SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/weld-oxygen-oily-hands

Why must oxygen cylinders never be handled with oily hands or gloves?

Oil and pure oxygen can ignite, so keep it clean.

Start playing free

  1. They will slip
  2. Oil and oxygen can ignite violently ✔
  3. The cylinder will rust

Why: Pure oxygen can make oil or grease catch fire very easily. OSHA says oxygen cylinders or apparatus shall not be handled with oily hands or gloves.

Huh, didn't know that: OSHA says a jet of oxygen must never strike an oily surface or greasy clothes.

The dad joke
Did you hear oxygen and magnesium got together? OMg!
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Oil and oxygen can ignite violently. Pure oxygen can make oil or grease catch fire very easily. OSHA says oxygen cylinders or apparatus shall not be handled with oily hands or gloves.

  1. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.253 Oxygen-fuel gas welding and cutting www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.253
    Oxygen cylinders or apparatus shall not be handled with oily hands or gloves.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Trades & ShopOSHA says an acetylene cylinder valve must not be opened more than how far?Trades & ShopWhich gas must never be used to ventilate a confined space where welding is done?Trades & ShopWhen a gas cylinder is not in use, how should its valve protection cap be fitted?

That's stuff everyone should know.