Welding & Cutting Safety

Welding can cause safety hazards.

OSHA, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, defines "hot work" as any work that involves burning, welding, or using fire or spark-producing tools or that produces a source of ignition. Welding and cutting work falls into that area. This type of work poses safety and health risks to more than half a million American workers.

Welding, Cutting and Brazing

Sparks and heat cause hazards in welding jobs.

Welding is a procedure that uses heat to join metal parts together. Brazing (soldering) uses heat to melt a filler metal, such as solder, to connect and seal metal pieces. Metal cutting is done by applying intense flame and oxygen along a line to be cut. These "hot work" procedures present a variety of hazards, including fire, explosion, toxic atmospheres, ultraviolet radiation, electric shock and extreme noise.

Safety Training

Safety training is mandated by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.251-252 (Code of Federal Regulations) and NFPA, the National Fire Protection Agency. Every employee and supervisor designated to perform or oversee welding, brazing or cutting work is required to complete OSHA training before performing that type of work. In addition, all those employed in an area where hot work is conducted must also receive training to help prevent injuries.

Fire Prevention and Protection

Fire extinguishers are needed in a welding area.

Welding and cutting pose safety risks, such as fire and explosion. Injuries can also result from sparks produced by the welding torches or spatter from the materials being used. Safety concerns involve the objects being welded or cut and heat from the hot tools, which could cause a fire. Fire watchers may be required in areas where a minor fire might occur. Fire watchers should have extinguishing materials or equipment readily available. Fire extinguishing methods may consist of water, buckets of sand or fire extinguishers.

Protection of Workers

Welding helmets with face shields protect a worker's face.

Workers who welding and cut must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while performing their jobs. Eye protection includes goggles or safety glasses. In jobs that create sparks, transparent face shields must be worn. Helmets must be used during arc welding to protect a worker's face, head, neck and ears. Employees performing arc welding must also wear hand shields approved for welding work. Fireproof clothing, such as overalls or coats, may be needed in a welding or cutting situation. The clothing will protect workers from burns caused by a hot welder or from sparks caused by the welding action.

Ventilation

In a welding area that is entirely screened on all sides, the screening must be a certain distance from the floor to provide natural ventilation. In confined or small spaces, mechanical ventilation is necessary. Air replacement, either natural or mechanical, should be accessible to the welders and any other personnel in the immediate vicinity. Airline respirators, worn on the face to provide breathable air and protect the respiratory system, are required in circumstances where natural ventilation is not possible.

Welding Safety Checklist

As in many other work situations with hazardous conditions, a company's policy may dictate the use of a safety checklist. A welding safety checklist should be filled out by the supervisor in charge, and any needed safety action should be taken before workers begin a hot work job.

References

• OSHA: Safety and Training Requirements
• EHS Today: Guidelines for Developing a Welding and Cutting Safety Program
• National Fire Protection Association regulations

Resources

• American Welding Society resource list