Welding, Cutting and
Brazing Training
Standard 29 CFR Part 1910.251-254
Today’s agenda
• Introduction
• Hazards of welding, cutting and brazing
• General safety procedures
• Gas welding, cutting and brazing
• Electric welding, cutting and brazing
• Conclusion
What are welding, cutting and brazing?
Welding, cutting and
brazing are methods
of joining similar and
dissimilar metals by
melting the base
metals together or by
joining them through
the use of filler metals.
Workplace hazards
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Fire: Sparks, slag, flames and heat can cause
accidental fires. Often the sparks and slag can
spatter over 25 feet. Heat can be conducted through
pipes, ducts to different rooms and even building
floors to start fires.
Burns: Contact with hot equipment or materials is
always a possibility
Explosion: The fuel gasses can explode when ignited
in a closed space. Oxygen can cause flammable and
combustible liquids to burn with explosive force.
Workplace hazards
• Dangerous fume and gas: These operations
create metal fume which can be hazardous.
Often inert gasses are used (such as argon
or nitrogen); these gasses are asphyxiates.
• Electric shock: When doing any electric
welding, cutting or brazing, there is a
possibility of coming in contact with high
voltage welding leads, supply current power
leads or miscellaneous power tool cords.
General safety: Fire prevention
Welding, cutting and brazing must be conducted in fire safe
areas. The only fire safe areas are:
Designated areas: An enclosure or dedicated area installed
and maintained for hot work. Designated areas will be free of
combustible and flammable materials and will be designed to
prevent sparks, slag and heat from spreading to other areas.
Hot Work Permit: A Hot Work Permit is a procedure that is
followed to prepare an area for a temporary hot work job.
Flammable and combustible materials are moved out, openings
to other rooms or floors are plugged, and fire watch is provided.
A FIRE EXTINGUISHER MUST ALWAYS BE PRESENT
WHEN PERFORMING HOT WORK
General safety: PPE
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Eye protection is always required to protect against flying
particles and harmful rays
Face protection is often required, especially for electric welding
Your job has been evaluated to determine requirements for
flame retardant clothing and we will discuss those requirements
now
Hand protection is always required
No shorts are permitted and a shirt covering the shoulder is
permitted (long sleeve shirts are strongly encouraged)
PRECAUTIONS MUST BE TAKEN TO PROTECT OTHERS IN
THE AREA FROM HARMFUL RAYS OR HOT OBJECTS
General safety: Ventilation
Ventilation: Areas where hot work is performed must have one of
the following:
Natural ventilation – area must have high ceilings and good
natural draft, through windows or other air passages
Mechanical ventilation - fans or other powered air movers that
provide exhaust or fresh air make-up to the area
MECHANICAL VENTILATION IS ALWAYS REQUIRED WHEN
WORKING WITH ACUTELY TOXIC METALS SUCH AS LEAD
OR CADMIUM, OR WHEN WORKING IN A CONFINED SPACE
Safety: Gas
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Cylinders contain extreme pneumatic pressure, often in excess
of 2,000 psig. Extreme care must be taken not to drop, forcibly
strike or otherwise compromise the cylinder
Cylinders are heavy and awkward, always use a cylinder cart
When transporting cylinders, the cap must be in place
Fuel gas must be separated from oxygen, except when in use
with a torch set
Oxygen accelerates burning: never allow oxygen to come in
contact with flammable liquids or combustible material
Always inspect torches, hoses and regulators prior to use to
ensure good condition
Check to be sure that check valves and flash back preventers
are in line to prevent accidental mixing of gas in the hose or
cylinders
Safety: Electric welding, cutting and brazing
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Inspect all power cords and leads for intact insulation and
connectors
Check all connectors to be sure that they are tight
Route cable out of wet areas and be sure that workers will
not be standing in water. Keep cables out of walk ways to
prevent trips and falls
Never coil or loop cable around your body, uncoil cables and
position them on the working surface
Be sure that ground is established with a true “earth” ground,
structural steel, a water main, etc.
Attach the ground lead to the work piece, or as close as
possible to it
Conclusion
Welding, cutting and brazing are potentially
hazardous undertakings. Persons who
practice these crafts must remember that fires
and injuries are always possible. Skilled
workers follow the rules and stay tuned into
the work area thereby preventing accidents.
For more information
For more information regarding welding, cutting and
brazing safety or other safety issues please contact:
Gregory & Appel Insurance
Mike Salazar, Vice President
Direct: 317-686-6407
Email: msalazar@gregoryappel.com