Welding, Cutting & Brazing Overview

 

Overview

Welding, cutting, and brazing are common procedures in many industries. Whenever weld­ing, cutting, or brazing occurs, everyone involved in the operation must take precautions to prevent fires, explosions, or personal injuries from welding hazards.

Welding safety program

Your employer will review the company welding safety program with you. Whenever work­ing welding or working around welding and other hot work, you should know:

·         The name and job title of the person responsible for safety in welding operations.

·         The job hazards associated with welding such as: hazards from fumes and gases, radia­tion hazards, fire hazards, noise hazards, and electrical hazards. ·         Any special procedures for the equipment being used, such as: care of compressed gas cyl­inders, the use of ventilation, and fire prevention methods.

·         The use of engineering controls, such as flash screens and fire blankets.

·         The necessary personal protective equipment required for the work being done.

Welding hazards

Welding can cause a variety of hazards, including:

·         Damage to skin and eyes from exposure to ultraviolet and infrared rays produced by welding.

·         Welding and cutting operations.

·         Fire hazards from welding or cutting near or on combustible or flammable materials, dust, vapor, or the environment.

·         Explosion hazards from lack of ventilation.

Fire Prevention

 

Overview

Welding and metal cutting operations produce molten metal, sparks, weld spatter, slag, and hot work surfaces. All of these can create a situation which can cause fires. At 1910.252 Gen­eral requirements, OSHA addresses fire hazards.

When are fire watchers required?

A fire watcher is required in situations where:

·         Other than a minor fire might develop. ·         Combustible material is located within 35 feet of the work. ·         Combustible material is located more than 35 feet away but can be easily ignited by sparks. ·         Wall or floor openings within 35 feet expose combustible material in adjacent areas or concealed wall or floor spaces. ·         Combustible materials are located on the opposite side of surfaces being welded. ·         The fire watch is to be maintained for at least 30 minutes following completion of the work.

Fire watchers

Fire watchers are additional personnel who:

·         Provide additional safeguards against fire during and after the welding, cutting, or heat­ing operations.

·         Must be trained on the specific fire hazards for that job and location.

·         Know where fire prevention equipment is located and how to use it. Fire prevention equipment must be on hand, and readily available for use.

Additional information

Your employer will explain:

·         The company’s welding “best practices.”

·         The need to check for fire hazards prior to welding or cutting.

·         How to obtain a “hot work” permit

        How to report fires.

Sun Exposure for Construction

 

Sun exposure can do major damage — sunburn, skin cancer, and cataracts. While the rays of the sun are more damaging during summer months and between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., sunburns can occur during a cloudy day, other seasons, and other times of the day.

Melanoma (skin cancer)

Skin cancer developing in the pigment cells is called melanoma. It may spread to other parts of the body. In men, melanoma occurs most often on the trunk (between the shoulders and hips), head, and neck. In women, melanoma is often found on the arms and lower legs. It is found most often in people with fair skin. People with dark skin are more likely to have melanomas on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

What to look for:

·               A change in a mole's size, shape, or color;

·               Asymmetrical moles;

·               Moles with ragged, notched, or blurred edges;

·               Unevenly-colored moles; and

·               Moles that have changed in size.

These are signs that you should see your doctor.

Cataracts

This is a condition in which the eye’s lens fogs up so no matter how the eye tries to focus, it can't see through the foggy area. Age is a factor in developing cataracts, but so is exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun over time.

Eye drops, avoiding glare, proper prescription glasses can help, but usually surgery is the most effective treatment.

Sunburn

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun can produce sunburn. Symptoms include red, sensitive, inflamed skin, even blisters.

To relieve the pain, soak sunburns in cold water, dry the area, apply ointment, and cover. Seek medical treatment for severe sunburn. The only way to prevent sunburn is to avoid sun exposure (wear a hat, long sleeves, and sun­screen).