The worker turned off the gases with the valves on the torch before exiting the workspace. As he was lighting the torch after returning to the job, a minor explosion resulted in a short flash fire that severely burned the employee. The oxygen valve on the torch had not been fully closed, permitting oxygen to accumulate in the small space. Most recently, an employee squirted oxygen into his glove to cool his hand. Sparks from a nearby metal saw being operated by a fellow worker ignited the glove, severely burning the torch bearer's hand.
Pure oxygen supports rapid combustion of any burnable material.
Materials in the presence of an enriched oxygen atmosphere can ignite with little warning. Oxygen must never be used for any purpose other than intended. Anyone working with or near oxygen should exercise extraordinary caution, especially when ignition sources are present. It can easily result in significant safety hazards when used improperly.