Subsea oxy-arc cutting – risk of explosion
- Safety Flash
- Published on 15 December 2010
- Generated on 24 February 2026
- IMCA SF 08/10
- 1 minute read
The International Association of Oil & Gas producers (OGP) has published the attached safety flash (OGP safety alert number 227), entitled Subsea oxyarc cutting – risk of explosion.
Recommendations
The safety flash recommends that double isolations that perform a complete break in both poles of the circuit should be used between the surface generator and the diver to form a more effective and dependable isolation.
Members are reminded that subsea oxy-arc cutting operations are addressed in IMCA D003 Guidelines for oxy-arc cutting, and IMCA D022 Guidance for diving supervisors– chapter 12, section 15.
Guidance contained within the diving supervisor’s manual includes that the knife switch should be mounted in such a way that it cannot fall or be knocked into the on position. Ideally it should be a double pole switch enclosed in a protective wood or plastic box with only the handle showing.
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