Welding and Gas Cutting Safety Do’s and Don’ts

 

Welding and Gas Cutting Safety

 

Do’s

 

·         To move the cylinders use trolleys.

·         Keep the LPG and all liquefiable gas cylinders in an upright position.

·         Always store the gas cylinders in the shed.

·         Provide a necessary fire fighting arrangement in the hot working area as well as the storage area.

·         Keep the valves tightly shut when the cylinders are not in use.

·         Use gas hoses with standard color code.

·         Use clamps for those connections, check leakage from hose connection before starting work.

·         Ensure that there are no kinks in the hoses and the hoses are laid out in a manner that nobody steps on the hoses.

·         Use flame arrestor to avoid backfiring.

·         First, open the oxygen gas and then the flammable gas.

·         Use only friction gas lighters for lighting the torch.

·         Protect the gas cylinders and hoses from welding sparks or gas cutting sparks falling on them.

·         Ensure the easy accessibility of the valve key.

·         Check the hose daily for any visible damage. Discard the hose in which gas has backfired.

·         Remove the leaking gas cylinder to an open space immediately.

·         Intimate the supplier of the cylinder immediately.

·         For arc welding machines ensure proper earthing of the switchboard from where the power is tapped.

·         Remove the flammable materials in the work area before start welding work.

·         Earth the welding machine with at least two independent earthing connection.

·         Check for any loose connection before starting the work.

·         The welder should be equipped with suitable PPE which should include gloves and welder glass.

·         Better use electrical gloves with over glove while welding.

·         An employee working near the welding operation should wear colored goggles.

·         Ensure that the hand gloves are not wet.

·         Welder and associated workmen working at a height of more than 2 m should wear safety belts.

·         Take care that the welding sparks do not endanger people below while working at heights.

·         Barricade the welding work area.

·         Switch off the welding machine even while taking a short break.

 

Don’ts

 

·         Do not release gas from the cylinder unless the pressure regulator is fitted to its valve.

·         Do not crimp the hose for temporary shutting of the gas.

·         Do not make more than one joint on the entire length of the welding lead.

·         Do not throw the welding electrode stud. They should be collected and disposed of off properly after the work is complete.

·         Do not store the gas cylinder, welding machine in an open area.