Portable Acetylene Generator Requirements

All portable acetylene generators must be approved for portable use.

Portable generators must not be used within 10 feet of combustible material other than the floor. They must not be used in rooms of total volume less than 35 times the total gas-generating capacity per charge of all generators in the room. To obtain the gas-generating capacity in cubic feet per charge, multiply the pounds of carbide per charge by 4.5.

Portable generators must not be used in rooms having a ceiling height of less than 10 feet, and they must be protected against freezing. The use of salt or other corrosive chemicals to prevent freezing is prohibited. Portable generators must be cleaned and recharged and the air mixture blown off outdoors.

When charged with carbide, portable generators must not be moved by crane or derrick. When not in use, portable generators must not be stored in rooms in which open flames are used unless the generators contain no carbide and have been thoroughly purged of acetylene. Storage rooms must be well ventilated.

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