Welding Safe Work Practices and PPE
The Welding Location
The primary consideration for welding safety is the location and specific characteristics of the space where workers will perform the welding operation.
Restrictions
Weld or cut only in locations specifically designated for this purpose unless you have obtained job approval and taken the necessary precautions to eliminate fire and explosion hazards.
Do not weld in any location outside the shop without taking the necessary precautions and obtaining authorization. Before you weld in any compartment, room, tank, or adjacent space that contains or which has contained flammable or explosive materials, liquids, or vapors, make sure they are:
- made safe,
- tested, and
- proclaimed safe.
The same restrictions apply to closed drums, tanks, and similar containers.
Allow welding or cutting only in areas that are or have been made "fire-safe."
- When it is impractical to move work, as in most construction projects, you must make the area safe by removing combustibles or protecting them from ignition sources.
- If you cannot remove fire hazards, install suitable guards, or take special precautions as discussed below, avoid performing welding and cutting.
- If you cannot move the object to be welded or cut and if not all the fire hazards can be removed, use guards to confine the heat, sparks, and slag, and to protect the immovable fire hazards.
Welding Safety 101
Prohibited Areas
Do not permit welding or cutting in the following situations:
- in areas not authorized by management
- in sprinklered buildings while such protection is impaired
- in the presence of explosive atmospheres (mixtures of flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or dust with air)
- inside uncleaned or improperly prepared tanks or equipment which have previously contained such explosive atmospheres or have the potential for explosive atmospheres
- in areas with an accumulation of combustible dust
- in areas near the storage of large quantities of exposed, readily ignitable materials such as bulk sulfur, baled paper, or cotton
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-1. Why should welding be prohibited in dusty environments?
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