Regulators should be greased or oiled occasionally to guarantee smooth operation.

• A. Only after initial setup
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Never

Answer: (B)

Keep regulators dry and clean. Lubricating them with oil or grease is not part of proper maintenance and can cause real hazards. Oil residues can contaminate the gas stream, damage seals and diaphragms, and can ignite or explode in the presence of oxygen or oxidizers. Because of these risks, regulators are not supposed to be greased or oiled; if a regulator isn’t operating smoothly, the proper step is to inspect for contamination or wear and service or replace it per the manufacturer’s guidelines, not to apply lubrication.