Welding Safety at Our
USA Worksite
{
Safety is the norm not the
option
Welding joins two pieces of metal by the use of
heat, pressure, or both
Brazing or soldering involves a filler metal
which has a lower melting point than the metal
pieces to be joined
Metal cutting is done by heating the metal with
a flame and directing a stream of pure oxygen
along the line to be cut
Welding
Welding safety practices and equipment are universally applicable. Welding
exposes everyone to similar hazards, whether you’re responsible for safety at a
large, welding-intensive manufacturing company, a billion-dollar engineering-
construction firm or a small, independent fabricator.
Read the book. A welder’s operating manual contains important safety
information, as well as informational procedures that maximize the machine’s
potential. Make sure everyone who operates the machine is familiar with the
manual's contents. If the manual becomes lost or damaged, contact the
manufacturer for a replacement. Many manufacturers even provide manuals
online. Neither this article, nor any other, should be used as a substitute for the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
Button up. Any exposed skin is susceptible to the painful and damaging effects of
ultraviolet and infrared rays. Further, sparks can catch in open pockets, pant cuffs
or down a shirt that isn’t completely buttoned. These sparks can smolder unnoticed
while the welder is “under the hood,” causing serious damage. Button shirt collars,
cuffs and front pockets to prevent them from catching sparks and be sure to cover
all exposed skin. Do not keep matches or butane lighters in your pockets. Avoid
wearing cuffed pants because the cuffs also might catch sparks.
Wear the proper gear. Neither shorts nor short-sleeved shirts belong in a welding
cell. Even a quick tack weld requires the proper safety gear, including a helmet,
gloves and appropriate clothing.
READ THE
OPERATIONS BOOK
Formal training:
Early formal training related to safety
promotes safety at the worksite.
Safety Association training.
Apprenticeship training.
Manufacturer related training.
Welding Safety Training
Arc Welding
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
Metal Inert Gas (MIG)
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG)
Plaza Arc Welding (PAW)
Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)
And Many More…..more than 80 in all
Welding
Gases and Fumes…
Welding “Smoke” is a mixture of very
fine particles called fumes and gases
Welding “Smoke” contains fumes and
gases including…
Chromium, nickel, arsenic, asbestos,
manganese, silica, beryllium, cadmium,
nitrogen oxides, phosgene, acrolein,
flourine compounds, carbon monoxide,
cobalt, copper, lead, ozone, selenium, and
zinc
Health Hazards
Generally, gases and fumes come from…
Base material & filler material
Coatings & paints
Shielding gases & chemical reactions
Process & consumables used
Contaminants in the air
Health Hazards…Gases &
Fumes
It is difficult to list all the health effects of
welding exposures because the fumes may
contain so many different substances that are
known to be harmful
The individual components of welding
“smoke” can affect just about any part of the
body, including the lungs, heart, kidneys, &
central nervous system
Health Hazards
Exposure to welding “smoke” may have…
Short-term effects…
Effects happen at or very soon after exposure
Long-term effects
Effects may happen after repeated overexposures
or an extended time after the exposure
Health Hazards
Exposure to zinc, magnesium, copper and
copper oxide can cause metal fume fever
Symptoms of metal fume fevere may occur 4 to
12 hours after exposure
Symptoms include…
Chills, thirst, fever, muscle ache, chest soreness,
coughing, wheezing, fatigue, nausea, and
metallic taste in mouth
Short-term exposures
Welding “smoke” can irritate the eyes, nose,
chest and respiratory tract
Welding “smoke” can cause coughing,
wheezing, shortness of breath, bronchitis,
pulmonary edema, and pneumontis
Welding “smoke” can cause nausea, loss of
appetite, vomiting, cramps, and slow digestion
Short-term exposures
Exposure to cadmium can be fatal in a short
time
Ultraviolet radiation can react with oxygen and
nitrogen to form ozone and nitrogen oxides
These gases are deadly at high concentrations
and can also cause irritation of nose and throat
and cause serious lung disease
Short-term exposures
Ultraviolet rays given off by welding can
react with hydrocarbon solvents such
as…
Trichloroethylene; 1,1,1-trichloroethane;
methylene chloride; & perchloroethylene
to form phosgene gas
Even a very small amount of phosgene
gas may be deadly
Early symptoms include dizziness, chills, and
cough and usually take 5 – 6 hours to appear
Short-term exposures
Arc welding should
never be performed
within 200 feet of
degreasing equipment
or solvents
Short-term
exposures
Studies of welders, flame cutters, and burners
have shown that welders have an increased risk
of lung cancer…
and…possibly cancer of the larnyx and urinary
tract
Remember… welding “smoke” can include
cancer causing agents such as…cadmium,
nickel, beryllium, chromium, and arsenic
Long-term exposures
Welders may experience a variety of chronic
respiratory problems, including…
Bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, emphysema,
pneumoconiosis, decreased lung capacity,
silicosis, and siderosis
Long-term exposures
Other health problems…
Heart disease, skin diseases, hearing loss,
chronic gastritis, gastroduodentis, and ulcers of
the stomach and small intestine
Reproductive risks
Long-term exposures
Hazards
Common hazards found in welding are:
Inhaling metals fumes
Eye exposure to welding arc light
Foreign objects in eyes
Burns
Noise
Hazards
Welding also includes musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) hazards such
as:
Awkward body postures
Lifting heavy equipment or materials
Static postures for prolonged periods
Awkward postures of the wrist
welding
OFTEN, MORE THAN 1 RISK FACTOR IS PRESENT
Rigorous manual precision
requirements
High degree of uniformity
Awkward and static postures
Difficult work position
Heavy lifting, difficult material
handling
Heavy objects, heavy welding equipment
Repetition
High work intensity
Heat exposure…
Heat stress, heat stroke
burns, eye injuries from hot slag,
metal chips, sparks, and hot
electrodes
Other Health Risks…
Visible light, and ultraviolet and infrared
radiation
Intense light can cause damage to retina
Infrared radiation may damage the cornea and
result in cataracts
Invisible UV light can cause “arc eye” or
“welders’ flash”
May include sandy or gritty eye, blurred vision,
intense pain, tearing, burning and headache
Other Health Risks…
Permanent eye damage
Skin burns
Skin cancer
Noise
Can result in stress, increased blood pressure,
may contribute to heart disease, tiredness,
nervousness, and irratability
Other Health Risks…
Back injuries, shoulder pain, tendonitis,
reduced muscle strength, carpal tunnel
syndrome, white finger, and knee joint diseases
Injuries may be caused by overhead work,
vibration and heavy lifting
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Even though welding generally uses low
voltage, there is still a danger of electric shock
Wet work areas, Cramped work spaces
Falls, fractures and other accidents can result
from electrical exposure
Even small shock can cause brain damage
Death can occur from large shocks
Electrical Hazards
Always use dry gloves
Always wear rubber soled shoes
Always use insulating layers
Protect yourself from surfaces that conduct
electricity
When working on electrically powered
machinery, make sure the frame is grounded
Keep insulation on all welding equipment
and components dry and in good condition
Don’t change electrodes with bare hands, wet
gloves or while standing on wet or
ungrounded surfaces
Electrical Hazards
Intense heat and sparks can cause fires or
explosions if in the vicinity of combustible or
flammable materials
Welding and cutting should only be performed
in areas free of combustible materials such as
trash, wood, paper, textiles, plastics, chemicals,
and flammable dusts, liquids and gases
Fire and Explosion
Hazards
Never weld or cut on containers that have
held a flammable or combustible material
unless the container is thoroughly cleaned or
filled with an inert gas
A fire inspection should be performed prior
to leaving a work area and for at least 30
minutes after the operation is completed
Fire extinguishers should be nearby, of
proper size, type and number for the hazards
involved
Fire and Explosion
Hazards
All machines in the area with moving parts
must be guarded to prevent worker’s contact
Hair, clothing, fingers, etc.
When repairing machinery by brazing and
welding, power must be disconnected, locked
out, and tagged so the machinery cannot be
started up accidentently
Dangerous Machinery
To prevent trips and falls…
keep work areas clear of equipment, machines,
cables, and hoses
Always properly maintain and use handrails
Always use and maintain safety lines,
harnesses and lanyards
Always make sure that scaffolds are properly
assembled and used
Trips and Falls
A work area with limited access, little or no
airflow, not intended for continuous
occupation
May also have dangerous atmospheres,
hazardous configurations, or other hazards
All employees working in or around confined
space must be trained
Welding Hazards in
Confined Space
Never weld or cut in explosive, flammable,
combustible or other dangerous environments
Always use all necessary Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE), including, harness and
lanyard, respiratory protection, eye protection,
etc.
Never work in confined space without a
trained attendant
Welding Hazards in
Confined Space
Always leave gas cylinders and welding power
sources outside the confined space…
Only take hoses or welding leads into confined
space
Always removed hoses and/or leads when
leaving confined space for breaks, shift or crew
changes, etc.
Welding Hazards in
Confined Space
No worker should work in an area with less
than 19.5% or more than 23.5% oxygen content
Never ventilate with oxygen
Use continuous mechanical ventilation and
proper respiratory protection
All pipes, ducts, power lines, etc. that are not
necessary for the work should be
disconnected/locked out/tagged out
Welding Hazards in
Confined Space
Gas welding and cutting use a fuel gas and
oxygen which are stored in high pressure
cylinders
Most fuel gases are explosive
Pure oxygen will increase the flammability of
any combustible/flammable material
Compressed Gas Hazards
All cylinders should have caps or regulators
Pressure regulators must be designed for gas
in use
Check all equipment and components prior
to use
Cylinders must be stored upright and
secured
Oxygen and fuel gas cylinders must be
stored separately
Be aware of flashbacks and backfires??
Close cylinder valves when work is
completed or left unattended during breaks,
etc.
Compressed Gas Hazards
Identify hazards and potential hazards prior to
beginning hot work
Read the MSDS sheet to identify the hazardous
material used in welding and cutting products,
and the fumes that may be generated
Make sure that you know what you are
welding before beginning
Cadmium exposure can be fatal in a very short
time
Reducing Noise Hazards
After a specific hazard(s) has been identified…
you can implement appropriate control
method(s)
You can use appropriate PPE
Compressed Gas Hazards
Substitute less hazardous materials for
hazardous materials
Use cadmium-free silver solders
Use asbestos- free electrodes, gloves, and hot
pads
Use ventilation to move away or dilute hazards
Use work area barriers to protect others
working in the same general area
Engineering Controls and
Work Practices
Welding booths should be painted with dull
finishes so they don’t reflect UV light
Acoustic shields between the worker and noise
sources can reduce exposures
Noisy machinery can be totally enclosed
Engineering Controls and
Work Practices
Modify the process or follow safe work
practices so that hazards are eliminated or
reduced to the minimum…
Don’t weld on painted surfaces; use water
table under plasma arc cutting to reduce
noise; Grind instead of air-arcing; use sub
arc; position yourself away from fumes;
remove nearby flammables/combustibles;
properly maintain equipment; proper
housekeeping; use lowest possible amperage;
hold electrode perpendicular and close to
work surface
Never weld or cut within 200 feet of
degreasing equipment or solvents
Engineering Controls and
Work Practices
PPE must be used in conjunction with
engineering controls and safe work practices
Use of one does not eliminate the need for the
other
Eye protection should be used in all welding
operations
Wear face shields or helmets and goggles or
safety glasses
Use appropriate filters on eye protection
Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
SMAW – 1/16 - 5/32 = #10
Gas SAW - 1/16 - 5/32 = #11 (nonferrous)
Gas SAW – 1/16 – 5/32 = #12 (ferrous)
SMAW – 3/16 – ¼ - = #12
5/16 & 3/8 electrodes = #14
Atomic Hydrogen Welding = #10 - #14
Carbon Arc Welding CAW = #14
Filter Lens Shade
Numbers
Soldering = #2
Torch Brazing = #3 or #4
Light cutting up to 1 inch = #3 or #4
Medium cutting 1 inch to 6 inches = #4 or
#5
Heavy cutting over 6 inches = #4 or #6
Light gas welding up to 1/8” = #4 or #5
Medium gas welding 1/8” to ½ “ = #5 or
#6
Heavy Gas Welding over ½ “ = #6 or #8
Filter Lens Shade
Numbers
Fire resistant gauntlet gloves
Headcap
High top hard toed shoes
Leather apron
Faceshield
Flame retardant clothing
Safety Glasses
Safety helmet
Protective Clothing
Ear plugs and/or muffs should be worn during
noisy operations such as air arcing or grinding
Most welding operations are noisy
Hearing Protectors
Must be specific to the hazard
Must be fitted, cleaned, stored and maintained
in accordance to regulation and manufacturers
specs
NIOSH recommends respirators whenever a
carcinogen is present
Respirators
1910.251 - Definitions
1910.252 - General Requirements
1910.253 - Oxygen-fuel gas
welding and cutting
1910.254 - Arc welding and cutting
1910.255 - Resistance welding
Subpart Q
1910.102 - Acetylene
1910.104 - Oxygen
1926.350 - Gas welding and cutting
1926.351 - Arc welding and cutting
1926.352 - Fire prevention
1926.353 - Ventilation and protection in welding,
cutting, and heating
1926.354 - Welding, cutting, and heating in way
Other Related OSHA
of preservative coatings
Standards
NFPA 10 - Portable Fire Extinguishers
NFPA 50 - Bulk Oxygen Systems at Consumer
Sites
NFPA 51 - Oxygen- Fuel Gas Systems for
Welding
NFPA 51A - Acetylene Cylinder Charging Plants
NFPA 51B - Fire Prevention for Cutting and
Welding
NFPA 70 - National Electric Code
NFPA 306 - Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels
NFPA 327 - Cleaning or Safeguarding of Small
Tanks and Containers
NFPA Standards
General Requirements
Fire Prevention and Protection
Basic Precautions
Fire hazards
If the object to be welded or cut cannot readily be
moved, all movable fire hazards in the vicinity shall
be taken to a safe place.
Guards
If the object to be welded or cut cannot be moved
and if all the fire hazards cannot be removed, then
guards shall be used to confine the heat, sparks,
and slag, and to protect the immovable fire
hazards.
General Requirements
Fire Prevention and Protection
Basic Precautions
Restrictions
If the requirements stated in fire hazards and guards sections
cannot be followed then welding and cutting shall not be
performed.
General Requirements
Fire Prevention and Protection
Special Precautions
Suitable fire
extinguishers shall be
maintained in a state of
readiness
Fire Watchers are
required whenever
welding and cutting is
performed in locations
where other than a
minor fire might develop
General Requirements
Fire Prevention and Protection
Special Precautions
Fire Watchers are also required when:
Appreciable combustible materials, in building construction or
contents, are closer than 35 feet to the point of operation
Appreciable combustible materials more than 35 feet away but
are easily ignited by sparks
A fire watch shall be maintained for at least one half hour after
the completion of welding or cutting operations
General Requirements
Fire Prevention and Protection
Special Precautions
Cutting or welding shall not be permitted in the following
situations:
In areas not authorized by management
In sprinkled buildings when protection is impaired
In the presence of explosive atmospheres
General Requirements
Fire Prevention and Protection
Welding or cutting containers
Will be cleaned so thoroughly as to make
absolutely certain that there are no flammable
materials present or any substances such as
greases, tars, acids, or other materials which when
subjected to heat, might produce flammable or
toxic vapors.have been
Any pipe lines or connections to the drum or vessel shall be
disconnected or blanked
General Requirements
Fire Prevention and Protection
Confined spaces.
When arc welding is to be suspended for any substantial period
of time, such as during lunch or overnight, all electrodes shall be
removed from the holders and the holders carefully located so
that accidental contact cannot occur and the machine be
disconnected from the power source
General Requirements
Fire Prevention and Protection
Confined spaces
In order to eliminate the possibility of gas escaping
through leaks or improperly closed valves, when
gas welding or cutting, the torch valves shall be
closed and the gas supply to the torch positively
shut off at some point outside the confined area
whenever the torch is not to be used for a
substantial period of time, such as during lunch
hour or overnight.
Where practicable, the torch and hose shall also be
removed from the confined space
General
Railing
A welder or helper working on platforms, scaffolds, or runways shall
be protected against falling. This may be accomplished by the use of
railings, safety belts, life lines, or some other equally effective
safeguards.
Welding cable
General Requirements
Welders shall place welding cable and other equipment so that it is
clear of passageways, ladders, and stairways.
Protection of Personnel
Personnel Protection
Eye protection
Helmets or hand shields shall be used during all
arc welding or arc cutting operations, excluding
submerged arc welding. Helpers or attendants
shall be provided with proper eye protection.
Goggles or other suitable eye protection shall be
used during all gas welding or oxygen cutting
operations. Spectacles without side shields, with
General Requirements
suitable filter lenses are permitted for use during
gas welding operations on light work, for torch
Protection of Personnel
brazing or for inspection.
General Requirements
Protection of Personnel
Welding Operation | Shade No.
Shielded metal-arc welding -
1/16-, 3/32-, 1/8-, 5/32-inch electrodes 10
Gas-shielded arc welding (nonferrous) -
1/16-, 3/32-, 1/8-, 5/32-inch electrodes 11
Gas-shielded arc welding (ferrous) -
1/16-, 3/32-, 1/8-, 5/32-inch electrodes 12
Soldering 2
Torch brazing 3 or 4
Heavy cutting, 6 inches and over 5
or 6
General Requirements
Protection of Personnel
Airline respirators
In circumstances for
which it is impossible
to provide such
ventilation
SCBA
In IDLH
Atmospheres
Confined space means a relatively small or
restricted space such as a tank, boiler, pressure
vessel, or small compartment of a ship
Ventilation is a prerequisite to work in confined
spaces
General Requirements
Confined Spaces
Securing cylinders and machinery
When welding or cutting is being performed in
any confined spaces the gas cylinders and
welding machines shall be left on the outside.
General Requirements
Confined Spaces
Lifelines
Where a welder must enter a confined space through a manhole or
other small opening, means shall be provided for quickly removing
him in case of emergency.
An attendant with a pre-planned rescue procedure shall be
stationed outside to observe the welder at all times and be capable
of putting rescue operations into effect.
General Requirements
Confined Spaces
All welding and cutting operations carried on in confined spaces
shall be adequately ventilated to prevent the accumulation of
toxic materials or possible oxygen deficiency.
This applies not only to the welder but also to helpers and other
personnel in the immediate vicinity. All air replacing that
withdrawn shall be clean and repairable.
General Requirements
Confined Spaces
Mechanical ventilation is required when welding
or cutting is done with materials in this section
Materials such as fluorine compounds, zinc,
lead, beryllium, cadmium, mercury, cleaning
compounds and stainless steel are particularly
hazardous and specific control requirements
General Requirements
Health Protection and
Ventilation
Flammable mixture
Mixtures of fuel gases and air or oxygen may
be explosive and shall be guarded against.
Cutting torch temperatures exceed 5000
degrees F
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Maximum pressure
Under no condition shall acetylene be
generated, piped or utilized at a pressure in
excess of 15 psig (103 kPa gauge pressure) or
30 psia (206 kPa absolute)
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Apparatus
Only approved
apparatus such
as torches,
regulators or pressure-reducing valves,
acetylene generators, and manifolds shall be
used.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Cylinders and
containers
All portable cylinders used
for the storage and shipment
of compressed gases shall
be constructed and
maintained in accordance
with the regulations of the
U.S. Department of
Transportation, 49 CFR
Parts 171-179.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Design of Acetylene
Cylinder
Filled with Calcium
Silicate
Cylinders and containers
Compressed gas cylinders shall be
legibly marked, for the purpose of
identifying the gas content, with either the
chemical or the trade name of the gas.
Such marking shall be by means of
stenciling, stamping, or labeling, and
shall not be readily removable. Whenever
practical, the marking shall be located on
the shoulder of the cylinder.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Storage of cylinders-general
Cylinders shall be kept away from
radiators and other sources of heat.
Inside of buildings, cylinders shall be
stored in a well-protected, well-ventilated,
dry location, at least 20 (6.1 m) feet from
highly combustible materials such as oil
or excelsior. Cylinders should be stored
in definitely assigned places away from
elevators, stairs, or gangways.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Storage of cylinders-general
Assigned storage spaces shall be located
where cylinders will not be knocked over
or damaged by passing or falling objects,
or subject to tampering by unauthorized
persons.
Cylinders shall not be kept in unventilated
enclosures such as lockers and
cupboards.
Empty cylinders shall have their valves
closed.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Oxygen and acetylene cylinders in storage must be
separated by 20 feet
Or a 1/2 hour fire wall ( 5ft.)
Valve protection caps, where cylinder is
designed to accept a cap, shall always be in
place, hand-tight, except when cylinders are in
use or connected for use.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Fuel-gas cylinder storage.
Inside a building, cylinders, except
those in actual use or attached
ready for use, shall be limited to a
total gas capacity of 2,000 cubic
feet (56 m(3)) or 300 pounds
(135.9 kg) of liquefied petroleum
gas.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Fuel-gas cylinder storage.
For storage in excess of 2,000 cubic feet (56
m(3)) total gas capacity of cylinders or 300
pounds (135.9 kg) of liquefied petroleum gas,
a separate room or compartment shall be
provided, or cylinders shall be kept outside or
in a special building.
Special buildings, rooms or compartments
shall have no open flame for heating or
lighting and shall be well ventilated.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Oxygen storage
Oxygen cylinders shall not be stored near
highly combustible material, especially oil and
grease.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Operating procedures.
Cylinders, cylinder valves, couplings,
regulators, hose, and apparatus shall be kept
free from oily or greasy substances.
Oxygen cylinders or apparatus shall not be
handled with oily hands or gloves.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Operating procedures
When transporting cylinders by a crane or
derrick, a cradle, boat, or suitable platform shall
be used.
Slings or electric magnets shall not be used for
this purpose.
Valve-protection caps, where cylinder is
designed to accept a cap, shall always be in
place.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Valve-protection caps shall not be used for
lifting cylinders from one vertical position to
another.
Bars shall not be used under valves or valve-
protection caps to pry cylinders loose when
frozen to the ground or otherwise fixed; the use
of warm (not boiling) water is recommended.
Valve-protection caps are designed to protect
cylinder valves from damage.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Unless cylinders are secured on a special truck,
regulators shall be removed and valve-
protection caps, when provided for, shall be put
in place before cylinders are moved.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Cylinders not having fixed hand wheels shall
have keys, handles, or nonadjustable wrenches
on valve stems while these cylinders are in
service.
In multiple cylinder installations only one key or
handle is required for each manifold.
Cylinder valves shall be closed before moving
cylinders.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Cylinder valves shall be closed when work is
finished.
Valves of empty cylinders shall be closed.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Cylinders shall be kept far enough away from
the actual welding or cutting operation so that
sparks, hot slag, or flame will not reach them,
or fire-resistant shields shall be provided.
Cylinders shall not be placed where they might
become part of an electric circuit.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Cylinders shall be kept away from
radiators, piping systems, layout tables,
etc., that may be used for grounding
electric circuits such as for arc welding
machines.
Any practice such as the tapping of an
electrode against a cylinder to strike an
arc shall be prohibited.
Cylinders shall never be used as rollers
or supports, whether full or empty.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Before connecting the regulator to the cylinder
valve, the valve shall be opened slightly for an
instant and then closed. Always stand to one
side of the outlet when opening the cylinder
valve.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Protective equipment, hose,
and regulators
Equipment shall be installed and used only in
the service for which it is approved and as
recommended by the manufacturer.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Piping protective equipment.
The fuel-gas and oxygen piping
systems, including portable outlet
headers shall incorporate the
protective equipment
Backflow of oxygen into the fuel-gas
supply system
Passage of a flash back into the fuel-
gas supply system
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Hose and hose connections.
Hose for oxy-fuel gas service shall comply
with the Specification for Rubber Welding
Hose, 1958, Compressed Gas Association
and Rubber Manufacturers Association
When parallel lengths of oxygen and
acetylene hose are taped together for
convenience and to prevent tangling, not
more than 4 inches (10.2 cm) out of 12
inches (30.5 cm) shall be covered by tape.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Hose and hose connections
Hose connections shall comply with the
Standard Hose Connection Specifications,
1957, Compressed Gas Association.
Hose connections shall be clamped or
otherwise securely fastened in a manner that
will withstand, without leakage, twice the
pressure to which they are normally
subjected in service
Hose showing leaks, burns, worn places, or
other defects rendering it unfit for service
shall be repaired or replaced.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Pressure-reducing regulators.
Pressure-reducing regulators
shall be used only for the gas
and pressures for which they
are intended.
When regulators or parts of regulators,
including gages, need repair, the work
shall be performed by skilled mechanics
who have been properly instructed.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Pressure-reducing regulators.
Gages on oxygen regulators shall be
marked "USE NO OIL."
Union nuts and connections on
regulators shall be inspected before
use to detect faulty seats which may
cause leakage of gas when the
regulators are attached to the cylinder
valves.
Oxygen-fuel gas welding
and cutting
1910.253
Arc welding and cutting
1910.254
In the arc welding
process, an electric
current passing through
the welding rod or
electrode is forced to
jump or arc across a
gap. The resulting arc
produces the intense
heat necessary for the
arc welding and cutting
operation.
1910.254
Arc welding is used to
fabricate nearly all
types of carbon and
alloy steels, the
common nonferrous
metals, and is
indispensable in the
repair and reclamation
of metallic machine
parts
Equipment selection.
Welding equipment shall be chosen for safe
application to the work to be done
Installation.
Welding equipment shall be installed safely
Arc welding and cutting
1910.254
Instruction.
Workmen designated to operate arc welding
equipment shall have been properly instructed
and qualified to operate such equipment
Arc welding and cutting
1910.254
1910.254
On all types of arc
welding machines,
control apparatus
shall be enclosed
except for the
operating wheels,
levers, or handles.
1910.254
Terminals for welding
leads should be
protected from
accidental electrical
contact by personnel
or by metal objects
i.e., vehicles, crane
hooks, etc.
Workmen assigned to operate or maintain arc
welding equipment shall be acquainted with the
requirements of this section and with 1910.252
If doing gas-shielded arc welding, also
Recommended Safe Practices for Gas-
Shielded Arc Welding, A6.1-1966, American
Welding Society
Arc welding and cutting
1910.254
Electrode holders.
Electrode holders when not in use shall be so
placed that they cannot make electrical contact
with persons, conducting objects, fuel or
compressed gas tanks.
Electric shock.
Cables with splices within 10 feet (3 m) of the
holder shall not be used. The welder should not
coil or loop welding electrode cable around parts
of his body.
Arc welding and cutting
1910.254
Installation
Interlocks
Thermal protection
Guarding
Personnel
Shields
Guarding
Foot switches
Spot and seam welding
Stop buttons
machines
Safety pins
Voltage
Grounding
Capacitor welding
Resistance Welding
1910.255
Working with ignition sources near flammable materials is
referred to as "hot work." Welding and cutting are examples of
hot work. Fires are often the result of the "quick five minute"
job in areas not intended for welding or cutting. Getting a hot
work permit before performing hot work is just one of steps
involved in a hot work management program that helps to
reduce the risk of starting a fire by welding or cutting in areas
where there are flammable or combustible materials.
What is a Hot Work Management Program?
Hot work management programs are put in place to control or
eliminate hot work hazards and their risks. Programs include
the development of policies, procedures, and the assignment of
responsibilities and accountabilities for all aspects of hot work.
A program includes:
What is "Hot Work"?
1. Policies
a. Where hot work is permitted
b. When hot work is permitted
c. Who authorizes hot work
Who must be present during hot work
2. Procedures
a. What must be assessed before permitting/performing hot work in an area or
on a process piece of equipment or area
b. What to do to prepare an area for hot work
c. What to do if hot work cannot be avoided in a particularly hazardous area
d. What hot work tools are required
e. How to obtain a hot work permit, when they are required, and who can
administer them3. Training
a. Employees, supervisors, maintenance individuals, fire wardens, trained fire
watch individuals, and contractors all have different roles, and must be trained
accordingly
Our Policy Please Apply it
Seek out the Answer to
your questions don’t
just light them up and
pretend nothing is
going to happen
Bottom-line in Training
Be Safe, Happy Welding!
Thank you!