Safe Work Procedure Job Title or Task: Welding

Department / Area: Approved By: Date Created: Review / Revised

Maintenance J. President July 9, 2018 date:
July 9,2018

Potential Hazards: Personal protective

Fill in those that apply equipment/devices required/other
safety considerations
H M L risk for injury  Welding helmet and gloves
Awkward/sustained postures – sustained  Appropriate ventilation
forward slouch, reaching, head forward  Respiratory protection appropriate to
Forceful exertions - grasping, lifting the hazard
material  No loose, frayed, dangling clothing.
Repetitive movements - if using neck to flip Avoid wearing highly flammable
helmet synthetic clothing
Compression  Ensure fire extinguisher is readily
Sharp points/edges - metal materials available, fire watch as needed
Surfaces causing slips/falls  Heavy items may require hoist or lifting
Moving machinery (ex., grinder) assistance from a co-worker
Chemicals – welding fumes Training/Reference information
Electrical – shock if improper grounding
 Operators manual
Extreme heat – burns from hot material,
flame  Lift/manual materials handling training
Combustibles/flammables (ex., oxy  Appropriate training for Welding and
acetylene) Allied Processes (in conjunction with
Welder flash to self and others if not Part 17, Workplace Safety and Health
properly shielded Regulation)
 Refer to manufacturer of welding wire
NOTE: This is a Generic SWP and does not product for safe use
replace the requirements of Part 17 of the  Proper respirator selection & fit testing
Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health  WHMIS
Regulation for a specific welding job.  Workplace Safety & Health Welding
Guide
Note: Signs and symptoms of a musculoskeletal injury (MSI) can include pain, burning,
swelling, stiffness, numbness/tingling, and/or loss of movement or strength in a body part.
Report these to your supervisor.
Employers must ensure that workers are trained and follow this safe work procedure.
Steps to perform this task safely:
 Fill out a hot work permit if applicable.
 Inspect equipment for any obvious damage. Report and do not use damaged equipment.
 Ensure the work area is free of debris/clutter to reduce risk for slips, trips or falls.
 Ensure welder machine and the piece to weld is properly grounded.
 Use mechanical hoist or use safe lifting techniques (push though the legs and try to keep
the back straight, take step to turn rather than twisting) to set up work piece.
 Attempt to set work at height and placement to reduce prolonged forward lean/slouch.
 Secure item from falling as appropriate.
 Ensure current is correct according to electrode selection.
 Close flash curtain, ensure exhaust ventilation is engaged and don appropriate
respiratory protection for documented hazard.
 Turn on gas and set flow (if using oxy acetylene). Keep flame directed away from self or
any flammable material. Ensure hoses and valves are checked for leaks after turning on
gas and oxygen.
 Do not leave a lit torch unattended.
 Always ensure welder helmet is down when welding or cutting. Do not flip helmet up and
down with your neck as this places extra stress on your neck.
 Once welding is complete de-energize equipment, and ensure gas is shut off.
 Remove electrode stub from holder once it has cooled, hang up welding cables, and clean
debris.
 If using a pneumatic chipping hammer, use gloves to reduce vibration and hearing
 protection.
 Turn off valves at the tank, return oxygen and acetylene tanks to storage area and secure.
 If moving work piece to another area, use correct lifting technique, and if item is heavy use
a mechanical aid such as an appropriate cart to transport.
 When transporting tanks on vehicles, valves must be removed and caps replaced on gas
cylinder bottles.