en.Wedoany.com Reported - Canadian company TorchRite Solutions has developed an oxy-fuel cutting torch safety system called Safe-T Torch, which extinguishes the flame and cuts off the gas supply within seconds when the operator releases the handle trigger.
The product was inspired by founder David Logan's personal experience. Years ago, after using an oxy-acetylene torch, he placed the tool into a 5-gallon bucket. Gas leaked into the bucket, and when he later used an angle grinder, sparks ignited the accumulated gas, causing a small explosion. This incident prompted Logan to develop a safer torch system.
After completing the initial prototype, Logan co-founded TorchRite Solutions with Keith Davies, Armen Jeknavorian, and George Shahnazarian. The company is based in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. The team continuously refined the design and added necessary tools to obtain CSA and UL certification through third parties. Company sales director Davies stated that testing and development have been ongoing since 2021. In 2025, the design won a CAD 10,000 Innovation Challenge Award in the business-to-business category in Maple Ridge.
The Safe-T Torch features a pistol-grip design, paired with an 18-volt battery-powered control box installed near the gas cylinders, allowing gas to be cut off at the source. An emergency stop button on the control box enables anyone to quickly shut off the gas flow. TorchRite President Jeknavorian explained that the flame extinguishes within three to seven seconds after releasing the trigger. Company CFO Shahnazarian added that if an operator needs to set down the torch unexpectedly, the trigger puts the system into a safe state.
Jeknavorian and Shahnazarian previously co-founded MGA Connectors, which manufactures engineered construction hardware, and are well aware of the importance of product testing and approval processes. Since no testing procedure existed for this product at the time, the company hired a third-party engineering firm to conduct risk analysis and design a procedure. They later collaborated with Saskatchewan Polytechnic to adjust key design points. The product has now been developed to its fifth generation and is undergoing field testing with major potential customers.
The system features fail-safe functions. It automatically shuts down when the battery voltage drops below 16 volts, cuts off when the battery temperature exceeds 55 degrees Celsius, and restarts when the temperature drops to approximately 50 degrees Celsius. Shahnazarian stated that the company is working with Saskatchewan Polytechnic to research other products that could benefit the industry, but will first ensure Safe-T Torch gains market acceptance before launching additional models.
This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com
