Flashback Arrestors

In late 2014, under the Acetylene Safety Regulations a new mandatory requirement to use flashback arrestors was introduced. The concern was that not all welding operators were fitting arrestors and that by fitting them, it was reasonable practical control of risk.

What is a flashback arrestor?

If a flammable combination of gas and oxygen is used in a gas line upstream for welding, cutting, heating, or other types of hot work, there is a possibility that a flashback flame may be directed back down the gas line. This can result in serious injury, so it is important for gas welding operatives to be protected by a high quality flashback arrestor. The standard flashback arrestor is a small metal tube with an element which rapidly cools any flames which travel back through the gas line. It also contains a pressure or heat actuated cut off component, so that hose leaks can be identified and dealt with immediately.

How often should you inspect & change a flashback arrestors?

If used for industrial or heavy duty hot work operations, flashback arrestors must be inspected for wear and tear at least once every year. Plus, no matter what their condition, these safety devices should be replaced once every five years.

In line with the BCGA code of practice CP7, gas welding regulators must also be changed every five years, whilst gas welding torches & welding hoses must be inspected for safety, condition & operability annually.

Which type of flashback arrestor should you use?

Choose from resettable flashback or non-resettable arrestors. 

• Auto type in line non-resettable arrestors are fairly basic devices which eradicate dangerous flashback on contact & must be replaced once there has been an incident.
• Resettable flashback arrestors come with a greater capacity for protection. They will shut down all connected hot work operations in an instant, so that faults and hazards can be identified and removed. More suitable for high gas flow industrial applications. They can then be reset once the inner sleeve has been recalibrated.
• A resettable arrestor is able to automatically shut down the gas supply following a flashback.