Weekly Safety Meeting

For The Construction Industry

WELDING & CUTTING

Welding and cutting work is pretty common. Unfortunately, welding and cutting accidents are also pretty common. Whenever you weld or cut metal, or work around others who do, you have to take steps to make sure no one gets injured. It’s your responsibility to use safe work practices and wear the right PPE in order to keep yourself and others safe.

Let’s review some common welding and cutting issues:

• Never weld in confined spaces without proper ventilation or PPE—including respiratory protection. When toxic gases and fumes build up, welding operations can become deadly.

• You may have to fill out a hot work permit prior to welding or cutting, especially if you’re working in a confined space. Close it out after your shift.

• Before you start to work, check hoses for cracks, holes, and leaks. Check the regulator, torches, cylinder valves, and couplings to be sure they are gas-tight. Check leads for damaged or cracked insulation and bare wires.

• Be aware of fire hazards. Keep welding operations far away from combustible or flammable materials such as fuel cans, cardboard, or scrap.

• Remember that acetylene torches create intense heat and flying sparks that can burn your skin or start a fire.

• Make sure you have a fully-charged fire extinguisher close by in case you need it.

• Welding and cutting operations usually need a fire watch in place while the work is being done. Keep the fire watch for at least 30 minutes after the welding or cutting is finished. The fire watch must know what to do and who to call in case of fire, how to use a fire extinguisher, etc.

• Don’t use a torch to cut into a container that had flammable liquid in it—even if that container has been cleaned.

• Protect your eyesight. Wear the proper shaded lens in your welding shield. Wear goggles or a full-face shield during cutting operations.

• Put up welding shields in your work area in order to protect your co-workers from eye damage.

• Never drop, roll, or mishandle a gas cylinder.

• Don’t lift gas cylinders by the valve safety cap.

• Don’t store oxygen and acetylene cylinders together.

• Never use oxygen to blow dust or anything else off your clothing.

• Don’t eat or drink in the welding area, or anywhere toxic gases and fumes are present.

When you work from a straight ladder, be sure it is secured or tied off at the top and
SAFETY REMINDER
the bottom.

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