Welding

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Welding

Date Reviewed:  February 15, 2023

Ensure all welding equipment is inspected prior to use.  Inspect for visible damage, check hoses and connections to ensure there are flashback arrestors on either torch or bottle end of hose connections.

Ensure that proper personal protective equipment is worn.

Clear or sun safety glasses provide adequate protection from stray light.  Ensure other personnel in the welding area are wearing appropriate eye protection.

Ensure that adequate fire fighting equipment is at the site of the welding process; usually 2 portable extinguishers will be sufficient.

Ensure that welders are equipped with appropriate, calibrated and maintained gas detection equipment, especially for flammable gas.

As with any other hot work, ensure that flammable gas tests are taken before work is started and that continuous monitoring is provided.

Process equipment or vessels to be welded must be adequately purged and emptied of all hydrocarbons.  Heavier hydrocarbons will not be detected by a gas tester when they are at ambient temperature; when these hydrocarbons are heated in processes such as welding, they give off flammable vapours that may result in a fire or explosion.  Ensure that piping and vessels are clean before welding.

Always cold drill or cut lines or equipment before welding.  Do the appropriate inspection and gas detection at the point of the cold cut.

Observe where slag and cutting materials are going and ensure that precautions are taken to prevent fires or damage to equipment.

Ensure that all process equipment is positively isolated.

Ensure that welding bottles are never taken into a confined space and that the torch is removed from the space at the end of each work shift.

Ensure that adequate ventilation is provided for welders, especially in confined spaces.

Ensure that paint, coatings, grease, etc., are removed from the piece to be welded.

Ensure that ground cables for electric welders are as close to the operation as possible and in a safe location.

Lighters and matches must never be used for lighting welding torches; a striker must be used.

Never clean oxygen fittings with grease or other hydrocarbons; this can result in an explosion within the fittings, bottle, etc.

De‑pressurize hoses and fittings when job is finished for the day.