A match should be used to ignite the oxyacetylene flame.

• A. Only with starter fuel
• B. False
• C. Only when acetylene is cold
• D. True

Answer: (B)

Lighting the oxyacetylene flame should be done with a proper ignition source, not a match. A match is not suitable because it provides an uncontrolled flame near pressurized gas lines, and acetylene can flash back into the hose or cylinders if there’s any leak or if the flame is introduced at the wrong moment. Using a dedicated striker or spark lighter gives a small, localized ignition at the torch tip while you control the gas flow, making the process safer. The typical safe sequence is to keep the oxygen off, crack the acetylene slightly and ignite with the striker, then gradually open the oxygen to achieve a neutral flame. A match increases the risk of a flashback or burns and is not part of proper ignition practice. The other statements don’t describe safe lighting, since ignition should not depend on being cold or on using starter fuel.