Welding and Cutting Safety

Its your responsibility

Safety TopicsWelding safetyArc raysPPEsMachinesVentilationOxyfuel cutting safetyCylindersOxygenFuelsEquipmentFlame types

Grinding safetyPedestal grindersPortable grindersGeneral shop safetyFire extiguishers Burn treatmentFirst aidMSDSsGeneral safety

Arc RaysWelding arcs are intensely brilliant lights.They contain a proportion of ultraviolet light which may cause eye damage. For this reason, the arc should never be viewed with the naked eye within a distance of 50.0 ft (15.2 m). The spectrum of the welding arc is similar to that of the sun. Exposure of the skin and eyes to the arc is the same as exposure to the sun.Due to the close proximity, the arc is more dangerous than sun exposure.A burn to the eyes is known as flash burn

Personal Clothing Requirements100% cotton or wool clothing. To assess UV protection of materials, simply hold the the material up to a light or window and see how much light gets through. Less light filtering through means greater protection. In addition, darker colors provide more protection than fabrics of the same material in light colors.Clothing must not be frayed or torn or it can catch fire.No exposed open pockets.No synthetic (flammable) materials are to be worn, such as nylon, polyester or rayon.Safety glasses are required at all times while working.High top, all leather boots.DO NOT carry matchers or lighter while welding, cutting or grinding.

Personal Protective EquipmentA welding hood with the proper filter shade.A welding cap, optional, but recommended.A welding jacket.Apron, optional.Leather welding gloves.

Recommended Welding Filter shades

Recommended Welding Filter ShadesA #10 shade lens is typically the recommended shade for most arc welding.

Reflected Arc RadiationReflected UV light can cause the same burs as direct exposure.Where the work permits, the welder should be enclosed in an individual booth painted with a finish of low reflectivity such as zinc oxide (an important factor for absorbing ultraviolet radiations) and lamp black, or must be enclosed with noncombustible screens similarly painted. Booths and screens must permit circulation of air at floor level. Workers or other persons adjacent to the welding areas must be protected from the rays by noncombustible or flameproof screens or shields or must be required to wear appropriate goggles.

Electric ShockThe hazard of electric shock is one of the the most serious and immediate risks facing a welder.To avoid being shockedThe maximum open circuit voltage for a welder is 80 volts.Wear dry gloves in good condition for welding.Do not touch the electrode or metal parts with skin or wet clothing while the machine is turned on.Keep dry insulation between the body and any grounded metal.Do not stand in water while welding.Do not place liquids on or above welders/electrical equipment.Keep welding cables and electrode holders in good condition.Remember water conducts electricity. You are mostly water!

Welding SafetyNever weld or flame cut directly on concrete, it could explode from the heat.Be cautious when picking up metal, it could be hot.Do not leave hot metal in areas other than those designated or clearly mark the piece HOTNever pass current through a gas cylinder.Use screens to protect others from the arc light.

Welding Machine CareWelding machines should be cleaned and maintained on a regular schedule.Never exceed the rated duty cycle of the machine.The duty cycle is the % of time the machine can be operated within a ten minute period.

Duty Cycle Chart ExampleThe duty cycle is the percentage of time a welding machine can be used.The use time is based on a ten minute time period.Example: a 60% duty cycle means that it can be used for six minutes and needs four minutes of cool down time.If the duty cycle is exceeded, the internal heat will damage the machine.

Ventilation SafetyConsider proper ventilation your most important safety factor. Prior to welding or cutting, make sure you have clean air to breath or wear the proper respirator."CAUTION! Welding may produce fumes and gases hazardous to health. Avoid breathing these fumes and gases. Use adequate ventilation. See ANSI Z49.1 1967 Safety in Welding and Cutting published by the American Welding Society.If there is smoke on your welding hood after welding, then your head is in the wrong place.

Proper Ventilation RequirementsMechanical ventilation must be provided when welding or cutting is done in a space of less than 1 0,000 cubic feet (284 m(3)) per welder-, in a room having a ceiling height of less than 16 feet (5 m); or in confined spaces or where the welding space contains partitions, balconies, or other structural barriers to the extent that they significantly obstruct cross ventilation.Ventilation must be provided be at the minimum rate of 2,000 cubic feet (57 m(3)) per minute per welder, except where appropriate local exhaust hoods and booths a, or airline respiratorsNatural ventilation is considered sufficient for welding or cutting operations where the restrictions listed in the preceding paragraphs are not present.Respiratory protective equipment shall be used when the methods above are not feasible.Improper Use of Welding Gases. Compressed gases used for welding and cutting shall not be used for ventilation purposes, comfort cooling, blowing dust from clothing, or cleaning the work area.

Ventilation RequirementsMinimum air flow/Duct diameter inchesWelding Zone Cubic f/m Duct Dia. inches4 to 6 inches from arc to torch: 150 cfm 36 to 8 inches from arc or torch: 275 cfm 3 8 to 10 inches from arc or torch: 425 cfm 4 10 to 12 inches from arc or torch: 600 cfm 5

Toxic MaterialsLocal exhaust ventilation shall be used when potentially hazardous materials are employed as base metals, fluxes, coatings, platings or filler metals. These include, but are not limited to, the following materials:Beryllium Lead Cadmium Mercury Chromium Zinc Fluorides Inert-gas metal-arc welding or oxygen cutting of stainless steel Except for operations involving beryllium, cadmium, lead, or mercury, respiratory protective equipment is not required when natural or mechanical ventilation is sufficient to remove welding fumes from the breathing zone of the workers.

Solvents/Cleaning AgentsChlorinated Hydrocarbons. Degreasing or other operations involving chlorinated hydrocarbons shall be located or controlled such that vapors from these operations will not enter the atmosphere surrounding any welding or cutting operations to prevent the degradation of such chlorinated hydrocarbon vapors to more highly toxic gases by the action of heat or ultraviolet radiation.These types of solvents shall be no closer than 200 feet from welding activities.

Oxyfuel Cutting (OFC)The oxyfuel cutting process uses a combination of oxygen and a fuel to provide a high temperature flame.

General Cutting SafetyThe light from cutting can be dangerous, a #5 shade filter lens is recommended for most cutting applications.There is not enough UV light created by the flame to burn your skin.Sparks, molten metal and the flame can burn you, wear protective clothing.

Oxyfuel Cutting (OFC)OFC can be a manual process in which the welder must control the the torch movement or a machine can control the movement.The term oxyfuel gas cutting outfit refers to all the equipment needed to cut.Cylinders contain oxygen at extremely high pressure and a fuel gas at a low pressure.

Oxygen CylindersOxygen is stored within cylinders of various sizes and pressures ranging from 2000- 2640 PSI. (Pounds Per square inch) Oxygen cylinders are forged from solid armor plate steel. No part of the cylinder may be less than 1/4 thick. Cylinders are then tested to over 3,300 PSI using a (NDE) hydrostatic pressure test.

Oxygen CylindersCylinders are regularly re-tested using hydrostatic (NDE) while in service Cylinders are regularly chemically cleaned and annealed to relieve jobsite stresses created by handling .

Oxygen Cylinder Storage RequirementsOxygen cylinders shall not be stored near highly combustable material (especially oil or grease); near reserve stocks of carbide, acetylene, or other gas cylinders; near any other substance likely to cause or accelerate fire; or in an acetylene generator compartment.Oxygen cylinders in storage shall be separated from fuel gas cylinders or combustable materials a minimum of 20 feet or by a noncombustable barrier at least 5 feet high having a fire-resistance rating of at least one-half hour.Inside buildings, cylinders shall be stored in well protected, well ventilated areas and shall be stored away from elevators, stairs, or gangways. Assigned storage spaces shall be located where cylinders will not be knocked over or damaged by passing or falling objects.Valve protection caps, where cylinders are designed to accept a cap, shall always be in place, hand-tight, except where cylinders are in use or connected for use.

Cylinder Transportation Never transport cylinders without the safety caps in place. Never transport with the regulators in place.Never allow bottles to stand freely. Always chain them to a secure cart or some other object that cannot be toppled easily. Never use cylinders as rollers or supports.

Oxygen CylindersOxygen cylinders incorporate a thin metal pressure safety disk made from stainless steel and are designed to rupture prior to the cylinder becoming damaged by pressure.The cylinder valve should be turned on all the way for any high pressure cylinder.

Pressure Regulators for CylindersReduce high storage cylinder pressure to lower working pressure. Most regulators have a gauge for cylinder pressure and working pressure.

Pressure Regulators for CylindersRegulators are shut off when the adjusting screw is turn out completely. Regulators maintain a constant torch pressure although cylinder pressure may vary. Regulator diaphragms are made of stainless steel.

Regulator Hoses Hoses are are fabricated from rubber.Oxygen hoses are green in color and have right hand thread.Acetylene hoses are red in color with left hand thread. Left hand threads can be identified by a grove in the body of the nut and it may have ACET stamped on it.

Check Valves &Flashback ArrestorsCheck valves allow gas to flow in one direction only.Flashback arrestors are designed to eliminate the possibility of an explosion at the cylinder.Combination Check/ Flashback Valves can be placed at the torch or regulator.

Fuel Gas TypesAcetyleneGasolineHydrogenMapp gas Butane and PropanePropylene

Acetylene Gas Virtually all the acetylene distributed for welding and cutting use is created by allowing calcium carbide (a man made product) to react with water. The nice thing about the calcium carbide method of producing acetylene is that it can be done on almost any scale desired. Placed in tightly-sealed cans, calcium carbide keeps indefinitely. For years, miners lamps produced acetylene by adding water, a drop at a time, to lumps of carbide. Before acetylene in cylinders became available in almost every community of appreciable size produced their own gas from calcium carbide.

Acetylene CylindersAcetylene is stored in cylinders specially designed for this purpose only. Acetylene is extremely unstable in its pure form at pressure above 15 PSI. (Pounds per Square Inch) Acetone is also present within the cylinder to stabilize the acetylene. Acetylene cylinders should always be stored in the upright position to prevent the acetone from escaping thus causing the acetylene to become unstable.

Acetylene CylindersCylinders are filled with a very porous substance monolithic filler to help prevent large pockets of pure acetylene from forming.Cylinders have safety (Fuse) plugs in the top and bottom designed to melt at 212 F (100 C).

Oxygen and Acetylene Regulator Pressure SettingsRegulator pressure may vary with different torch styles and tip sizes.PSI (pounds per square inch) is sometimes shown as PSIG (pounds per square inch -gauge) Common gauge settings for cutting1/4 material Oxy 30-35psi Acet 3-9 psi1/2 material Oxy 55-85psi Acet 6-12 psi1 material Oxy 110-160psi Acet 7-15 psiCheck the torch manufactures data for optimum pressure settings.

Regulator Pressure Settings

The maximum safe working pressure for acetylene is 15 PSI !

GasolineGasoline torches have been found to perform very well, especially where bottled gas fuel is not available or difficult to transport to the worksite.Tests showed that an oxy-gasoline torch cut steel plate up to 0.5inch thick as well as oxyacetylene; and 0.5 to 4inches thick better: 3 times better at 4inches thick.The gasoline is fed from a pressure tank whose pressure can be hand-pumped or fed from a gas cylinder.

HydrogenHydrogen has a clean flame and is good for use on aluminum.It can be used at a higher pressure than acetylene and is therefore useful for underwater welding and cutting.It is a good type of flame to use when heating large amounts of material.

Mapp GasMAPP gas is a registered product of the Dow Chemical Company.It is liquefied petroleum gas mixed with methylacetylene-propadiene.It has a heat value a little less than acetylene.It can be used at much higher pressures than acetylene.It does not polymerize at high pressures - above 15 psi or so (as acetylene does) and is therefore much less dangerous than acetylene.

Butane and PropaneButane, like propane, is a saturated hydrocarbon.Both are mixed together to attain the vapor pressure that is required by the end user and depending on the ambient conditions.Propane, however, has a very high number of BTUs per cubic foot in its outer cone, and so with the right torch (injector style) can make a faster and cleaner cut than acetylene, and is much more useful for heating and bending than acetylene.Propane is cheaper than acetylene and easier to transport.

PropylenePropylene cuts similarly to propane.When propylene is used, the torch rarely needs tip cleaning.There is often a substantial advantage to cutting with an injector torch.

Fuel Gas Cylinder ValvesFuel gas cylinder shut off valves should only be opened 1/4 to 1/2 turnThis will allow the cylinder to be closed quickly in case of fire.Cylinder valve wrenches should be left in place on cylinders that do not have a hand wheel.

Typical torch styles A small welding torch, with throttle valves located at the front end of the handle. Ideally suited to sheet metal welding. Can be fitted for cutting.

attachment in place of the welding head shown. Welding torches of this general design are by far the most widely used. They will handle any oxyacetylene welding job, can be fitted with multi-flame (Rosebud) heads for heating applications, and accommodate cutting attachments that will cut steel 6 in. thick.

A full-size oxygen cutting torch which has all valves located in its rear body. Another style of cutting torch, with oxygen valves located at the front end of its handle.

Typical startup procedures Verify that equipment visually appears safe IE: Hose condition, visibility of gauges. Clean torch orifices with a tip cleaners (a small wire gauge file set used to clean slag and dirt form the torch tip). Crack (or open) cylinder valves slightly allowing pressure to enter the regulators slowly.Opening the cylinder valve quickly will Slam the regulator and will cause failure.

Typical startup procedures Never stand directly in the path of a regulator when opening the cylinder.Check for leaks by setting the regulators to the working pressure and closing the cylinders for a short time. When opening the cylinder valves, watch for the regulators to increase in pressure, if they do, there is a leak in the system.Using a soapy (non-petroleum based) Bubble solution can reveal the leak location.

Typical startup procedures Always use a flint and steel spark lighter to light the oxygen fuel flame.

Never use a butane lighter or matches to light the flame.

Flame Settings There are three distinct types of oxy-fuel flames, usually termed:NeutralCarburizing (or excess fuel)Oxidizing (or excess oxygen )The type of flame produced depends upon the ratio of oxygen to acetylene in the gas mixture which leaves the torch tip.

Pure Acetylene and Carburizing Flame profiles

Neutral and Oxidizing Flame Profiles

Flame definition The neutral flame (Fig. 4-1) is produced when the ratio of oxygen to acetylene, in the mixture leaving the torch, is almost exactly one-to-one. Its termed neutral because it will usually have no chemical effect on the metal being welded. It will not oxidize the weld metal; it will not cause an increase in the carbon content of the weld metal.The excess acetylene flame (Fig. 4-2), as its name implies, is created when the proportion of acetylene in the mixture is higher than that required to produce the neutral flame. Used on steel, it will cause an increase in the carbon content of the weld metal.The oxidizing flame (Fig. 4-3) results from burning a mixture which contains more oxygen than required for a neutral flame. It will oxidize or burn some of the metal being welded.

Pedestal or Bench Grinder SafetySafety glasses with side shields and a face shield must be worn. Hearing protection should be worn.Remove loose fitting clothing, jewelry, and tie back long hair.Gloves should not be placed near the grinding stone.Never grind aluminum with a wheel designed for steel. The wheel will overheat and could explode.

Pedestal or Bench Grinder CareBefore working with a bench grinder, make sure the tool and its accessories are in the proper working order.Ring Test grinding wheels before mounting. Suspend the wheel on a pencil held horizontally through the center of the hole. Tap the wheel lightly with a plastic screwdriver handle, in spots 45 degrees from vertical. If it produces a clear ringing tone it is in good condition. If it sounds dull, REPLACE it.Inspect the wheels for a hairline crack before using. DO NOT USE A CRACKED WHEEL.Make sure the wheel housing guards are in place.Dont operate a grinder unless it is securely mounted to the solid surface.Do not heavy grind on the side of the wheel.Adjustments need to be made when the grinder is unplugged & stopped. Adjust tool rests 1/8 from the wheels and slightly below center and spark or shatter guards (at the top of the wheel housing guards) 1/16away from the wheels. Re-adjust these as the wheels wear down to a smaller diameter.

Portable Grinder SafetySafety glasses with side shields and a face shield must be worn. Hearing protection should be worn.Never use a portable grinder without the guard in place and correctly adjusted.Always have the auxiliary handle fitted; hold the grinder with both hands and have a Never grind aluminum with a wheel designed for steel. The wheel will overheat and could explode.stable stance.Ensure the workpiece is rigidly supported and firmly clamped. Movement in the workpiece during grinding may result in disc shatter or grinder kickback, with the potential for operator injury.Ensure the grinder is turned off before plugging it in.Check to make sure there are no flammable materials that may be hit by sparks and check the area for any smouldering material when the work is completed.The maximum speed in revolutions per minute (rpm) is marked on every wheel. Never exceed this limit.

Portable Grinder CareInspect all wheels for cracks and defects before mounting them.Ensure that the mounting flange surfaces are clean and flatRun nearly mounted wheels at operating speed for one minute before grinding.Do not use a grinder that vibrates or makes unusual noises.If a grinder is dropped, you should inspect the grinding wheel for cracks or defects.Be aware of where your sparks are going.

Fire Extinguisher RequirementsSuitable fire extinguishing equipment must be maintained in a state of readiness for instant use. Such equipment may consist of pails of water, buckets of sand, hose or portable extinguishers depending upon the nature and quantity of the combustible material exposed.Fire watchers are required whenever welding or cutting is performed in locations where other than a minor fire might develop, or any of the following conditions exist:Appreciable combustible material, in building construction or contents, closer than 35 feet (1 0. 7 m) to the point of operation.Appreciable combustibles are more than 35 feet (1 0. 7 m) away but are easily ignited by sparks.Wall or floor openings within a 35-foot (1 0. 7 m) radius expose combustible material in adjacent areas including concealed spaces 'n walls or floors.Combustible materials are adjacent to the opposite side of metal partitions, walls, ceilings, or roofs and are likely to be ignited by conduction or radiation.

Fire Watch RequirementsFire watchers must have fire extinguishing equipment readily available and be trained in its use. They must be familiar with facilities for sounding an alarm in the event of a fire. They must watch for fires in all exposed areas, try to extinguish them only when obviously within the capacity of the equipment available, or otherwise sound the alarm. A fire watch must be maintained for at least a half-hour after completion of welding or cutting operations to detect and extinguish possible smoldering fires.

Fire Extinguisher TypesIt is vital to know what type of extinguisher you are using. Using the wrong type of extinguisher for the wrong type of fire can be life-threatening.Class A extinguishers are for ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, cardboard, and most plastics. The numerical rating on these types of extinguishers indicates the amount of water it holds and the amount of fire it can extinguish.Class B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, grease and oil. The numerical rating for class B extinguishers indicates the approximate number of square feet of fire it can extinguish.Class C fires involve electrical equipment, such as appliances, wiring, circuit breakers and outlets. Never use water to extinguish class C fires - the risk of electrical shock is far too great! Class C extinguishers do not have a numerical rating. The C classification means the extinguishing agent is non-conductive.Class D fire extinguishers are commonly found in a chemical laboratory. They are for fires that involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium. These types of extinguishers also have no numerical rating, nor are they given a multi-purpose rating - they are designed for class D fires only.

Fire Extinguisher Symbols

Using an ExtinguisherTo use an extinguisher, you pull out the safety pin.Aim at the fuel, not the flames, and depress the lever.Move the stream side to side with a sweeping motion.

Burn Types and TreatmentFIRST DEGREE BURNS The first-degree burn usually produces a pink to reddish color on the burned skin. Mild swelling, tenderness and pain are also symptoms of a first-degree burn. This is the least serious type of burn and involves only the upper layer of skin, the epidermis. For these minor burns, the victim should cool with plain water and use non-prescription antibiotic creams. These burns usually heal on their own within a few days with little or no scarring. However, if a first-degree burn is over a large area of the body, seek emergency medical attention. Also, if an infant or elderly person suffers any type of burn, even minor, obtain medical assistance promptly.

Burn Types and TreatmentSECOND DEGREE BURNS Second-degree burns involve the epidermis and the second skin layer, the dermis. The epidermis is destroyed and burned-through in a second-degree burn. There are the same symptoms of pain and swelling but the skin color is usually a bright red and blisters are produced. Usually second-degree burns produce scarring. Second degree burns may take from one to three weeks to heal but are considered minor if they cover no more than 15% of the total body area in adults and 10% body area in children. These burns require medical attention and medication to heal properly. Call for immediate medical help as soon as the burn occurs and do not apply any type of butter or greasy substance to the burn. This can hamper cooling of the burn area and also do further damage. Consult medical personnel about whether or not to administer fluids to victim before arriving at a hospital.

Burn Types and TreatmentTHIRD DEGREE BURNS The third-degree burn may appear charred or have patches which appear white, brown or black. Both the dermis and epidermis are destroyed and other organs, tissues and bones may also be involved. Third-degree burns are considered the most serious. They produce deep scars that many times require cosmetic or reconstructive surgery and skin grafts. Pain may or may not be present since usually nerve endings which transmit pain have been destroyed in this type burn.

What if you catch on FireSmother the flames with your welding gloves.If the fire is large.STOP where you are. Moving or running feeds air to the flames and worsens the fire. DROP to the ground. If you stand up, the fire can burn your face. Fold your arms high on your chest to protect your face. ROLL slowly on the floor or ground, or in a blanket or rug, if you can.COOL off as soon as possible with water for first and second degree burns.

Material Safety Data SheetsA Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is required under the U.S. OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. They are required as a part of any compliance obligation to be available and displayed prominently in the workplace. The public has a right to MSDS data upon request.A material safety data sheet (MSDS) is a form containing data regarding the properties of a particular substance.it is intended to provide workers and emergency personnel with procedures for handling or working with that substance in a safe manner, and includes information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point, etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill-handling procedures.

General First AidFirst-aid equipment must be available at all times. All injuries must be reported as soon as possible for medical attention. First aid must be rendered until medical attention can be provided.Report all dangerous situations immediately.If you feel faint or dizzy while weldingLet someone know immediately. Go to a safe area and sit down. Drink water as soon as possible.

General Safety RulesDo not use equipment you have not been trained to use. Watching someone use it is not adequate training.If a part becomes caught in a machine, do not grab it until you have turned off the machine.Never throw anything unless you are sure it is safe to do so.Call out a warning prior to throwing something or when you drop something from a height that it could hit someone.