NWCG has issued a safety warning noting that lock rings may unexpectedly detach from drip torches.
A lock ring detached from a full drip torch that a firefighter carried horizontally on a pack. Fuel spilled out of the drip torch and ignited, and the firefighter sustained burn injuries. Following this incident, other firefighters have reported lock rings loosening during burn operations.
To lessen the likelihood of having a lock ring detach, when tightening, ensure that the lock ring
engages threads for at least 1-1/2 full turns (540° minimum). Any less may indicate inadequate thread
engagement and could lead to a possible detachment of the lock ring. If the lock ring becomes tight with
less than one full turn (360°), assume that the components are mismatched; DO NOT USE
