Cutting Torch

Standard Operating Procedure

Approval Document

Reference Number AR-ENG-SOP_011

Revision Number 00
Commencement Date May 2018
Last Revision Date May 2018
Next Revision Date June 2019

Approval
Name & Surname Designation Signature
Author Joseph Mothupi Safety Officer
Approved Izak Oliphant Training Officer
Approved Stoffel Shai H/S Representative
Approved Herman Heine Engineer
Approved Tiaan Oosthuizen Technical Services Manager

Final Approval

Approved Herman Penyenye Mine Manager

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File Name : 6 9 5 3 8 6 1 6 4 . d o c x AR-ENG-SOP_011 Printed date: 3 October 2023

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 Cutting Torch
Standard Operating Procedure

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File Name : 6 9 5 3 8 6 1 6 4 . d o c x AR-ENG-SOP_011 Printed date: 3 October 2023

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 Department: Engineering Ref No: AR-ENG-SOP_011

Document Owner: H. Heine Version No: 01

Cutting Torch
ANDALUSITE RESOURCES Standard Operating Procedure
C o n t r o l l e d D o c u m e n t

Contents Page

1. Purpose 4

2. Scope 4

3. Reference 4

4. Definitions 4

5. Responsibilities 5

6. Procedure 5

7. Storerooms 6

8. Transporting gas cylinders 6

9. Work inside confined space 6

10. Torch cutting general precautions 7

11. Protective Clothing (PPE) 7

12. Not permitted 7

13. PPE 8

File Name: 6 9 5 3 8 6 1 6 4 . d o c x AR-ENG-SOP_011 Printed date: 3 October 2023

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 Department: Engineering Ref No: AR-ENG-SOP_011

Document Owner: H. Heine Version No: 01

Cutting Torch
ANDALUSITE RESOURCES Standard Operating Procedure
C o n t r o l l e d D o c u m e n t

1. Purpose
The aim of this SOP is to define the safe procedure to be followed to effectively manage the business
risks and health and safety hazards associated with the safe use of a cutting torch.
2. Scope
This standard operating procedure (SOP) describes the minimum standard to be applied at Andalusite
Resources.
3. Reference
Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 0f 1993)
MHSA- Mine health and Safety Act 29 of 1996
Mandatory COP 08 for Lock Out

4. Definitions
Term Definition
“Infra-red rays” ‘Is the electromagnetic radiation which is
invisible to human eyes but people can feel its
heat”
“Flashback arrestor”
‘Is a gas safety device which used in oxy-fuel
welding and cutting to stop the flame or reverse
flow of gas backup into the equipment or supply
line in order to prevent fire or explosion’
5. Responsibilities
5.1. Site Management
The Site Manager, Mine Engineer, Workshop foreman, Process Coordinator and Operations
Manager will ensure that the requirements of this procedure are implemented and monitored and
only trained employees to comply with the cutting/welding procedure.
5.2. Site EHS officer
The site Health and Safety officer will ensure that this procedure is communicated to the site
management, employees and contractors; monitor and ensure that any necessary remedial
actions are taken.
5.3. Site Supervisory Personnel
The site supervisory personnel will monitor compliance and report any breach of any standard to
the Site Management Procedure Outline
5.4. Employees
Only competent and authorised employees have the responsibility to ensure that this procedure
is understood and adhered to.

File Name: 6 9 5 3 8 6 1 6 4 . d o c x AR-ENG-SOP_011 Printed date: 3 October 2023

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 Department: Engineering Ref No: AR-ENG-SOP_011

Document Owner: H. Heine Version No: 01

Cutting Torch
ANDALUSITE RESOURCES Standard Operating Procedure
C o n t r o l l e d D o c u m e n t

6. Procedure
6.1. Only competent and authorised personnel may operate oxy acetylene equipment.

6.2. Correct PPE to be used when using oxy acetylene equipment at all times.

6.3. Pre-inspect the oxy acetylene equipment by using the Pre-use checklist before commencing the task.

6.4. Conduct the pre task risk assessment of the work area prior to starting work.

6.5. The user of the equipment shall be responsible to ensure fire-fighting equipment is available and
he/she must inspect the equipment to determine if it is still in good working order.

6.6. The area shall be barricaded off when working at heights and the gas cylinders shall remain at ground
level.

6.7. Oxygen and Acetylene cylinders shall be chained and secured in an upright position.
6.8. A fire extinguisher shall be permanently mounted on all gas welding cylinder trolleys.
6.9. Always check for leaks before operating the cutting torch. Only an oil free solution shall be used on all
connections and gauges to determine any leaks.
6.10. Gas cylinders and valves shall be kept free of dirt, grit, oil and grease.
6.11. Flashback arrestors shall be fitted between the regulators and hoses, and between the torch and
hoses. Crimping clamps must be used and discarded clamps may not be re-used.
6.12. Before opening the main pressure valve, reset regulators to the closed position. Open the pressure
valve on cylinders and set the required pressures on the regulators. This prevents damage to the
regulators.
6.13. After use of gas welding equipment, the pressure valves on the cylinders shall be closed and gas in
the pipes released (purged) this procedure shall be applied during the operation in circumstances
where the equipment is on standby or during a break.
6.14. Only approved flint lighters shall be used for lighting torches. (never use a butane lighter)
6.15. Nozzles shall be inspected for dirt and orifices cleaned with nozzle cleaners.
6.16. The appropriate nozzle shall be selected from a nozzle selection chart.
6.17. Always point the nozzle in a safe direction before lighting.
6.18. Flash back arrestors to be checked before using a cutting torch.
6.19. Always check for fire hazards and burning of hoses while cutting.
6.20. Where possible, such as in workshops, make use of screens or curtains to prevent other people
from coming into welding/cutting area.

File Name: 6 9 5 3 8 6 1 6 4 . d o c x AR-ENG-SOP_011 Printed date: 3 October 2023

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 Department: Engineering Ref No: AR-ENG-SOP_011

Document Owner: H. Heine Version No: 01

Cutting Torch
ANDALUSITE RESOURCES Standard Operating Procedure
C o n t r o l l e d D o c u m e n t

7. Storerooms
7.1. The storerooms must be of fire-proof construction and so designed that in the event of a fire, the
cylinders can be easily removed.
7.2. Must be well ventilated preferably in wire mesh or flatex cage.
7.3. “No Smoking and no naked lights (flames)” signs must be posted up in the store area and outside
store.
7.4. Stores to have a solid roof in order to keep the cylinders cool and should be protected from the sun,
rain, frost wet soil and corrosive conditions.
7.5. There must be at least one fire extinguisher placed on a stand a few meters away from the store.
7.6. Flammable and combustible material and liquids should not be placed in the same store as cylinders.
7.7. Floors where cylinders are stored should be kept dry and clean.

8. Manual handling and transporting of gas cylinders

8.1. Should preferably be individually secured.
8.2. Oxygen must not be stored with flammable gases such as acetylene.
8.3. Must be secured to each other to prevent rolling.
8.4. Should always be stored in an upright position.
8.5. Full and Empty cylinders must be kept apart and labelled “full” or “empty”
8.6. Persons must not smoke near a place where compressed gases are stored.
8.6.1.1. Transporting of gas cylinders, they must have their valve caps firmly screwed on.
8.6.1.2. During transport, the cylinders should not come into contact with sharp points or other
objects.
8.6.1.3. Gas cylinders must not be jolted, rolled nor dragged nor be allowed to roll about and be
bumped while being transported.
8.6.1.4. Personnel transporting cylinders should not smoke under any circumstances.
8.6.1.5. Gas cylinders may be held at an angle and rolled on their bottom edge.
8.6.1.6. Make sure that the cylinders being transported are fastened in a trolley so that the
possibility of falling or rolling over is completely eliminated.

9. Work inside confined space.

9.1. When cutting is done inside boilers or other vessels (confined space) the gas cylinders must be kept
outside the boiler/vessel.

File Name: 6 9 5 3 8 6 1 6 4 . d o c x AR-ENG-SOP_011 Printed date: 3 October 2023

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Document Owner: H. Heine Version No: 01

Cutting Torch
ANDALUSITE RESOURCES Standard Operating Procedure
C o n t r o l l e d D o c u m e n t

9.2. The torch must be lit outside the confined space and handed to the operator inside.
9.3. The torch must not be extinguished inside the confined space but must be taken to the opening and
extinguished outside.
9.4. Adequate ventilation must be provided inside a confined space.

10. Torch cutting general precaution (hazards)

6 Gasses and fumes – cut in through ventilation
7 Flashback – use standard flash back arrestors
8 Infra-red rays – use goggles/helmet
9 Heat burns – where possible also use screens / curtain to protect other people in the vicinity
10 Leather – apron, spats, chrome leather gloves, jacket, leg-ons, arm-ons
11 Torch cutting goggles – shaded lenses
12 Safety shoes/boots – soles heat resistant and chemical resistant uppers – closed

11. Protective Clothing

The torch cutting operator should use the following protective equipment:
1. Skull cap.
2. Hearing Protection.
3. Cutting visor or flash goggles(cutting spectacles not recommended)
4. Chrome leather gauntlets or gloves.
5. Chrome leather leggings or spats
6. High boots or leather safety shoes (fire and heat resistant)
7. Chrome leather apron.
8. Fire retardant clothing or 100% cotton overall
12. NOT PERMITTED
12.1.1 Oil and grease shall not be permitted to come into contact with oxygen fittings and hoses.
12.1.2 Oil-based substances shall not be used when assembling oxy- acetylene equipment.
12.1.3 Adjustable spanners and wrenches shall not be used when fitting regulators.
12.1.4 Correct safety equipment shall be used when working with any gas welding equipment.
12.1.5 Oxygen shall not be used to clean the air or components.
12.1.5 Gas cylinders must be transported and stored in an upright position.
12.1.6 Hoses will be secured with steel clips not insulation tape or other items.

File Name: 6 9 5 3 8 6 1 6 4 . d o c x AR-ENG-SOP_011 Printed date: 3 October 2023

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 Department: Engineering Ref No: AR-ENG-SOP_011

Document Owner: H. Heine Version No: 01

Cutting Torch
ANDALUSITE RESOURCES Standard Operating Procedure
C o n t r o l l e d D o c u m e n t

NB; Make use of screens/curtains where possible to prevent others from exposure

13. PPE
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Delete the ticks under the PPE when it is not applicable to this SOP

Safety Safety Safety Dust Reflective Safety Respirator

Hard boots Gloves Goggles / Ear Mask Vest Harness
Overall
hat Glasses / Protection
Shield

        

OTHER PPS

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