NF EN 17931:2026: How to Inspect Your Oxy-Fuel Equipment

What Does NF EN 17931:2026 Change?

This new standard provides useful clarification for the industrial and construction sectors. Clear rules reduce the risk of errors and help prevent serious accidents. Employers gain a better understanding of their regulatory responsibilities. Operators can therefore work with enhanced safety measures. Well-organized inspections simplify the management of your oxy-fuel cutting equipment.

The Role of the New Standard

There are important differences between a voluntary standard, legislation, contractual requirements and internal company rules. NF EN 17931:2026 is a voluntary technical standard. Companies are free to choose whether to apply it, unless compliance is required by a contract or regulation.

Article R4322-1 of the French Labour Code establishes a strict requirement. Employers must maintain equipment in a compliant condition. To achieve this, they must follow the manufacturer's instructions and the original design requirements. NF EN 17931:2026 provides practical guidance to help meet this objective. However, this article of the French Labour Code does not automatically make compliance with the standard itself mandatory.

Equipment Covered and Excluded

NF EN 17931:2026 applies to specifically identified equipment:

• Equipment covered: Professional manual equipment operating at pressures of up to 300 bar (30 MPa). The gases covered include acetylene, LPG, MPS, CO2 and their mixtures. Inspections apply to components located downstream of the cylinder valve or the supply point of a centralized gas distribution system. These include pressure regulators, hoses, connectors, non-return valves, flashback arrestors and torches.
• Equipment excluded: The standard excludes automatic welding and cutting machines. Acetylene cylinder manifold assemblies located upstream of the gas supply point are also excluded.

These scope requirements make it possible to establish a practical inspection procedure in the workplace.

How to Inspect Oxy-Fuel Gas Equipment

Regular inspections help prevent hazardous situations. A systematic inspection procedure reduces the risk of gas leaks, fires and flashbacks. Daily inspections help ensure that hazardous operations are carried out under better-controlled conditions.

Workplace safety depends on compliant torch pressure regulators and properly maintained welding and oxy-fuel cutting torches. The use of quick-connect fittings and non-return valves helps protect operators throughout their work.

Visual Checks Before Use

The visual inspection must be carried out before connecting and igniting the equipment. Operators should follow these simple steps:

1. Purging the oxygen cylinder valve: Before attaching the pressure regulator, briefly open and then close the oxygen cylinder valve. This action removes dust and helps prevent spontaneous ignition caused by adiabatic compression.
2. Inspecting equipment bodies: Check pressure regulators and torches for signs of impact damage or deformation.
3. Checking threads: Inspect the condition of the threads. Oxygen connections use right-hand threads, while acetylene connections use left-hand threads. Sealing surfaces must be clean.
4. Inspecting the nozzle: The torch nozzle opening must be clean and perfectly round.
5. Checking hose condition: Inspect flexible hoses (blue for oxygen and red for acetylene). The rubber must show no signs of cracking, wear, burns or crushing.
6. Checking connections: Ensure that suitable hose clamps are correctly fitted to the hose barbs.
7. Ensuring the absence of grease: Check that all equipment is completely free from oil or grease.

Leak Testing and Functional Checks

These tests verify that the equipment is leak-tight and operates correctly under pressure:

• Leak detection without a flame: Using a flame to detect gas leaks is strictly prohibited. Operators must use a suitable leak detection solution that produces bubbles.
• Prohibition of oils and grease: Pressurized oxygen can react violently with oils and grease. Any contact between oxygen and oil would cause an immediate explosion.
• Role of safety devices: It is important to distinguish between simple gas non-return valves and flashback arrestors. A non-return valve prevents gas from flowing backwards through the hose. A flashback arrestor stops flame propagation and shuts off the gas supply in response to heat.
• Functional testing: Adjust the working pressures using the regulators. Open and then close the torch valves. The flame must ignite and be adjustable without any whistling noise.