Welding is the process of bonding material or metal by the use of heat, pressure, or both. Because of the gases, heat, and materials involved in welding proper precautions are required to prevent accidents that could result in injury or even death. OSHA role in providing welding workers with safety regulations has decreased the number of reported cases of injury and death associated with welding operations over the past few years.
There are more than 80 different types of welding processes used in today’s industries. Each type of the welding process carries a different risk or potential hazard for the employee and surrounding employees. So, it is extremely necessary that welders are made aware of the Welding Equipment Safety and Welding Cutting Safety regulations mandated by OSHA’s welding standards. These welding safety programs generally cover the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) requirements, the types of welding operations, environment safety, and common injuries associated with OSHA’s welding standards.
OSHA revised the cutting and welding standards in1990. These revisions were made for companies to meet specific requirements to ensure workers’ safety while doing welding and cutting operations.
Below are some requirements of OSHA Welding Standards 29 CFR 1910.252:
- Compressed gas cylinders must be kept away from radiators and other heat sources. Cylinders are to be stored upright in a well ventilated, dry location at least 20 feet from highly combustible materials such as oil. Cylinders must be stored away from elevators, stairs, or other spaces where they can be knocked over or damaged.
- The welder should be enclosed in an individual booth, or by non-combustible screens, that are painted with a finish of low reflectivity such as zinc oxide or lamp black (to absorb ultraviolet radiation). People in the surrounding the welding area must be protected by noncombustible or flameproof screens or be required to wear appropriate goggles. The booths or screens should permit circulation of air at the floor level.
- Piping systems must be tested and proved gastight at 1 1/2 times the maximum operating pressure, and shall be thoroughly purged with air, before being placed in service. Service piping systems are also required to be protected by pressure relief devices.
- Cutters and welders must be suitably trained in the safe operation of their equipment and the safe use of the process.
- Suitable fire extinguishing equipments must be maintained and kept ready for instant use in case of emergency.
- Hoses showing leaks, burns, worn places, or other defects must be repaired or replaced immediatley.
- Firewatchers are required whenever welding or cutting is performed in a location where other than a minor fire might develop. A fire watch must be maintained for at least 1/2 hour after completion of welding or cutting operations to detect and extinguish possible smoldering fires.
- No welding, cutting, or other hot work shall be performed on used drums, barrels, tanks, or other containers until they have been thoroughly cleaned (a purge with an inert gas is also recommended).
- Eye protection must be used during all arc welding, arc cutting operations, gas welding, oxygen cutting, resistance welding, or brazing operations. (the proper shade number should be selected).
- All movable fire hazards in the vicinity of welding operations must be taken to a safe place. If all the fire hazards cannot be moved, guards must be used to contain the heat, sparks, and slag.
- When a welder must enter a confined space through a manhole or other small opening, an attendant with a pre-planned rescue procedure must be stationed outside to observe the welder at all times and to put the rescue operation into effect, if necessary.
- Special ventilation and/or respirators are required in confined spaces, for cleaning compounds, when fluorine compounds, zinc, lead, beryllium, cadmium, and mercury are encountered, and when cutting stainless steel.
- Warning labels are required for all filler metals and fluxes containing fluorine compounds (fluorides).
- Before starting the welding work, welders are required to pay special attention to check fire safety and atmospheric conditions in the welding environment.
Organizations are required to screen the area and check to ensure the safety procedures are being followed during such welding operations. Neglecting the OSHA standards can attract fines or even prison sentences. Workers are required to get proper training on safety precautions, OSHA standards, handling of equipments and Personal Protective Equipments.
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