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Improper Use Of Propane Tanks
Leads To Death
A 19 year old young man in Tennessee decided that he wanted to make a portable
acetylene welder/cutter. The young man chose to use two small 20 pound propane
tanks in which to store the oxygen and acetylene. A welding supply store in
Tennessee told Mr. Martin Toth, Chief Inspector of Tennessee, that oxygen is
usually supplied stored at between 1800 to 2200 pounds per square inch. The
propane tank with the oxygen exploded and the young man was nearly cut in two.
A 12 year old standing near by was thrown 30-40 feet by the concussion resulting
from the explosion. Thanks to the grace of God the child survived. Investigators
for the state of Tennessee could find very little of the remains of the tank.
As in North Carolina these vessels are exempt in Tennessee under the boiler
and pressure vessel law. People should be aware that misuse of pressure equipment
like this is deadly. This event makes this danger very clear.
Information of incident provided by courtesy of:
Martin Toth
Chief Inspector
Tennessee
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