Are there any restrictions for keeping Oxy/Acetylene in home garage in Houston?

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I recently acquired a O/A setup and was wondering if there are any restrictions for home use.  I live in the Houston city limits, if that helps.Thanks!Last edited by bluduk15; 08-20-2007 at 12:44 AM.
Reply:Don't ask.
Reply:There may be local ordinance for pressurized vessels, as in most places. What they don't know won't hurt. When you try to play by the rules, you usually screw yourself.If you would ever have a fire in the structure, God forbid, make sure you let the emergency personnel know it's in there before they enter. This goes for even propane or any other flammable items they usually don't encounter in a residential zone. O/A can take alot of heat before rupturing, but it isn't worht taking the chance- especially since they'll say it was YOUR fault for no telling them.
Reply:Most cities/towns base this type of code directly on NFPA standards, available online here if you're interested: http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/li...ookie%5Ftest=1My bet is you're fine, but the easiest thing would be to call the local fire department, or, if you're cocerned about getting an answer you don't want to hear, call the supplier from whom you'll be buying gas.
Reply:Call from a pay phone and you're John Smith @ 1313 Mockingbird lane.
Reply:Originally Posted by tresiCall from a pay phone and you're John Smith @ 1313 Mockingbird lane.
Reply:Originally Posted by tresiCall from a pay phone and you're John Smith @ 1313 Mockingbird lane.
Reply:between gunpowder, gasoline, brake cleaner, and mapp gas there will be nothing left if my house ever catches fire.
Reply:Originally Posted by tresiCall from a pay phone and you're John Smith @ 1313 Mockingbird lane.
Reply:I would just keep my head down. Looking at it from another standpoint, if you follow correct safety procedures, you will never have a problem with an Oxy-Acetylene Rig. I've used one for many years and never started a fire yet. The main thing would be to use extra caution if doing any cutting. That's where you stand the greatest chance of starting a fire. I would guess that there are some local regulations and certainly your Fire/Homweowner's company would go thumbs down if you asked them. If you can find out confidentially, do so. Happy Trails. Miller Millermatic 252Miller Syncrowave 200Liincoln AC-DC 225Victor O-A Set
Reply:Originally Posted by gnm109I would just keep my head down. Looking at it from another standpoint, if you follow correct safety procedures, you will never have a problem with an Oxy-Acetylene Rig. I've used one for many years and never started a fire yet. The main thing would be to use extra caution if doing any cutting. That's where you stand the greatest chance of starting a fire. I would guess that there are some local regulations and certainly your Fire/Homweowner's company would go thumbs down if you asked them. If you can find out confidentially, do so. Happy Trails.
Reply:Here's .02 cents worth. I have never gone to the City for these types of issues. Acetylene is an unstable gas unlike propane or Mapp the pressururized cyclinder has a fusible (soldered plug) at the valve with a melting point of 212degrees F. I have found a place out side shaded under a covered step area placed a concrete garden stepping stone with a wall mounted restraint. This is where I store my acetylene. It is only minor pain to put my rig together for a job and I sleep much better. You call but I keep all my Flam's outside but on the opposite side of the building.
Reply:I've been wondering the same thing, about the torch setup. I want a mig and think it would GREAT to have a torch to heat and bend metal, it'd also be nice to be able to cut certain things. Im scared to DEATH of it becoming volitale and exploding somehow, i have a water heater and a furnace in my garage and even if i unplug the regulators and close the valve if it leaks im in trouble. I had always wondered if it's safe to learn to weld in the garage, but, after looking at this site 90% of you guys have a well put together garage so that makes me feel alot better!
Reply:Here in south florida a garage has to be vented, more because of car emissions than anything else. As far as regulations, i sure dont want to know  but honestly propane tanks scare me more than acetylene tanksVictor SuperRanger O/A                                         Solar migLincoln Powermig 140Southbend 9in lathe350# kohlswa anvilMiller Maxstar 150 stl etc....
Reply:I live in Houston.  Have owned a LWS and managet one.  Acetylene has to be well ventelated and that is a judgement call by the fire dept.  Best to keep outside the Garage, is what all lws's will tell you in Houston.  John GSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:I live in the uk so cannot help with any rules in usa,i have always found its best to keep gases in a large mesh cage so there is no chanch of any gas build up.
Reply:Originally Posted by smithboyHey?!?!? let's not go using the name Smith to test the waters.  Hotel managers already think I am lieing every time I make a reservation.  It's always, "Hmmmm...Smith...OOOOOKAAAY."  I know too many that have enough trouble as it is. How about Johan Smythe instead.  Better yet, Arugula Wollstonecraft Liechtenstein...They will not even write your name down...Make sure IF they ask you how it's spelled, tell them a different spelling each time, ala Fletch.
Reply:as far as the city is concerned, they don't need to know... one thing to look into tho is what happens with insuranc if that thing ever blows. some insurance companies won't pay the home insurance claims if you do not disclose "hazardous materials" that you store in your home/garage/other structure. with this disclosure, usually comes an incresed insurance rate. best to keep them outside... i'd worry more about theft than from damage tho... it's easier to have someone walk off with it than it is for it to fall over if it is properly secured to the wall... someone mentioned to put it on the opposite side of the building... no need. when you have 2000-3000 PSI of a compressed gas, no matter if it is stable or not, that tank will go thru nearly anything it wants to... including a brick wall, your leg, or a neighbor's pet cat (God, kill them all)... keep it outside, hidden, yet easily accessible for convenience.Later,Andy
Reply:I believe the right answer is a combination from several above. GNM109 hit the nail on the head. If you follow proper safety precautions for storing and using the gases you should be fine. I would not open the can of worms with the city as they can sometimes make life miserable for you because they have the power to do so. If you are afraid they can get knocked over and rupture in the garage then store them outside.  This is where 99% good common sense comes into play and 1% of luck.In my situation the Oxy/Acet is the last of their problems since I load my own rifle shells.  The smokeless powder will build pressure so fast that it will level the garage.  If something happens just let the fire guys know so that they can take the right precautions when dealing with a situation.  You should be fine otherwise.MichaelMillermatic 25115" Rockwell Drill Press10" Logan Lathe5hp - 2-stage 80 Gallon CompressorHome Made Sand / Soda Blaster