Suppliers of all manner of hoses for both DIY and professional trade, The Hosemaster address the risk of serious incidents occurring through poor maintenance.

Acetylene is a gas used in welding applications utilised by many different industries and one that is difficult to detect, having no distinct colour or odour. Typically the acetylene used in industries today is contaminated with impurities that offer the gas a distinctive ‘garlic-like’ smell. Extremely flammable, it is a gas that demands a great deal of respect when using, not just limited to its flammable properties but also because of its nature as being a very fast acting asphyxiant.

With this in mind, reports of incidents are not as frequent as those for trips and falls etc. but what occurs when accidents happen can often be tragic and significantly more damaging.

In the UK last year the HSE recorded a total of 572 incidents within the RIDGAS table. These were incidents reported in the UK that related to the supply and use of flammable gas. Although the majority relate to carbon monoxide poisoning, those instances where faults led to leaks and subsequent incidents, such as the use of oxy acetylene tanks are still apparent and as such they should be a concern for businesses using them.

Apart from flash backs and other explosion hazards, for which preventative, delaying measures built into the tank to provide enough time to evacuate an area safely, there are accidents that occur from faulty hoses and pipes, of which are the leading reason for incidents involving welding tank fires and explosions today.

The Hosemaster, professional providers of a comprehensive array of hoses follow their industry very closely and respond to health and safety statistics relating to many relevant industries, responding to news as it happens. A company spokesperson believes that it is essential to carry out regular maintenance on welding equipment:

“Regularly checking the hoses and connectors on any piece of apparatus in the workshop, garage or shop floor should be second nature for any competent business owner who values their business and most certainly their employee safety. Any leaks should be reported immediately and evasive action should be taken by all employees, from cleaners to management staff.

“The results of poor repairs or those that are postponed can be catastrophic, not only to the safety of workers but also the premises in which they are used.”

Based in Nelson, Lancashire, The Hosemaster specialises in a wide range of hose applications, from hydraulic to high pressure air and water hoses, steam hoses and every kind of coupling to create strong, effective connections. Established and with a terrific reputation for delivering the results that customers demand, discover more about their range of services now at www.thehosemaster.co.uk