d.
Avoid long runs to prevent kinks and abuse. Suspend hose off ground to keep it from being run over,
stepped on, or otherwise damaged.
e.
Coil excess hose to prevent kinks and tangles.
f.
Protect hose from damage by sharp edges, and by sparks, slag, and open flame.
g.
Examine hose regularly for leaks, wear, and loose connections. Immerse pressured hose in water;
bubbles indicate leaks.
h.
Repair leaky or worn hose by cutting area out and splicing (1-2D3). Do NOT use tape.
4-2.4.4.
Proper Connections.
a.
Clean cylinder valve outlet of impurities that may clog orifices and damage seats before connecting
regulator. Except for hydrogen, crack valve momentarily, pointing outlet away from people and sources
of ignition. Wipe with a clean lintless cloth.
b.
Match regulator to cylinder. Before connecting, check that the regulator label and cylinder marking
agree, and that the regulator inlet and cylinder outlet match. NEVER CONNECT a regulator designed
for a particular gas or gases to a cylinder containing any other gas.
c.
Tighten connections. When assembling threaded connections, clean and smooth seats where
necessary. Tighten. If connection leaks, disassemble, clean, and retighten using properly fitting
wrench.
d.
Adapters. Use a CGA adapter (available from your supplier) between cylinder and regulator, if one is
required. Use two wrenches to tighten adapter marked RIGHT and LEFT HAND threads.
e.
Regulator outlet (or hose) connections may be identified by right hand threads for oxygen and left hand
threads (with grooved hex on nut or shank) for fuel gas.
4-2.4.5.
Pressurizing Steps.
a.
Drain regulator of residual gas through suitable vent before opening cylinder (or manifold valve) by
turning adjusting screw in (clockwise). Draining prevents excessive compression heat at high pressure
seat by allowing seat to open on pressurization. Leave adjusting screw engaged slightly on single-stage
regulators.
b.
Stand to side of regulator while opening cylinder valve.
c.
Open cylinder valve slowly so that regulator pressure increases slowly. When gauge is pressurized
(gauge reaches regulator maximum) leave cylinder valve in following position: For oxygen, and inert
gases, open fully to seal stem against possible leak. For fuel gas, open to less than one turn to permit
quick emergency shutoff.
4-6
