Welding, Brazing, and Cutting

Fumes and Gases

To reduce workers’ exposure to dangerous welding fumes, OSHA welding safety requirements include training around:

• The materials being used and each of their unique hazards;
• How to clean welding surfaces and how regularly, to avoid any buildup of residue that can lead to toxic exposure;
• How to position themselves around welding operations to avoid inhalation, for example staying upwind when in open or outdoor environments; and
• Knowing when, and how, to utilize exhaust ventilation systems, for example, in a very confined space.

Radiant Energy

Radiant energy or light radiation is emitted from an arc or flame and can injure a worker’s eyes, face, and other parts of their body.

Specific personal protective equipment (PPE) is required:

• Safety glasses
• Goggles
• Welding helmets
• Welding face shields
• Protective clothing

The eye-protection equipment must include filter lenses with a specific shade number to indicate the intensity of light radiation that can safely pass through the lens. Eyewear with filter lenses being worn under a welding helmet provides enough protection that the shade number of the helmet may be reduced.

Take note that eye and facial protective shields should provide side protection too as fragments can fly in any direction.

Fire

Numerous precautions should be put into place for fire prevention according to OSHA standards:

• If the objects being cut or welded, or welding machines, are immovable, movable fire hazards and readily combustible materials around them must be moved instead. If that isn’t possible, for example, cracks or floor openings, or holes in the walls that can’t be covered, guards must be used to confine the heat, sparks and slag.
• Be sure to have fire extinguishing equipment readily waiting and operational close to the welding environment. This includes buckets of water or sand and a hose.
• Fire watchers should be utilized where a minor fire could develop and be suitably trained in the appropriate fire extinguishing techniques, and how to sound the alarm.

Most of these should be established, implemented and enforced by the supervisor.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Take note that helpers or watchers also require appropriate protective clothing and proper eye protection.

PPE includes:

• Eye protection
• Helmets
• Hand shields
• Face shields

For occupational safety, PPE should be:

• Made from insulating material
• Able to withstand sterilization
• Inflammable

Safety Training

There are three types of hazards associated with welding, cutting, and brazing operations, including fumes and gases, radiant energy, and fire.

By training the employer, the supervisors and the workers on the hazards involved in welding, how to maximize occupational safety, and what PPE to use when, you can reduce the risk of fines and penalties if you receive a visit from an OSHA inspector.

Begin your journey to compliance today by scheduling one of our Safety Audits, and we can identify where your safety gaps are and provide the appropriate training to bridge them.