scope:

This standard shall apply to plants that are engaged in the generation and compression of acetylene and in the charging of acetylene cylinders, either as their sole operation or in conjunction with facilities for charging other compressed gas cylinders.

An existing plant that is not in strict compliance with the provisions of this standard shall be permitted to continue operations where such use does not constitute a distinct hazard to life or adjoining property.

This standard shall not apply to plants that only produce and compress acetylene for chemical operations or to plants that only produce and compress acetylene below a gauge pressure of 15 psi (103 kPa). (Refer to NFPA 51, Standard for the Design and Installation of Oxygen-Fuel Gas Systems for Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, for acetylene generating plants where the acetylene is used with oxygen for welding, cutting, heating, and heat-treating operations.)