WELDING AND CUTTING

• Welding


  A fabrication process that lets you join materials like metals by using heat at high temperatures
• Types of Welding Processes

  • Stick Welding (SMAW)
  • MIG Welding (GMAW)
  • TIG Welding (GTAW)
  • Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
• Cutting


  A thermal cutting process that severs or removes metal by melting with the heat of an arc between an electrode and the workpiece
• Types of Arc Cutting Processes


  • Carbon Arc Cutting
  • Air Carbon Arc Cutting
  • Metal Arc Cutting
  • Gas Metal Arc Cutting
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Cutting
  • Plasma Arc Cutting
• Rule 1100: Gas and Electric Welding, and Cutting Operations
• General Provisions


  • Welding or cutting operations shall not be permitted in rooms or areas containing combustible materials or in proximity to explosives or flammable liquids, dusts, gases or vapors, until all fire and explosion hazards are eliminated
  • Welding or cutting operations on containers filled with explosives or flammable substances is prohibited
  • Welding and cutting operations carried out or done in places where persons other than the welders work or pass shall be enclosed by means of suitable stationary or portable screens
  • A portable fire extinguisher shall be provided at the place where welding and cutting operations are being undertaken
  • Authorization, before welding and cutting operations are allowed in large establishments, the area shall be inspected by the safetyman
• Personal Protective Equipment


  • Goggles, helmets or head shields fitted with suitable filter lenses and hand shields
  • Suitable aprons
  • Gloves, goggles or other protective clothings, as may be necessary
• Welding or Cutting in Confined Spaces


  • Local exhaust and general ventilation system to keep fumes, gases or dusts within allowable concentrations or threshold limit values
  • Approved types of respiratory protective equipment
• Protection of the General Area - Site


  • Designated work area
  • Restricted access to the workplace
  • Emergency procedures at the site
• Protection of the General Area - Equipment


  • Inspection of quality and set up
  • Protective covers
  • Secure gas cylinders
  • Equipment maintenance
• Protection of the General Area - Signs


  • Keeping safety signage and reminders on full display
  • Create a cautionary label
• Protection of the General Area - Protective Screens


  • Utilize protective clothing and flame-resistant shields
• Minimizing reflectivity in welding areas
• Protection of the Personnel - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)


  • Wear Appropriate PPE
  • Recommended personal protective equipment
  • Respiratory Protective Equipment
• Noise Control


  Noise from some processes or equipment can damage hearing
• Protection of the Personnel - Training


  • Importance of Proper Usage
  • Continuous Training
• Protecting the public - Flames, flying sparks, and molten metal


  • Establish designated welding areas
  • Post clear warnings
  • Control flammable materials
  • Maintain fire safety measures
• Protecting the public - Radiation


  • Utilize shielding
  • Control viewing access
• Flames, flying sparks, and molten metal


  • Establish designated welding areas
  • Post clear warnings
  • Control flammable materials
  • Maintain fire safety measures
• Radiation


  • Utilize shielding
  • Control viewing access
  • Invest in protective gear
• Contaminants


  • Ensure proper ventilation
  • Monitor air quality
  • Communicate safety measures
• Electric Shock


  • Ensure cables are in good condition
  • Organize the wires and cables
  • Secure the work area
• Tripping


  • Secure pathways
  • Proper cable management
  • Visual safety
• Fire Prevention and Protection

  • Fire safety competence
  • Fire extinguishers
• Natural Ventilation


  Circulation of air through a workplace using natural forces
• Mechanical Ventilation


  Circulation of air through a workplace using a mechanical device, such as a fan
• Types of Mechanical Ventilation

  • Local exhaust ventilation systems
  • Local forced air ventilation system
• Working on Confined Spaces requires proper ventilation
• Ventilation Before Entry


  1. Ensure confined spaces are well-ventilated and tested for safety

  2. If maintaining safety is impractical, entry is allowed only if the space is tested and confirmed free of oxygen issues, fire/explosion risks, or life-threatening atmospheres

  3. A trained person ready for rescue must be present outside the confined space
• Testing Atmospheres


  1. Confined spaces must be tested for toxic or flammable substances and appropriate oxygen levels before and during use

  2. Test lower areas for heavier gasses and higher areas for lighter gasses
• Sufficient ventilation in confined spaces is essential not only to safeguard welders or cutters but also to ensure the protection of all individuals in the vicinity
• Ventilation must provide air of both appropriate quality and quantity, ensuring that personnel exposure to hazardous contaminants remains below the permissible limits
• Ventilation must solely use air, and oxygen or any other gasses or gas mixtures are strictly prohibited for this purpose
• Gas Welding and Cutting Safety


  • Storage, Handling, and Use of Cylinders
  • Hose lines and Connections
  • Torches
• Electric Arc Welding and Cutting Safety


  • Arc welding equipment and cables
  • Installation of Arc Welding Equipment
  • Operation
  • Maintenance