Acetylene gas explosion
- Safety Flash
- Published on 19 March 2025
- Generated on 20 April 2026
- IMCA SF 05/25
- 2 minute read
There was a small explosion and fire when crew were working on an oxy-acetylene system.
What happened?
Two engineers were setting up a new oxygen and acetylene cylinder for testing. They installed a flash arrestor and hoses on the cylinder, ensuring they were free from oil and grease. One of the engineers opened the nozzles of the oxy-acetylene bottle, igniting flames at the nozzle tip. A small explosion occurred, followed by flames from the acetylene hose connection on the torch. The hoses burst within seconds, causing that worker to get burnt. The other engineer pulled the injured person to safety. The fire was extinguished using a dry powder fire extinguisher. The injured engineer suffered first-degree burns.
Showing equipment damaged (re-enactment)
Showing equipment damaged (re-enactment)
Showing equipment damaged (re-enactment)
Swipe to see images >
What went wrong?
- At the time of the incident, there was no Hot Work Permit in place.
- The person injured was wearing no proper PPE (welding apron, appropriate coveralls, or goggles).
What was the cause?
- The Oxygen/acetylene torch was not equipped with adequate flame or flashback arrestors.
- There had been excessive bending of the hoses which had led to a compromised flow of gas and increased risk or rupture under pressure.
- There was faulty equipment: The hose crimps on the cutting valve (acetylene) were faulty which led to the flashback occurring.
Lessons learned
- Fit flash arrestor to both the oxygen & acetylene gas hoses near to the regulators, for length hose, fit arrestor on both the torch and regulator.
- The fitting of a flashback arrester is not a substitute for safe working practices. After a flashback, carefully check for damage to the torch, hoses, regulators, flashback arrestor and other components, if found faulty replace the parts.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 21/16
10 August 2016
-
IMCA SF 25/19
28 October 2019
-
-
IMCA SF 02/14
20 February 2014
-
IMCA SF 08/14
4 June 2014
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.