Fire, gas and open flame — safety when soldering and annealing

Without fire, no blacksmith. Annealing, hard soldering, and hot pressing all require a flame, usually from a gas burner supplied with gas from a bottle. The open flame is the trade's most important tool, but also a constant fire risk—and pressurized gas bottles can themselves be dangerous. Safe handling of gas and fire is therefore a basic discipline you never finish practicing.

Gas bottles must stand secured and upright so they don't fall, and in a cool, ventilated location — never in direct sun or near heat sources. Hoses, couplings and pressure reducing valves are regularly checked for leaks, e.g. with soapy water that bubbles when leaking. After work, the gas is turned off at the bottle, not just at the burner, so there is no pressure on the system. A leaky hose or an open valve is one of the most common causes of gas accidents.

Open flame and flammable materials don't go together. The soldering table must have a fire-safe surface (e.g., a fireproof plate), and there must be no rags, paper, chemicals or solvents near the flame. Glowing metal can ignite things hours after it's been set down, so it's placed on a safe surface and not left unattended. Hand extinguishers and fire blankets must be accessible and visible.

• 01Safety glasses against hot solder and flux splashes
• 02Natural materials in clothing — synthetic fabric melts against the skin
• 03Leather apron and gloves in high heat
• 04Bound, short sleeves and no loose parts near the flame
• 05No flammable liquids in pockets

If the accident is out

• 01For burns: cool immediately with plenty of cool water for at least 10–20 minutes
• 02In case of fire: turn off the gas, use hand extinguishers/fire blankets, call for help
• 03For gas smell: turn off the gas avoid sparks and open flame ventilate
• 04Know escape route and location of extinguishing materials before you start

“Respect for the flame is not fear — it is routine that prevents the accident.”