This NPRM would update the SDO standards referenced in the three paragraphs that comprise the Acetylene Standard. The Compressed Gas Association (CGA) published several editions of these SDO standards after OSHA adopted them in 1974, and one of these standards (i.e., Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet G-1.4-1966), is no longer available for purchase from CGA. Therefore, to ensure that employers have access to the latest safety requirements for managing acetylene, OSHA is proposing in this rulemaking to adopt the requirements specified in the most recent versions of the SDO standards. The following discussion provides a summary of the revisions OSHA is proposing for paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of the Acetylene Standard. For paragraph (a) of Sec. 1910.102, the NPRM proposes to replace the reference to the 1966 edition of CGA Pamphlet G-1 (“Acetylene”) with the most recent edition of that standard. According to CGA, the 2003 edition is the fifth revision of the standard since OSHA adopted the 1966 edition in 1974. In reviewing CGA-1-2003, OSHA identified two provisions in that standard that appear to be substantive revisions from the 1966 edition. First, the last provision of paragraph 5.2 in the 2003 edition prohibits storing acetylene cylinders in confined spaces such as drawers, closets, unventilated cabinets, automobile trunks, or toolboxes. In addition, the document recommends that acetylene cylinders should not be stored or transported in automobiles or any enclosed vehicles. Second, both editions recommend flow rates that will minimize withdrawal of liquid solvent when releasing acetylene from a cylinder; however, the recommended flow rates differ between the two editions. Paragraph 5.3.3.13 of the 1966 edition specifies that the flow rate should be one-seventh of the capacity of the cylinder per hour regardless of the duration of use, while paragraph 6.2 of the 2003 edition recommends a flow rate of one-tenth of the cylinder capacity per hour during intermittent use, and one-fifteenth of the cylinder capacity per hour during continuous use. Other differences between the 1966 and 2003 editions of CGA G-1 include:
- warning employers to avoid abnormal mechanical shocks that could damage cylinders, valves, and pressure-relief devices: “
- a provision to section 6.2 (“Withdrawing acetylene from cylinders”) requiring employers to “[v]isually examine the CGA connection on the cylinder and remove any visible contamination before connecting the regulator. Clean out the contaminant using nitrogen, air, or a clean rag. Avoid opening an acetylene cylinder valve without a suitable regulator and flow restrictor such as a torch attached.” This provision prevents the following two hazards: (1) Acetylene-related explosions (by removing contaminants that could serve as an ignition source), and (2) massive releases of acetylene into the workplace (by notifying employers to use suitable regulators and restrictors to control the rate at which acetylene flows from a cylinder).
- making plain-language revisions to the text;
- providing measurements using the International System of Units;
- listing current Department of Transportation specifications;
- presenting guidance in the 2003 edition on how to handle leaking cylinders; and
- noting in the 2003 edition that commercial acetylene generally is considered nontoxic.
CGA also added text to the 2003 edition prohibiting tightening leaking fuse plugs or valves while the cylinder is under pressure, and enhanced illustrations (Figure 1) of acetylene cylinder-shell constructions. OSHA believes that the provisions of CGA G-1-2003 are consistent with the usual and customary practice of employers in the industry, and preliminarily determines that incorporating CGA G-1-2003 into paragraph (a) of Sec. 1910.102 would not add compliance burden for employers. OSHA invites the public to comment on whether the revisions made to CGA G-1-1966 in the 2003 edition of the standard represent current industry practice. Click Here for the entire FR posting.