Oxygen Hose
OXYGEN HOSE
Oxygen Hose is a critical piece of the required equipment for Burning Bars and Lance Pipe. For the harsh environment of demolition work and steel mills Oxylance recommends a minimum of 300 psi double wall double braid oxygen hose. The hoses we manufacture meet or exceed the requirements of OSHA, The Compressed Gas Association (CGA) and the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA). We use only CGA Oxygen Hose fittings, and they are installed per OSHA and CGA fittings installation guidelines.
For environments where an even more durable hose is required, we offer a Mandrel built 500 psi hose. This is one of the most durable oxygen hoses you can find anywhere in the world.
OXYGEN LANCE HOSE
SAFETY DATA INFORMATION
Hose by necessity has to be flexible and light weight yet durable and tough. When used in the rough environment of demolition jobs and steel mills it is subjected to a great deal of abuse. In burning and lancing operations the Oxygen hose is the most vulnerable link between the high pressure oxygen source and the burning bar or lance pipe. ALWAYS specify hose that is designed and built for oxygen lancing operations. NEVER use light weight single braid hose for burning bar or lancing operations. Hose failures can be expensive in terms of lost production, ruined equipment, and most important – personal injuries. All hoses and fittings MUST be cleaned for oxygen service.
To prevent Oxygen hose from being used with other types of gas or compressed air, all oxygen hose up to 3/4” must have CGA oxygen hose fittings. NEVER change the fittings on oxygen hose or never attempt to adapt oxygen fittings to fittings designed for other gas applications. Hoses larger than 3/4” have to be fitted with National Pipe Thread (NPT) fittings.
OSHA SPECIFICATIONS FOR OXYGEN HOSE
HOSE ASSEMBLY, REPAIR AND INSPECTION
OSHA 1910.253 Oxygen – Fuel Gas Welding and Cutting, covers all of the requirements for hoses used for cutting operations.
- 1910.253(e)(5)(i) specifies that oxygen hose is required to meet the specifications of the Rubber Manufactures Association (RMA) as well as the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) for oxygen hose
- 1910.253(e)(5)(iii) specifies that all fittings are required to meet CGA E-1-2005
- 1910.253(e)(5)(iv) specifies the assembly and testing required (both pressure and physical pull test).
- 1910.253(e)(5)(v) specifies the inspection and rejection requirements for hoses in service.
- Hose repairs are considered a connection and must be subjected to the same testing as the fittings on the ends of the hose.
Hose repairs are inevitable in the field and the following information is critical for the safe repair of oxygen hose. Because oxygen lance hose is a multi layer heavy wall hose the method of repair and testing is of the utmost importance.
Replacing hose end fittings. Hose ends on 3/8” hose can be replaced using a ferrule and a ferrule crimping tool or machine can be use. If the fittings have to be replaced use only fittings that meet the requirements of CGA E-1-2005. These can be purchased at welding supply companies. For repairing cuts in the middle of the hose use a double ended barbed hose nipple. Use the same ferrule and tools for this repair.
Hose end repairs on 1/2” and larger hose should be repaired using pre-formed bands and a bandit tool. This is the same method used to assemble Oxylance Inc hoses. For hose ends you should use a minimum of 3 ¾” hose barb and 2 bands. For the middle of the hose you should use a minimum of 6 7/8” long double ended barbed hose nipple and 2 bands on each side of the splice.
Again, these parts are available from welding supply companies.
Oxylance DOES NOT recommend any radiator type hose clamps on oxygen lance hose. These clamps will not apply the necessary crimping pressure on the wall of the hose and will not pass the required pressure test or strength pull test. Screw type clamps are not allowed by OSHA.
OSHA SPECIFICATIONS FOR SECURING HOSE FITTINGS CAN BE FOUND IN 1910.253 AND REFERRENCES COMPRESSED GAS ASSOCIATION (CGA) AND THE RUBBER MANUFACTURES ASSOCIATION.
CGA E-1-2009 PARAGRAPH 3.5
CLAMPS OR FRRRULES
The clamp or ferrule shall be of the type that is non-adjustable and non-removable. SPIRAL SCREW TYPE HOSE CLAMPS ARE NOT PERMITTED.
To ensure that all lancing operations are conducted safely we recommend the following Do’s and Don’ts of hose care and use.
ALWAYS
- Use hose designed and recommended for the intended service.
- Specify best quality hose where maximum safety and performance is required.
- Make sure hose is easily identifiable as to type and use. Ensure that all fittings are approved for Oxygen service.
- Perform a thorough inspection of all hoses prior to operations.
- When setting up equipment, ensure that all hose connections are made in such away that the hose is not putting stress on the fittings.
- Route hose to prevent damage from vehicles, falling debris or sharp objects.
- Test hoses periodically to 300 psi.
- Remove hoses from service if there is any doubt of its integrity.
- For extended storage hose should be stored in a cool, dry, dark and clean place. Protect the fittings and the inside of the hose by plugging the ends of the hose or cover all fittings with tape.
- Store hose in a flat coil with no kinks and do not stack heavy objects on the hose.
NEVER
- Use a hose that is leaking. (Oxygen is not flammable but does support combustion)
- Crush or kink any hose. Avoid repeated bending which may break the reinforcement.
- Substitute hose or fitting types. (Use hose and fittings only designed for Oxygen)
- Use a hose that has the reinforcement exposed by cuts or scrapes to the outer jacket.
- Exceed the working pressure for any reason (other than for testing)
- Use a hose with damaged or leaking fittings.
- Never hang any hose on a nail, peg or anything that will cause the hose to kink.
- Never use a hose which has bubbles or swelled outer jackets or soft crushed areas. This indicates internal damage.
- Never use hose that has burned or charred areas on the outer jacket.
INSPECTION
- Inspect inside of fittings and hose for Oil, Grease or other foreign materials. (DO NOT USE ANY HOSE THAT IS CONTAMINATED)
- Inspect outside of hose for Oil and Grease. (Outside of hose can be cleaned)
- Look for cuts gouges or worn spots in the hose cover that exposes the textile or wire reinforcement.
- Before pressuring up the hose feel for soft spots, flat spots or kinks in the hose.
- After pressuring up the hose look for bulges or bubbles in the outer jacket. Bulges indicate internal damage.
- Check the hose adjacent to the fittings to ensure that the hose has not been kinked at the barbed fitting causing the end of the hose barb to damage the inside of the hose.
- Closely check the crimped ferrule to ensure that it has not moved on the hose and that it has not been damaged i.e. egg-shaped or crushed. It should be round with slight indentions where it was pressed on.
Any hose that shows any of the above damage should be removed from service. Damaged fittings should be replaced by a trained person who understands the test requirements.
SAFE USE OF OXYGEN HOSE
- Prior to hooking the oxygen hose to the regulator and lance holder inspect the fittings on both. Ensure the threads and the seat are not damaged and there is no oil or grease on them.
- Set the regulator to the zero-output pressure setting. Install the hose on the regulator and tighten being careful not to over torque the fitting.
- With the hose pointed in a safe direction turn the oxygen cylinder on and slowly turn up the pressure on the regulator to blow the hose out. This does not require more than a few seconds at 10 to 20 psi. Turn the cylinder off and install the lance holder.
- Turn the cylinder on and increase the pressure to the required operating pressure and check for leaks. DO NOT USE ANY HOSE, LANCE HOLDER OR REGULATOR THAT HAS OXYGEN LEAKS.
- Route all hoses to protect them from other equipment and to protect them from falling debris.
- Ensure that the hose does not become a trip hazard.
- While operating the lance do not bend or twist the hose at the barbed hose fitting. Do not use the hose as a handle or use it to manipulate the lance. This can cause internal damage to the hose at the end of the internal barbed fitting and cause an accident.
- When the job is completed back the regulator off until the pressure output is zero. Open the lance valve and bleed the pressure from the hose.
- Disconnect the hose, inspect hose fittings and plug both ends to prevent foreign materials, oil or grease from getting inside the hose.
- As you roll the hose up for storage, inspect outer jacket to ensure the hose has not been damaged during lancing operation.
- Store hose as per the recommended storage procedure.