Under which condition should oxygen and acetylene hoses be disconnected underground?

Under which condition should oxygen and acetylene hoses be disconnected underground?

• A. Only when leaving the mine
• B. Only when performing maintenance
• C. When not in use and when being transported
• D. Always connected

Answer: (C)

The safety practice is to disconnect oxygen and acetylene hoses when they’re not actively in use and when they are being moved underground. Leaving hoses connected during downtime or while transporting creates serious risks: a small leak can fill a confined underground space with gas, increasing the chance of asphyxiation or ignition. Acetylene is particularly hazardous because it can decompose and ignite more easily, and oxygen can make fires burn more vigorously. By disconnecting during non-use and during transport, you reduce the chance of leaks, damage, or accidental ignition as equipment is moved or idled. This approach addresses hazards that can occur at any time you’re not actively welding or cutting, not just when leaving the mine or during maintenance.

The safety practice is to disconnect oxygen and acetylene hoses when they’re not actively in use and when they are being moved underground. Leaving hoses connected during downtime or while transporting creates serious risks: a small leak can fill a confined underground space with gas, increasing the chance of asphyxiation or ignition. Acetylene is particularly hazardous because it can decompose and ignite more easily, and oxygen can make fires burn more vigorously. By disconnecting during non-use and during transport, you reduce the chance of leaks, damage, or accidental ignition as equipment is moved or idled. This approach addresses hazards that can occur at any time you’re not actively welding or cutting, not just when leaving the mine or during maintenance.