the cylinders, regulators or trolleys.
Protect hoses from excess heat, slag, oils, greases and mechanical damage. Your safety
may depend on the condition of the equipment you are using.
Always examine hoses for cracks, deterioration, damage and leaks before using.
Hose check valves
Flashback arrestors
Toolbox Talk
Hose check valves are designed to prevent the
gases from flowing back into the system.
They are not designed to stop a receding flame
and must not be used in place of flashback
arrestors.
The end of the hose without the hose check
valve should be connected to the flashback
arrestor using the correct spanner using only
reasonable force to tighten.
The hose check valve should be coupled to the
torch
A flashback arrestor is a device designed to prevent a flashback from
passing from the hose to the cylinder.
The flashback arrestor has a sintered flame-arresting element, which acts
to extinguish any flame coming into contact with it.
When incorporated with a cut-off valve it will automatically shut off the gas
flow, also a non-return valve to stop gas travelling in the wrong direction.
Flashback arrestors should be fitted to all fuel gas supply lines and to
oxygen supply lines when they are used in conjunction with fuel gases.