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New London, Wisconsin | I have a healthy respect for acetylene. I was grinding something with tanks behind me where the sparks were going when I heard a POP like when you light a torch. There was a leak at the regulator and the acetylene was burning at the valve. Before I could get it turned off the lead safety melted and the rest of the tank contents went WHOOOOSH with a flame about 5 feet long, luckily not pointed at anything flammable. I dove behind a table saw thinking the whole tank would blow. I didn't, and there happened to be a fire extinguisher next to the saw. I used that whole thing getting that fire out and don't remember ever feeling that close to death.
Later I called the tank supplier and told him what happened. He thought it was no big deal and explained that's why a lead safety is on the tank. He did not sooth my fears in the least. I now make sure that tank is not where my sparks go. Oh and the leaking regulator was tossed out.
Edited by 150pilot 11/17/2012 09:50
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Always turn your acetylene outfit off.
