safety inspections and checks

Understanding Gases and the Technical Requirements of Reticulated Pipelines

The majority of people don’t understand how gases and gas equipment work together, this can have catastrophic consequences if a reticulated system is engineered incorrectly, sadly this has occurred in the not too far distant past causing both severe injury and death.

Reticulated Pipeline Safety Inspections and Checks

Gas manifold and pipeline equipment must be inspected periodically every six and twelve months to ensure the different components are operating correctly, meet all of the relevant standards, and are safe to use.

Note: Due to the lack of a dedicated standard for the majority of inert and other gases, AS 4289 is used as a guide in regard to pressure relief, design, installation, testing and storage of all other gases, except beverage gases as they have a dedicated standard (AS 5034) to follow.

AS 4289 6.3.1 Six-monthly maintenance

As part of the six-monthly inspection and maintenance on oxy-fuel gas reticulated systems, there is a requirement for visual inspection and leak testing.

AS 4289 6.3.2 Twelve-monthly maintenance

Leak testing of all piping at the designated working pressure shall be carried out at intervals no greater than twelve-months.

AS 4289 6.3.3 Records of maintenance

Records of maintenance shall be retained for not less than two (2) years

List of equipment and what we are looking at during periodic inspection and checks

Regulators - Age, Condition, Gauges, Leaks, Proper Function, Compliance to AS 4267
Flashback Arrestors - Age, Brand, Flow Through, Reverse Flow, Leak Tightness, Labeling, Condition, Compliance to AS 4603
High Pressure Hoses - Age, Damage , Condition, Gas Compatibility
Valves and Glands - Leaks, Condition, Function, Ease of Operation, Accessibility in an Emergency
Safety Devices - Leaks, Condition, Unauthorized Interference
Changes in the Vicinity of the Installation - Heat Sources, Moving Machinery, Use as an Electrical Conductor
Piping - Rust or Corrosion, Condition, Function, Pressure Test, Colour, Gas Type Name Tags
Proximity To - Combustible Materials, Electrical Installations, Other Piping Systems
Gas Storage - Compliance to Work Cover Regulations, Compliance to AS 4332, Fire Hazards, Location of Water and Fire Extinguishers, Gas Classification, Hazard and Warning Signs
Outlet Points - Safety compliance, function, correct equipment, flashback arrestors, regulators, flow meters

Finding solutions to improve safety, efficiency, productivity, quality and decrease costs

A number of times while walking through a factory or gas installation, we have observed a problem with a gas system the customer didn’t even know they had.

By maximizing gas system efficiencies and effectively controlling gas pressures, leak points, and excessive gas flows, you could potently save many thousands of dollars a year.

Having the correct gas flows when welding, is critical in reducing weld defects, saving gas and reducing expensive rework.

A number of times we have come across reticulated pipeline systems that have been installed by a local contractor or plumber. All with the best intensions, but sadly without the technical knowledge to ensure the equipment and materials used meet the relevant standards, or are compatible with the particular gas in use.

Once while inspecting the gas supply systems at a school I have found an acetylene pipeline system that was a ticking time bomb with the potential for severe injury or death.

Simply using the wrong type, or old outdated equipment can so easily cause weld defects or be potentially dangerous to people using gas equipment.

The equipment pictured shows some of the things we find from time to time.

Meet your OH&S requirements and make sure you’re getting the most from your gases

Have Oxyset Services inspect and check your gas equipment today.

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