Welding

Oklahoma State University -- Environmental Health & Safety Department

PHYSICAL PLANT SAFETY MANUAL

Safety Manual
1st Page

Introduction to Safety

General Work Habits

Clothing & Personal Protective Equipment

Work Area Houskeeping

Asbestos

Hand & Power Tools

Equipment & Machinery

Tag-Out Procedure

Fire Protection

Welding

Compressed Gas Cylinders

Electrical

Construction

Ladders & Scaffolding

Back Safety

Lifting

Vehicle Safety

Work Area Safety Awareness

Emergency Procedures

Off-the-Job Safety

Safety Equipment

Employee Statement

Updated April 2001

Welding Safety

Welding operations require that approved eye protection, welding shields and gloves be worn.

Acetylene and oxygen tanks shall be securely fastened to a dolly or stand to prevent their falling or being knocked over. Acetylene tanks shall only be used while in an upright position.

Welding and cutting operations shall be performed only by authorized personnel under proper supervision.

Sparks from welding

Proper fire extinguishers shall be immediately available. Localized ventilation shall be used when necessary.

Always use soapy water instead of matches to check for leaks in hoses, fittings, and valves in welding equipment.

Proper eye protection shall be worn when observing welding or cutting operations, also when chipping slag.

Material that has been recently welded should be marked HOT to avoid burns.

Oxygen acetylene torch units shall be lit with proper ignition equipment and not with matches or cigarettes.

Oil in any form shall be kept away from sources of oxygen.

Operations performed outside the shop shall be conducted ONLY after an inspection and an approval by the EHS Department. After the EHS Department has determined that the area is safe to weld, a welding permit shall be issued for that location, valid only for that day.

"I took off my goggles so I could see better," he said short-sightedly.

Fire Protection Compressed Gas Cylinders