WIT-03

Safe Practices for Welding Inspectors

• Safety rails or lines are required when working above ground to prevent falls due to restricted vision from eye protection devices
• Safety lines and harnesses can be used to restrict workers to safe areas and restrain them in case of a fall
• Escape routes in industrial environments should be identified and kept clear for rapid and safe evacuation
• Employees must be trained in evacuation procedures and storage of goods and equipment in evacuation routes must be avoided
• Paint finishes with certain pigments have low reflectivity to ultraviolet radiation
• Open flames, electric arcs, hot metal, sparks, and spatter are ready sources of ignition in welding processes
• Sparks from welding can travel up to 35 ft horizontally and can ignite combustibles
• Warning signs should be posted to identify welding areas and specify the requirement for eye protection
• Combustibles in the work area or welding too close to combustibles can increase the risk of fire
• Flammable gases, vapors, and dust mixed with air or oxygen present explosion and fire dangers
• Eye, face, and body protection are required in welding to prevent burns from radiation, sparks, and spatter
• Welding heat can conduct through metal partitions and ignite combustibles on the opposite side

Welding Safety Precautions

• Fire inspection should be conducted before and after welding operations, with fire extinguishers available nearby and a trained fire watch in place.
• Welders and nearby personnel must use appropriate welding helmets or handshields containing filter plates and cover plates when viewing an arc, as per ANSI standards.
• Welding, brazing, or cutting should not be performed on combustible floors or platforms, and precautions should be taken for traveling vapors from flammable liquids.
• Safety spectacles, goggles, or other suitable eye protection must be worn during welding and cutting operations, with full conforming side shields when exposed to injurious rays or flying particles.
• A "hot work permit" system should be used when performing hot working operations in areas not designated for such purposes, including a checklist of safety precautions.
• Safety goggles with filter plates and full conforming side shields must be worn during oxyfuel gas welding and cutting, as well as during submerged arc welding.
• A "hot work permit" system should be used for electric and acetylene burning and welding with portable equipment, including precautions against fire and obtaining standby fire extinguishers.
• The permit system should include a checklist of safety precautions, such as fire extinguisher inspection, fire watches if necessary, a flammable material search, and area safety instructions for personnel not involved in the hot work.
• The permit should be signed by the foreman of the welder or cutter and by the safety supervisor or plant superintendent, and all its requirements must be adhered to by the welding inspector.
• Before starting welding operations, the floor should be cleaned, wooden floors wet down or covered with sheet metal, and combustible materials moved at least 25 feet away, with additional precautions taken to avoid any possible fire hazard.
• After completion of the welding work, the scene should be monitored for smoldering fires for at least half an hour, and adjoining rooms and floors should be inspected for any potential fire hazards.
• The equipment used for cutting and welding should be kept in good condition, and manufacturer's instructions for its use and maintenance should be carefully followed.

Safe Practices for Welding Inspectors

• Leadership support and direction is the most important component of an effective safety and health program.
• Management must clearly state objectives and show commitment to safety and health through consistent support of safe practices.
• Designated safe areas for welding and cutting operations are essential, and proper procedures must be established and followed outside these areas.
• Proper training for welders and equipment operators is crucial for safe operations, including the use of approved equipment and personal protective devices.
• Thorough and effective training is mandated under provisions of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Act.
• Before work begins, users must always read and understand the manufacturers’ instructions on safe practices for materials and equipment, and the Material Safety Data Sheets.
• Employers must make all applicable MSDS data available to their employees and train them to read and understand the contents.
• Manufacturers of welding consumables must furnish a Material Safety Data Sheet that identifies hazardous properties and OSHA permissible exposure limits.
• Employers are responsible for employee hazardous material training in the workplace, as many welding consumables are considered hazardous materials.
• Proper use and maintenance of equipment, along with recognizing safety hazards, is fundamental to safe operation.
• Personnel must be trained to recognize safety hazards and thoroughly briefed on potential hazards involved in unfamiliar situations or environments.
• Good housekeeping is essential to avoid injuries, ensuring clear work areas and removing tripping hazards.

Test your knowledge of safe practices for welding inspectors with this quiz. From fire inspection procedures to the proper use of safety equipment, this quiz covers essential safety precautions for welding operations.