What is the legal status regarding the use of liquid acetylene during welding?

Liquid acetylene is considered to be highly hazardous and its handling is heavily regulated due to the risks it presents, particularly the potential for explosions or fire when in contact with air. The legal status surrounding the use of liquid acetylene in welding aligns with strict safety guidelines set by OSHA to minimize workplace accidents.

The prohibition of liquid acetylene arises from its instability in a liquid state. When it is under high pressure, it can be liquefied, but should it be released to atmospheric pressure, it can quickly vaporize and create a combustible mixture. This poses a serious safety threat in environments where welding occurs, where sparks and heat can easily ignite flammable gases.

As a result, OSHA guidelines and standards prohibit its use in liquid form to ensure the safety of workers and mitigate potential hazards associated with its instability. Recognizing these risks underscores the importance of adhering to safe practices and regulatory stipulations in industrial settings.