Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1
SAFETY BRIEF
2
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Welding
– Definition and General Overview
– Hazards in Welding
Health Hazards
Safety Hazards
• Oxy-Fuel Cutting
– Definition and General Overview
• Grinding
– Definition and General Overview
3
– Hazards and ppreventive/protection measures in Grinding
WELDING
4
What is Welding?
Welding is a fabrication process that joints
materials (usually metals or
thermoplastics) by causing coalescence.
5
Different types of Welding Process
Arc Welding: process using a welding power supply to create
electrical arc between an electrode and the base material to
melt metals at welding points:
Oxy-acetylene welding
Oxy-hydrogen torch
7
Hazards in Welding
8
Health Hazards Hazards in Welding
– Fumes and Gases
– Noise
– Heat
– Visible light, Ultraviolet & Infrared Radiation
– Electromagnetic Fields
– Awkward Positions
Safety Hazards
– Hot surfaces & spatters
– Electricity
– Fire & Explosion
– Confined Space
– Trips and Fall
9
Health Hazards in Welding: FUMES
& GASES
• Fumes come from the vaporization of metals and from the formation of oxides; during the welding
process many particles are released and mix with the fumes; the size of the particles can vary from
0,1 to 1mm.
Composition of fumes depends on:
type of welding rods;
base metal;
coatings present on the base metal or covering the electrode;
contaminants in the air or on the base metal (i.e. vapors from cleaners
and degreasers)
10
Health Hazards in Welding: FUMES & GASES
12
FUMES & GASES: Health Effect
Immediate (Acute) Effects
• Ozone and Nitrogen Oxides (secondary gases given off by the welding process):
Deadly at high doses
Irritation of the nose and throat and serious lung disease
13
FUMES & GAS: Health Effect
Long Term (Chronic) Effects
14
FUMES & GAS: Health Effect
Long Term (Chronic) Effects
15
FUMES & GAS: Preventive and Protective Measures
• Prefer welding techniques which give off less gases and fumes:
Cellulose
(16 mg/s)
Acid
(9 mg/s)
Basic
(7,5 mg/s)
Basic
Rutil
Rutil (5 mg/s)
(3,5 mg/s)
16
FUMES & GAS: Preventive and Protective Measures
• Use safer filler materials
17
FUMES & GAS: Preventive and Protective Measures
• Not welding near cleaning processes using chlorinated solvents, vapor degreaser or on metal that
has been degreased (10m for most welding - 20m for aluminum)
NOTE: the heat and arc from welding may break down the solvents into harmful substance(s)
NOTE: only whether control measures are unable to reduce fumes to a safe level
18
FUMES & GAS: Preventive and Protection Measures
19
FUMES & GAS: Preventive and Protection Measures
20
Health Hazards in Welding: NOISE
• Welding machines (i.e. plasma arc cutting, plasma arc gouging or air carbon arc gouging)
• Grinding machines;
21
NOISE: Health Effects
Short Term Effect (acute)
• Eardrum rupture
Long Term Effect (chronic)
• Tinnitus
• Hypertension
• Annoyance
22
NOISE: Preventive and Protective Measures
• If control measures (silent equipment, soundproof panels, sound insulation) are unable to reduce
noise to a safe level, Wear Ear Protective Devices or Earplugs.
Ear Protective devices must be worn during performing plasma arc cutting, plasma arc gouging or air
carbon arc gouging.
NOTE: ear protection can prevent hot spatter from entering the ear; warn others in area of
possible noise hazards
23
Health Hazards in Welding - HEAT
Heat
24
HEAT: Health Effects
• Excessive exposure to heat can result in:
Heat stress
Heat stroke
Fatigue
Dizziness
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Irritability
25
HEAT: Preventive and Protective Measures
• Typical preventive and protective measures against heat-related hazards are:
Ventilation
Shielding
Rest breaks
• The high temperatures reached by flames and arcs during welding activities produce electromagnetic
radiations, which cover the following range of the Electromagnetic Spectrum:
Infrared - IR
Visible
Ultraviolet - UV
VISIBLE LIGHT, UV & IR RADIATION: Health Hazard
Eyes
(es. retina damage, crystallin lens
blurring…)
28
VISIBLE LIGHT, UV & IR RADIATION: Health Hazard
• UV from the arc can cause “arc eye” or “welder’s flash” after even a brief
exposure (less than 1 min)
the symptoms of arc eye include feeling of sand or grit in the eye,
blurred vision, intense pain, tearing, burning, headache. Usually
occur many hours after exposure
The arc can reflect off surrounding materials and burn nearby co-workers
about half of welder’s flash injuries occurs in co-workers who are not welding
29
VISIBLE LIGHT, UV & IR RADIATION: Health Hazard
Long term effect (acute)
• Welders and Cutters who continually work around UV without proper protection can suffer permanent eye
damage
30
VISIBLE, UV & IR RADIATION: Preventive and Protection Measures
Current intensity
Arc length
Temperature
31
Other safety hazards related to heat in welding
activities: SPATTERS/SPARKS
• The high temperatures reached by the welding processes and the welding process itself can cause:
Spatters
Sparks
Hot surfaces
Metal Chips
Hot slag
Burns
Eye injuries
32
EM RADIATIONS & SPATTERS/SPARKS: Preventive and Protection Measures
33
EM RADIATIONS & SPATTERS/SPARKS: Preventive and Protection Measures
• Wear a Leather Cap or other protection to protect the head from sparks or spatter;
34
EM RADIATIONS & SPATTERS: Preventive and Protection Measures
Be sure your pockets are emptied of combustibles such as matches and other flammables.
Wear Gloves;
35
EM RADIATIONS: Preventive and Protection Measures
Magnetic Field mT
(i.e. welding
cable)
• This generates a very intensive magnetic field
(about 200mT) Source
(i.e. small
NOTE: This field rapidly decrease with the welding machine)
distance from the electric source
Distance (meter)
37
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS: Health Hazards
Short Term Effect (Acute)
• Heating is the main biological effect of the EM fields of radiofrequency fields.
Some individuals report "hypersensitivity" to electric or magnetic fields (aches and pains, headaches,
depression, lethargy, sleeping disorders, and even convulsions and epileptic seizures might be associated
with EM field exposure)
A number of epidemiological studies suggest small increases in risk of childhood leukemia with exposure
to low frequency magnetic fields
38
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS: Preventive and Protection
Measures
Welders should use the following procedures to minimize exposure to EM Fields:
Route the electrode and work cables together,
secure them with tape when possible;
Connect the work cable to the workpiece as close as possible to the area being
welded;
Keep welding power source and cables as far away from your body as possible.
39
Health Hazards in Welding – AWKWARD POSITIONS
Awkward positions
The welder must be able to clearly see the workpiece, so it tends to assume awkward postures,
bending, keep the arms above the shoulders ...
40
AWKWARD POSITIONS – Health Effects
Awkward positions and the typical welder’s work postures contribute to Musculoskeletal Injuries.
41
AWKWARD POSITIONS: Preventive and Protective
Measures
Musculoskeletal Injuries caused by awkward positions can be prevented by proper techniques:
• Minimizing vibration.
42
Safety Hazards in Welding - ELECTRICITY
• Welding machine
• Electrode holder 43
ELECTRICITY – Safety Hazard
Effects of electricity on human body
• The effects of electricity on human body depend on:
Potential difference / Voltage of equipment
Type of current (AC/DC) and its frequency
Path of the current along the body
Hand-hand
Hand-foot
Chest-Hand
Skin conditions (wet, dry, integrity)
Humidity / Environmental Condition
44
ELECTRICITY: Preventive and Protection Measures
Safe work practice to prevent Electric Shock
Electrical equipment and workpiece must be well connected to prevent electric shocks:
a. connect power supply and control cabinet chassis to approved earth ground;
b. connect workpiece to “work” output connection of power supply;
c. connect workpiece OR power supply work terminal (but not both) to approved earth ground;
45
ELECTRICITY: Preventive and Protection Measures
• Be insulate from workpiece and ground:
Wear rubber-soled shoes, or stand on a dry board or platform (Moisture and water can conduct
electricity)
• To prevent shocks keep work areas, equipment, and clothing dry at all times
46
ELECTRICITY: Preventive and Protection Measures
• Use only the proper equipment if welding must be done in electrically-hazardous conditions
Such conditions include:
damp or warm locations
wet clothing
cramped positions or wherever there is a high risk of contact with workpiece or ground
47
ELECTRICITY: Preventive and Protection Measures
• Make sure electrical connections are tight, clean, and dry
If not they could heat up, and even melt
They can also cause bad welds and produce dangerous arcs and sparks
• Do not allow water, grease, or dirt to accumulate on plugs, sockets, or electrical units
• Open-circuit voltage of welding, cutting and gouging power supplies can cause electric shock
48
ELECTRICITY: Preventive and Protection Measures
• When several welders are working with arcs of different polarities, or when using multiple alternating
current machines, the open-circuit voltages can be additive:
The added voltages increase the severity of the shock hazard.
• Remove metal jewelry (rings, watches, necklaces and other metallic items )
Accidental contact of jewelry with welding power can cause metal to become hot or even melt, as well
as increase the possibility of a fatal shock.
49
Safety Hazards in Welding – FIRE
AND EXPLOSIONS
50
FIRE AND EXPLOSIONS: Safety
Effects
Safety Effects of Fire and Explosion
• Damage to human body:
Burns
Lung damages
• Damage to properties
• Environmental contamination
• Escalation effects
51
FIRE AND EXPLOSIONS: Preventive and
Protection Measures
• Maintain a Safe Workplace:
if possible move the material to be welded or cut to a specific safe location;
areas for welding and cutting must be kept clear and free combustible solids (i.e. paper, packing
material, wood), flammable liquids and flammable gases.
• Be alert for cracks or crevices and look for holes or openings in the floor:
sparks and slag can travel long distances; so they can start a fire at a location not apparent to the
welder;
crevices around pipes and other openings can hide smoldering fire.
• Provide proper Fire Extinguishing Equipment ( their use and type depend on the quantity and type of
combustible material):
be prepared to put out fires;
serviceable fire extinguishers, fire hoses, or sand buckets should be on hand.
52
FIRE AND EXPLOSIONS: Preventive and
Protection Measures
• Always consider the need for a fire watcher:
welders may not become aware of a fire starting while welding because their vision is hampered by
the welding helmet and dark lenses;
depending upon the welding location, it may be advisable to have a fire watcher to man an
extinguisher and sound a fire alarm in case of a fire.
• Know the local fire codes for welding and cutting (i.e. NFPA 51B).
53
FIRE AND EXPLOSIONS: Preventive and
HOT WORK PERMIT Protection Measures
54
Safety Hazards in Welding – WELDING and
CUTTING of CONTAINERS
55
Safety Hazards in Welding – SHIELDING
GASES
SHIELDING GASES
Electric welding and cutting processes need the use of Shielding Gases, such as:
Argon
Helium
Carbon dioxide
Nitrogen
56
SHIELDING GASES: Safety Effects
SUFFOCATION
• Shielding gases used in welding and cutting activities are:
Inert
Colorless
Odorless
Tasteless gases
• They cannot be detected by the human senses and can displace the oxygen required for normal
breathing.
NOTE: Shielding gases are heavier or lighter than air and may displace breathing air in treat pits, tank
bottoms, ceilings, etc.
57
SHIELDING GASES: Preventive and
Protective Measures
• Before entering a confined area:
perform a check with an Oxygen analyzer to be sure it contains a life supporting atmosphere;
make sure it is well ventilated, otherwise wear an Air Supplied Respirator;
a second person (Standby Man), similarly equipped, shall be standing by:
Monitoring oxygen level throughout operation;
Activate the emergency procedure (if needed).
• Do not leave shielding gas equipment in confined areas when not in use.
• Hydrogen, in addition to be a flammable gas, is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas which can act as a
asphyxiant.
Being lighter than air, hydrogen can accumulate in upper portions of confined areas
58
Safety Hazards in Welding – GAS
CYLINDERS
• Gas cylinders shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with local and international
regulations
59
GAS CYLINDERS: Safety Effects
• Gases are compressed to 2000 to 5000 psig in high pressure cylinders
• Liquefied gases can be as cold as -267°C
NOTE: do not assume the identity of the gas by the cylinder paint color or other means but return the
cylinder to the supplier for identification or cylinder replacement
61
GAS CYLINDERS: Preventive and Protection Measures
when manually lifted do not raise them by the valve-protection cap (the cap may
accidently and suddenly come loose)
62
GAS CYLINDERS: Preventive and Protection Measures
• Use suitable hand trucks or racks for moving cylinders
• Properly capped cylinders may be moved for short distances by rolling them on their base
do not roll cylinders on a wet or steel dock plate
NOTE: care must be taken to prevent the cylinder from rolling or sliding out of control
63
GAS CYLINDERS: Preventive and
Protection Measures
64
GAS CYLINDERS: Preventive and Protection Measures
• Cylinders must not be placed where they might become part of an electrical circuit
• Do not let full or empty cylinders stand around and clutter up work areas
65
GAS CYLINDERS: Preventive and Protection Measures
• Never use any gas from cylinder except through an approved Pressure-reducing Regulator (designed for
reducing the high pressure in the cylinder to a constant, controllable working pressure for the equipment
in use)
a single approved regulator may be connected to the outlet of manifolded cylinders supplying one or
more use points;
use the proper gas pressures recommended for the equipment as furnished by the equipment
manufacturer;
do not adapt a regulator to use it with a gas for which it was not designed.
NOTE: a regulator must be approved for the particular gas being handled
66
GAS CYLINDERS: Preventive and Protection
Measures
• Never transfer any gas from one cylinder to another or attempt to mix any gases in a cylinder
NOTE: it could result in a cylinder rupture or explosion
falling objects
moving machinery
vehicular traffic
• Storage areas should be located where cylinders will not likely get knocked over
67
GAS CYLINDERS: Preventive and
Protection Measures
• Full and empty cylinders must be stored separately
• Storage location shall be arranged so that the old stock of cylinders can be removed first
• Cylinders should not be exposed to continuous dampness, stored near salt water or corrosive chemicals or
fumes
corrosion can weaken the cylinder, eventually leading to a sudden rupture or explosion
68
GAS CYLINDERS: Preventive and
Protection Measures
• Flammable-gas cylinder storage areas should meet the design requirements of NFPA Standard 51 or 58
• Smoking, open flames, and other sources of ignition must be prohibited in areas where flammable gases
are stored
69
GAS CYLINDERS: Preventive and
Protection Measures
CYLINDERS MUST BE
GROUPED BY TYPES OF GAS
70
GAS CYLINDERS: Preventive and
Protection Measures
ARC BURNS
• Prevent Arc-Burns on cylinders:
accidental arcing could cause a brittle local defect
(arc-burn) which could lead to eventual cylinder
rupture
71
GAS CYLINDERS: Preventive and
Protection Measures
• Arc-burn damage can be eliminated by following these precautionary steps:
Never strike an arc on a cylinder, when you want to test the system operation
use a piece of grounded scrap metal
Make sure all electrical wiring is in good condition and repair or replace defective,
frayed or exposed sections immediately
72
GAS CYLINDERS: Preventive and
Protection Measures
73
GAS CYLINDERS: Preventive and Protection
Measures
CONNECTING AND ADJUSTING SHIELDING GAS SUPPLY
A series of step and things to check are required during hook up cylinders in order to prevent injury or death
as well as prevent equipment and property damage:
• Fasten the cylinders to be used in an upright position;
if cylinders are not on a suitable cylinder cart, they should be securely chained or
strapped to a workbench, wall, or post so that they cannot be accidentally
knocked or pulled over
• “Crack” the cylinder valve: stand at one side or rear of the cylinder outlet, open the cylinder valve slightly
for an instant and then close it.
NOTE 1: this will clean the valve of dust or dirt which may have accumulated during
storage (dirt can damage critical parts of a regulator!)
NOTE 2: valves on flammable-gas cylinders should NOT be “cracked” near welding or cutting work in
progress or near sparks, flame or other possible sources of ignition
74
GAS CYLINDERS: Preventive and Protection
Measures
75
GAS CYLINDERS: Preventive and Protection
Measures
• Always attach a Regulator to the gas supply (and a Flowmeter when required), when a single cylinder is
used
A pressure-reducing regulator must be connected at the cylinder valve
NOTE: make certain that the regulator is proper for the particular gas, service
pressure, and flow requirements
• If the shielding gas is supplied at the proper working pressure through a piping system that is regulated
from a large storage unit or bank of manifolded cylinders, a flowmeter may be connected at the work
station
lubricants and compounds can also contaminate the shielding gas, and in the case
of oxygen service they can cause a catastrophic fire and personal injury
NOTE: connections in apparatus are designed so that they can be made up clean and
leak tight
77
GAS CYLINDERS: Preventive and
Protection Measures
• Make sure the regulator pressure-adjusting screw is released by rotating it counterclockwise until it turns
freely
this closes the regulator valve and prevents a sudden surge of pressure from
possibly damaging components in the system
if regulator is equipped with a flowmeter, be certain the flow control valve is
closed by turning the knob all the way in (clockwise)
78
GAS CYLINDERS: Preventive and
Protection Measures
• Check all connections and joints for leaks
use suitable leak test solution for every connection and joint from cylinder to
torch
• After making all connections, close torch or downstream valve and then turn the regulator pressure-
adjusting screw to the desired operating pressure (or just open the flowmeter valve).
• Never tighten a leaky connection between a regulator and cylinder when under pressure
NOTE: Close the cylinder valve, allow the trapped gas to leak out and then tighten
the connection!
79
GAS CYLINDERS: Preventive and Protection
Measures
• Always be sure you are using the correct gas pressure and gas flow
refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the torch or apparatus being used
NOTE: if operated properly, the regulator maintains pressure as set; the required flow
rate will of course vary according to the type of job
• As soon as you have finished working or if you are going to disconnect the regulator or regulator-
flowmeter combination, do the following:
1) close the cylinder valve
2) open the flowmeter and torch valves to release all pressure from the hose and
regulator
3) when the gauge pressure drops to zero, close the flowmeter valve
NOTE: this will prevent the occurrence of an accident caused by someone removing
the regulator with the cylinder valve open
80
CONFINED SPACES in Welding Activities
CONFINED SPACES
Introduction/definition
• Poor ventilation
lack of safe breathing air and
possible buildup of hazardous
gases, fumes, and particles
81
CONFINED SPACES in Welding Activities
Examples of Confined Spaces
small rooms degreasers
process vessels boilers
pits furnaces
tunnels silos
sewers compartments of ships
underground utility vaults ventilation and exhaust ducts
unventilated corner of a room storage tanks
pipelines reactor vessels
83
CONFINED SPACES in Welding Activities
Actions required before start of work in a confined space
Isolate lines by capping or double
valving and venting
if feasible-keep vents open and
valves leak-free
85
Oxy-Fuel Cutting
Oxy-fuel cutting is a processes that use fuel
gases and oxygen to cut metals.
86
Hazards in Oxy-Fuel Cutting
Health Hazards
– Fumes and Gases
– Heat
– Visible light & Infrared Radiation
– Awkward Positions
Safety Hazards
– Hot surfaces & Spatters
– Fire & Explosion
– Confined Space
– Trips and Fall
87
GASES in Gas Cutting: Safety Hazards and
Mitigative Measures
OXYGEN (O2)
– Do not use oil! Keep regulators, hoses, torches and other oxy-fuel gas equipment free of grease, oil, coal
dust, lubricants and other combustibles
this and similar combustibles once ignited burns violently in the presence of O 2
and may cause serious burns or explosions
connections are designed for seating leak tight without sealants or lubricants
– Never substitute oxygen for compressed air: O2 shall never be called air
O2 should never be used in pneumatic tools, in oil preheating burners, to start
internal combustion engines, to blow out pipelines, to dust clothing or work, for
pressure tests of any kind or for ventilation
Using oxygen as air may result in serious burns or explosions
– Never allow O2 or O2-rich air to saturate your clothing
NOTE: materials that can be ignited in air have lower ignition temperatures in O 2
88
GASES in Gas Cutting: Safety Hazards and
FUEL GASES
Mitigative Measures
Fuel gas can explode in air or O2 if ignited by flame, spark, or other ignition source
– Acetylene, natural gas and liquefied petroleum gases (i.e. Propane, Butane, Propylene) are the
commonly used gas in welding, cutting, and heating processes.
– Remember that these gases can displace O 2 and create an atmosphere with less than 19% O 2, causing
rapid dizziness, unconsciousness, or even death.
NOTE: call fuel gases by their proper names, not just “gas”; fuel gases differ from each
other in heat contents, flammability limits, handling characteristics and safe handling
requirements, therefore be specific when refer to a particular fuel gas
89
GASES in Gas Cutting: Safety Hazards and
Mitigative Measures
The following table compares the relative vapor density of fuel gases with that of air:
– NOTE 1: Acetylene and natural gas are lighter than air. They will rise and can collect in high places as
well as in closed areas
– NOTE 2: Propylene, Butane, Propane, and MAPP are heavier than air, so they may spread to poorly
ventilated areas along the floors or beneath equipment. Also, they tend to diffuse in air slowly,
increasing the hazards of accumulation
forced ventilation and exhaust duct at floor level may thus be desirable to
protect against unexpected release of the heavier fuel gases
90
*methylacetylene-propadiene propane
GASES in Gas Cutting: Safety Hazards and
Mitigative Measures
– Fuel gases must never be released near:
other welding or cutting work
sparks or flame caused by other means
in confined spaces
NOTE: Sparks from circuit breakers, thermostats, etc. can also cause ignition
– If strictly necessary, release it outdoors, choosing a place where they are not likely to be a significant hazard
and where the flammable gas will soon dissipate
keep in mind the density considerations mentioned on previous slide
NOTE: some gases like acetylene have natural smell and leaking can be detected, other gases
like propane have not natural smell and odorizer (e. g. mercaptane), must be added
– Fuel gases should be considered flammable within the following ranges of concentration when mixed with
air:
Natural gas between 2.8% and 17.5% NOTE: Such concentrations in
Acetylene between 2.2% and 85% air, given a source of ignition,
Propylene between 2.0% and 11.1%
will burn or, if confined, will
Propane between 2.1% and 9.5%
Butane between 1.8% and 8.5% explode
Hydrogen between 4.0% and 75%
91
GASES in Gas Cutting: Safety Hazards and
Mitigative Measures
NEVER use Acetylene at pressures above 103Kpa (│30│psi): it is contrary to insurance regulations and
prohibited by law in many places.
Free gaseous Acetylene, depending upon confinement conditions, is potentially unstable
at pressures above 103Kpa;
Some conditions can cause the Acetylene to decompose with explosive violence;
NOTE 1: Absolute pressure (PATA) is equal to gauge pressure plus P ATM, which at sea level
averages 101,3Kpa (14.7psi). Thus at sea level a gauge pressure reading of 103,4Kpa
(15psi) is equal to an absolute pressure of 204,7Kpa (29.7psi)
NOTE 2: under no flow conditions some regulators will indicate up to 24psig on its delivery
pressure gauge, but as soon as the gas valve is turned on, the delivery pressure will
return to 15psig or less: this is an acceptable condition
92
Typical Oxy-Fuel Gas Cutting Equipment
93
Typical Oxy-Fuel Gas Cutting Equipment
Acetylene Regulator
94
Typical Oxy-Fuel Gas Cutting Equipment
Oxygen Regulator
95
Typical Oxy-Fuel Gas Cutting Equipment:
Oxygen Regulator
There are many different types of O2 regulators.
They are designed to reduce the high pressure of the O 2 coming from the cylinder to the proper
pressure needed for cutting and welding;
O2 regulators can be damaged, and even burnout with explosive forces that can destroy the regulator
when used improperly;
O2 regulator fires (ORF) can violently release the full cylinder pressure and contents
NOTE: this release of contents and the accompanying O 2 enriched fire can cause
injury or death to you and other workers, as well as damage to equipment and
property!
96
Typical Oxy-Fuel Gas Cutting Equipment
Cutting Torch
– Be sure the regulator and hose nuts are pulled up wrench-tight, not merely hand-tight.
– Do not tighten the connections excessively but use a proper regulator wrench
do not use vise grips or pipe wrench
if the connection still leaks after reasonable torque has been used in tightening
the nuts, stop and repair or change the connection.
– Only use hoses fitted with connections made especially for oxy-fuel gas equipment
Oxygen hose is usually GREEN with right-hand threaded connections
RED hose with left-hand threaded connections (indicated by a groove-about the
nut) is used with any fuel gas
NOTE: they are designed to prevent improper connections between the regulators
and the torch
98
Typical Oxy-Fuel Gas Cutting Equipment
RED = FUEL
GREEN = OXYGEN
99
Setting up and operating oxy-fuel gas
systems
– The hoses must be free of oil and grease, in good condition and free of cuts and heavy abrasions
– Support hose out of traffic path so that fork lift trucks and other vehicles do not run over them.
– Always make sure there is enough oxygen and fuel gas available in the cylinders to complete your
welding, cutting, or heating work
if you run out of one gas while operating and you must change cylinders, it is
imperative that the hose lines be thoroughly purged, for several seconds at least,
before an attempt is made to relight the torch;
100
Setting up and operating oxy-fuel gas
systems
101
Setting up and operating oxy-fuel gas
systems
– Reverse flow check valves are available for mounting on torch hose connections
NOTE 1: They are designed to provide a certain amount of protection against the
back flow of one gas into the hose of the other in the event of sudden loss of
pressure of the one gas
NOTE 2: These check valves are designed to prevent a reverse flow of gas, they are
NOT designed for stopping flashbacks
– Careless use, abuse or accumulated dirt can shorten check valve service considerably
They should be checked regularly for back flow leakage, as directed by the valve
manufacturer
NOTE: check valves will restrict flow and should not be used with large heating
heads
102
Setting up and operating oxy-fuel gas
systems
– Do not use matches for lighting torches
Hand burns may result from this practice
103
Setting up and operating oxy-fuel gas
systems
FLASHBACK
– FLASHBACK is a phenomenon in which the flame goes out and burns back within the torch, producing a
pronounced hissing or squealing noise.
Usually, a flashback indicates a malfunction or incorrect operation of the torch;
– In case of flashback, IMMEDIATELY shut off the torch, otherwise the flame will burn through the torch and
may cause injury
– After a flashback, allow the torch to cool and recheck the operating pressures
– Before relighting, allow oxygen (NOT fuel gas) to flow through the torch for several seconds to clear out
soot that may have accumulated in the torch;
if another flashback occurs or the torch repetitively backfires, remove torch from
service and send it along with tip or nozzle in use to an authorized repair station.
104
Setting up and operating oxy-fuel gas
systems
BACKFIRE
– BACKFIRE is a phenomenon in which a flame may go out with a loud snap or pop
Backfire should not be confused with Flashback
105
Setting up and operating oxy-fuel gas
systems
As soon as you have finished working, or if you are going to disconnect the regulator, do the following for
one gas at a time:
106
Grinding
107
Grinding Safety
DEFINITION
108
Grinding Safety
HAZARDS
Eyes & face injury, cut & scratches, legs & fits injury
Sparks can cause burn
Fire and explosion
Irritation of skin
Dust
Vibration
White finger
Noise
Electric shock
109
Grinding Safety
Employers are responsible for the safe condition of machines
Eye and finger loss is a common result of improper abrasive wheel
machine usage
Rotating or flying objects injure and even kill daily
Abrasive wheel machines are often downplayed in the workplace
110
Grinding Safety
SAFETY MEASURES
111
Grinding Safety
CE standard
“deadman” switch
automatically returns to OFF
double insulated emblem
no cracks in the casing
112
Grinding Safety
114
Grinding Safety
trade mark
dimensions in mm referring
normative
speed
manufacturing
or expiring date
115
Grinding Safety
INFORMATION
all this information must
be clearly reported on the
face of the grinding
wheel, in case they are
not, report immediately
to the supervisor and HSE;
anyway do not use it
116
Grinding Safety
117
Grinding Safety
CONSEQUENCES
118
Grinding Safety
119
Grinding Safety
120
Grinding Safety
1 2 3 4 5
A-C 36 L 5 V
Aluminium oxide coarse medium fine very fine spacing from the V: vitrified
closest to open S: silicate
abrasive - A 8 30 70 220 R: Rubber
10 36 80 240 0 5 10 B: resinoid
Silicon carbide 12 45 90 280 1 6 11 (synthetic resin)
abrasive - C 14 54 100 320 2 7 12 BF: resinoid
16 60 120 400 3 8 13 (reinforced
20 150 500 4 9 14 synthetic resin)
24 180 600 RF: rubber reinforced
E: shellac
M: magnesia
121
Grinding Safety
REMEMBER
Never operate a grinder before have compared the speed rating of the machine
to that one on the disk, the rated speed of the disk is not to be less than the
spindle rating of the grinding machine
When not in use electrical tools are to be isolated from the power source
Cutting disks are not to be used for grinding under any circumstance
Feed the disk into the cut slowly allowing the weight of the grinder to do the work, never force the
grinder into a cut!
Every few minutes of operation dress the disk
When stopping the grinder make sure the disk has come to a complete stand before putting the
grinder down
Changing the disk place the plug in the pocket in order there can be no accidental energisation of
the machine
IF IN DOUBT, ASK!
122
Safety Hazards in WELDING, CUTTING and
GRINDING:
Preventive and Precaution measures
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
RAGS
CARDBOARD
PAPER
123
Conclusions and clarifications
Any question?
125
Handling of Gas Cylinders
126
Storage of Gas Cylinder
127
Inspection on Gas Cylinder
Pressure Gauges Chuck Key
2 nos. of 2 Condition
Ear Clip 2 Ear Clip Flashback Arrestor
of Hose 128
128
Hot Work and Fire Safety
Use Spark Gun, Matches or Cigarette Use Ear Clip Clamp/Crimping Tool
lighters are NOT allowed
129
129
Wheel Example
Cutting Blade
Max RPM
Size of Disk
Type of Material
can be used on
130
130
131
131