Acetylene burn?

Question

So the local jerk at work who can't handle a torch managed to ask me to do something for him - so I did, then got distracted and lifted the torch straight at me as he looked down, causing a burst directly at my face from 4 or so feet away. I was looking down at the time so I believe I didn't catch a direct burst, but the pressure from it was on my face for atleast 2 seconds.

Told him to watch it, but apparently came home with a reddish face. Question is, harmful and go see doc immediatly because acetylene is a substance that absorbs in skin, destroying it from the inside out and making your eye balls rot, or annoyingly stupid of him and I should slap him one tomorrow for making me into rosey cheeks?

Answer 1

In my ten years as a plumber, ive been burned with acety more times than i care to admit, yes, even in the face. So far ive had no lasting damage, other than continuing stupidity.( and a missing eyebrow once or twice) If you dont have any other symptoms that concern you, i'd say youre probly ok. And yeah. you should slap that dumb a** for frying your melon, and ban him from power tools.

note. you werent actually burned with the acetelyne, just the flame that it produces, raw acetelyene ( the uncooked variety) would likely cause frostbite and could actually have other serious medical implecations.

Answer 2

You are required at work to report accidents when they happen. If you are only a little red, it could be from the being around cutting and welding without proper protection. Redness is only a minor 1degree burn and you also get this from being out in the sun. It will go away very quickly. You should know the fire has burned the acetylene gas before it came near you. 4 feet away should be nothing to be concerned with.

I am sure the shop you are employed by requires the use of ppe when around gas or arch welding.

**JD

Answer 3

Acetylene is not toxic.

You've got a burn, that's it.

Answer 4

Harden up and bash the ******** next time he wants something anyhow if you have that little pain that you can type this up don't worry.

Working with acetylene and burns go hand in hand. Hate to think how many times i have tried to fry myself.

Answer 5

wouldnt worry. 4 feet away?? must have been a huge flame. its not going to get in your skin or crazy stuff like that.

Answer 6

acetylene wont hurt you

Answer 7

mannnn if you don't take yourself to the hospital and get treated! lol They have the best creams for pain! and stay away from the guy that did that to you.

Answer 8

I think you need to go back to your MSDS and look at the hazards of acetylene because ther are no eye or skin hazards. Besides, if the torch was lit, it isn't acetylene to which you were exposed, but its combustion products - carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and water. So,if you haven't drowned, asphyxiated, or burned, you should be fit enough for your next misconception.

You both get a dope slap.