Arc Welding

OSHA 29 CFR
1910.254,
1926.351(d)

Objectives
Examples of how Accidents can Result from Arc
Welding

Necessary Personal Protective Equipment

Ventilation Requirements

Fire Prevention Precautions

Safe Operation of an Arc Welder

Welding, Cutting and Brazing

Accidents - Causes

Inadequately trained personnel

Poor housekeeping practices

Poor shop layout

Inadequate lighting and ventilation

Improper storage and movement of compressed gas

cylinders

Welding, Cutting and Brazing

Accidents Causes (Contd)
Exposure of oxygen cylinders and fittings to
oil/grease

Pointing welding or cutting torches at a concrete

surface

Electric shock due to improper grounding

Inhalation of toxic fumes or vapors

Welding, Cutting and Brazing

Fires and Explosions - Causes

Proximity of combustible solids, liquids, or dusts

Presence of explosive mixtures of flammable gases

and air

Presence of an oxygen-enriched atmosphere

Personal Protective Equipment

Fire retardant long sleeved coveralls without cuffs

Sleeves and collars kept buttoned

Leather gauntlet gloves

High top leather shoes

Helmets and goggles

Personal Protective Equipment

(Contd)

Safety glasses (No contact lenses)

Flame-proof skull cap

Hearing protection

Ventilation
The Welder must be located in an area with
adequate ventilation
Non-Hazardous Metals
Ventilation system will move minimum of
2000 cubic feet per minute of air per welder
Hazardous Metals
Use a supplied-air type respirator or a
respirator specially designed to filter the specific
metal fume

Fire Prevention
Arc Welders can produce temperatures in excess of
10,000 degrees F

Establish fire barriers

Work on fire-resistant floor

Work in environment free of flammable liquids and

vapors

Check for necessity of Hot Work Permit

Fire Prevention (Contd)

Establish Fire Watcher

- qualified person proficient in operation of
available fire extinguishers
- duty to detect and prevent spread of fire

Fill any cracks in floor

Remove or protect combustibles

Have fire extinguishers available and ready

Safe Practices Before

Operation

Proper training for all operators

Check all connections

Work lead firmly attached to work

Contact surfaces of work clamps free of metal

splatter particles

Coiled welding cable spread out

Inspect work and electrode lead cables

Safe Practices During

Operation

Proper working surface

Clean material

Good housekeeping practices

Use metal tongs and pliers to handle hot metal

Hot metal marked HOT with soapstone

Always use Arc Welding Safety Checklist!

Engine Powered Welders

Safety Precautions

Operate in open well-ventilated area

Never fuel engine while running

Wipe up spilled fuel immediately

Never remove radiator pressure cap from liquid

cooled engines while hot

Engine Powered Welders

Safety Precautions (Contd)

Stop engine before performing any maintenance

Keep all guards and shields in place

Keep hands, hair, clothing away from moving

parts

Key Safety Points

Welder is properly installed and grounded

Never weld without adequate ventilation

Take proper precautions to prevent fires

Protect entire body with fire retardant clothing,

shoes and gloves

Wear eye protection at all times

Key Safety Points

Weld only in a fire safe area

Never do any welding, cutting or hot work on used

drums, barrels, tanks or similar containers

Mark metal HOT with soapstone

Keep a well stocked first aid kit handy

Assessment

Take a few moments to complete

the assessment -

Assessment Key 1
1.
X Inadequately trained personnel
X Poor housekeeping practices
X Poor shop layout
Adequate lighting and ventilation
X Improper storage and movement of compressed gas
cylinders
X Exposure of oxygen cylinders and fitting to oil/grease
X Pointing welding or cutting torches at a concrete
surface
X Electric shock when motors, generators are not
grounded
X Inhalation of toxic fumes or vapors from welding metals

Assessment Key 2
2. Welders should avoid clothing with tears, snags,
rips, or worn spots because these areas are easily
ignited by sparks.
3. True
4. False
5. False

Assessment Key 3
6. A and C
7. B
8. A Firewatcher is a qualified individual proficient in
the operation of fire extinguishing equipment.
9. A Firewatchers duty is to detect and prevent the
spread of fire produced by welding or cutting activities.

Assessment Key 4
10.
X All connections to the arc welding machine shall be
checked
X The work lead shall be firmly attached to the work
A Firewatcher shall be posted
X Coiled welding cables shall be spread out before
Welding helmets shall be on at all times
X Work and electrode lead cables shall be inspected for
damage
Cables with damaged insulation shall be repaired with
electricians tape
X Electrode cables shall be joined and insulated