CEMP-E
TI 809-26
1 March 2000
CHAPTER 10
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
1. GENERAL.
The following provisions should not be considered all-inclusive, complete, or exclusive. Refer to
applicable governing documents for complete information.
2. SAFETY.
a. Fire. Welding, thermal cutting, and arc gouging operations produce molten metal that may cause
burns, fires, or explosion. The fuel gases used pose no hazard, provided they are handled and stored in
a safe and proper manner. Oxygen for oxyfuel cutting is not flammable by itself, but will contribute to
more intense fires if pure oxygen is available. SMAW electrode stubs are very hot and could cause a fire
if carelessly thrown on wood or paper products. Poor quality or poorly maintained electrical connections
can cause overheating or sparking and subsequent ignition. During operations, molten steel, sparks and
spatter often travel a considerable distance, risking a fire in nearby flammable materials. The following
safety guidelines should be considered:
move the object to receive the work away from combustible materials
move the combustible materials at least 15 m (50 ft.) from the welding or cutting operation
provide suitable fire-resistant shielding around the work area or combustible material
fire extinguishing equipment should be accessible to welding personnel
trained fire watch personnel should be used if the operations are performed near
combustible materials.
b. Confined Spaces. Work in confined spaces requires additional safety precautions. A confined
space could be a tank, pit, etc. that does not allow for adequate ventilation for the removal of hazardous
gases or fumes resulting from the work. Certain welding processes use gases such as argon, helium,
carbon dioxide or nitrogen which will not support life. Deaths and severe injuries due to lack of oxygen
have occurred where the concentration of these gases becomes too high, (i.e.,where the available
oxygen is too low).The following additional safety guidelines should be considered:
remove flammable or hazardous materials from the space,
provide adequate ventilation air to the space,
test the atmosphere in the space before and during the work,
inspect all electrical cables and connections,
test all fuel gas and shielding gas lines for leaks,
cutting torches must not be lit or extinguished within the space,
no compressed gas cylinders or welding power sources may be placed inside the space,
electrical power must be disconnected and all gas valves closed when work is suspended for
any substantial period of time,
if only a small opening is available for entry, the welder must wear an approved safety harness
equipped with a rope or lifeline, tied off and held by a worker stationed outside the space.
c. Eye Protection. The arc produced from welding or air carbon arc gouging may burn the eyes.
Proper filters and cover plates must be worn to protect the eyes from sparks and the rays of the arc.
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