[Janne]

Here in Finland, it is pretty much same, from what I know.But the "hot work" card/license, or work permit, has to be renewed every two years.And we also have the kind of same card for occupational safety and health..

If you want to work on a docks or some bigger worksite, you need these cards, or there is no way, you are working in there. But I also think, it is a little bit on cashing of companies, since I think the two years time,for renewing them, is a too short..

But I have never heard a accident happen from oxy and acetylene equipment,in here and the history of old timers , that I know..

But these post about safety, like said many times, are good..My advice also is, don´t buy used hoses or regulators...or arrestors, etc..people seem to sell them very often...