This article provides members of the thermal spray community with practical recommendations for the safe installation, operation, and maintenance of gas equipment used in the thermal spray process. It focuses on safety issues concerning gas equipment used in conjunction with thermal spray equipment at consumer sites. The article covers the gas sources (bulk or gaseous), the piping (hard and soft) leading to the gas console or the torch, and the specific safety devices used to help ensure safe operation. It discusses the characteristics and safety hazards of gases such as oxygen, compressed air, nitrogen, helium, argon, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, acetylene, kerosene, propylene, propane, and natural gas. The article also provides information on the maintenance and safety practices involved in the plumbing configurations of cylinder gas supply units and bulk gas supply units.

Oxyfuel gas welding (OFW) is a manual process in which the metal surfaces to be joined are melted progressively by heat from a gas flame, with or without a filler metal. This article discusses the capabilities, advantages, and limitations of OFW. It describes the role of gases, such as oxygen, acetylene, hydrogen, natural gas, propane, and proprietary gases, in OFW. The article discusses the important elements of an OFW system, such as gas storage facilities, pressure regulators, hoses, torches, related safety devices, and accessories. It describes the sequence for setting up a positive-pressure welding outfit. The article provides information on forehand welding and backhand welding, as well as various joints used. It concludes with a discussion on repairs and alterations, as well as the safety aspects.