Welding, Cutting & Burning
Work involving welding, cutting and burning can increase the fire and breathing hazard on any job, and the following should be considered prior to the start of work.
- Always ensure that adequate ventilation is supplied since hazardous fumes can be created during welding, cutting or burning.
- Where other workers may also be exposed to the hazards created by welding, cutting and burning, they must be alerted to these hazards or protected from them by the use of "screens".
- Never start work without proper authorization.
- Always have fire fighting or prevention equipment on hand before starting welding, cutting or burning.
- Check the work area for combustible material and possible flammable vapours before starting work.
- A welder should never work alone. A fire or spark watch should be maintained.
- Check cables and hoses to protect them from slag or sparks.
- Never weld or cut lines, drums, tanks, etc. that have been in service without making sure that all precautions have been carried out and permits obtained.
- Never enter, weld or cut in a confined space without proper gas tests and a required safety lookout.
- When working overhead, use fire resistant materials (blankets, tarps) to control or contain slag and sparks.
- Cutting and welding must not be performed where sparks and cutting slag will fall on cylinders (move all cylinders away to one side).
- Open all cylinder valves slowly. The wrench used for opening the cylinder valves should always be kept on the valve spindle when the cylinder is in use.