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INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRAM - WELDING SAFETY

Structure and Organization

The Welding Safety information in this program is presented in a specific order, so that employees will see the relationships between the various groups of information and can retain them more easily. The sections in this Welding Safety program include:

• Authorizing Welding Operations.

• Sparking and the Risk of Fire.

• Guards and Protective Barriers.

• Hazardous Fumes.

• The Use of Respirators.

• Eye Protection (Helmets, Filters, Glasses and Goggles).

• Other Personal Protective Equipment.

• Inspecting Welding Equipment.

• Safety Procedures and Operating Guidelines.

Each section of the Welding Safety program gives an overview of important information in one topic area, providing employees with the basis for understanding how to weld safely.

Background

People have been welding in one form or another for over 2,000 years. But like many other industrial processes, welding can be very dangerous.

Whether an employee is working with the hazardous gases of an "Oxyacetylene" unit... the high voltage of "stick" welding... or the combination of gas and electricity that powers "MIG" and "TIG" operations.., flying sparks, toxic fumes, electric shock and high temperatures are just some of the things that can make welding a dangerous proposition.

Because of all of the potential hazards surrounding welding operations, when a welder "strikes an arc" or "sparks a torch", Welding Safety must be the number one priority.

Objectives

To help employees understand the importance of Welding Safety, this education and training program is designed to present basic information on safe welding practices. Upon completion of the Welding Safety program, employees should be able to:

• Understand why obtaining "authorization" before beginning welding operations is vital, and why welding is prohibited in certain areas of a facility.

• Know how to guard against sparks starting fires.

• Recognize how welding fumes can contaminate the workplace, and how to avoid exposure to this hazard.

• Know what substances can be especially hazardous when being welded, and how mechanical ventilation devices can help control toxic fumes.

• Understand how using glasses, goggles and/or welding helmets can protect against the intense light emitted during welding.

• Understand how personal protective equipment can prevent injuries during welding operations.

• Recognize the specific electrical hazards associated with Arc Welding.

Reviewing the Program

With the Welding Safety program, as with any educational program, the "presenter" should go through it at least once to become familiar with the content and make sure the program is consistent with facility policy and directives. An "outline" of the points in the Welding Safety program is included in this Presenter's Guide to help with this task and for general reference.

As part of this review process, you should determine how you, as the presenter, will conduct your session. The use of materials such as handouts, charts, etc., that may be available to you needs to be well thought out and integrated into the overall Welding Safety program presentation.

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