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Welding PPE

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A comprehensive risk assessment for welding PPE should consider several key factors. Hazards associated with welding include exposure to intense light radiation, sparks, hot materials, fumes, and potential electrical hazards 1, 2, 3. The risk level depends on the specific welding task, environment, and materials used 1, 3.

To mitigate these risks, the following PPE is recommended:

  • Eye and Face Protection: Helmets or hand shields with appropriate filter lenses are essential during arc welding or cutting to protect against radiant energy 2, 3, 9. Goggles should also be worn for additional protection from flying objects and rays from adjacent work [1]. For gas welding or oxygen cutting, use goggles or spectacles with suitable filter lenses [1]. All filter lenses and plates must meet the test for transmission of radiant energy prescribed in ANSI Z 87.1-1968 [2] or the updated standards like ANSI Z87.1-2003 [3] or CSA Standard Z94.3-15 5, 20.
  • Body Protection: Wear flameproof gauntlet gloves and flameproof aprons made of leather, asbestos, or other suitable material to protect against radiated heat and sparks [2]. Woolen clothing is preferable to cotton, but if cotton is used, it should be chemically treated to reduce combustibility [2]. Sleeves and collars should be buttoned, and pockets eliminated from the front of overalls and aprons to prevent sparks from lodging [2]. For heavy work, use fire-resistant leggings, high boots, or other equivalent means [2]. If a worker may be exposed to a flash fire or electrical equipment flashover, ensure the worker wears personal protective equipment that includes flame resistant outerwear [3].
  • Respiratory Protection: Welding in confined spaces requires adequate ventilation to prevent the accumulation of toxic materials or oxygen deficiency 4, 6. Use airline respirators or hose masks approved by NIOSH when ventilation is insufficient [4]. In areas immediately hazardous to life, use a full-facepiece, pressure-demand, self-contained breathing apparatus [4]. When welding or cutting involving fluxes, coverings, or other materials which contain fluorine compounds, perform the work in accordance with ventilation requirements 7, 12.
  • Head Protection: Leather skull caps may be worn under helmets to prevent head burns during overhead welding or cutting operations [5]. Where there is exposure to sharp or heavy falling objects, or a hazard of bumping in confined spaces, hard hats or head protectors must be used [5].
  • Foot Protection: Ensure that a worker uses footwear that is appropriate to the hazards associated with the work being performed and the work site [3].

In addition to PPE, engineering controls like individual booths painted with low-reflectivity finish or noncombustible screens can protect adjacent workers from arc welding rays 1, 3. Administrative controls include ensuring a fire watch is maintained for at least 1/2 hour after welding to detect and extinguish possible smoldering fires [6]. Regularly inspect and maintain all PPE to ensure it is in good working condition [7]. Provide training on the correct use, care, and limitations of PPE [7].

Regularly monitor the work area for hazards and review the risk assessment to ensure it remains effective. Consider air sampling to ensure that exposures to hazardous fumes are below allowable limits [8].

8 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC)

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\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ observe the same precautions with regard to cracks or holes in walls, open doorways and open or broken windows. - (2) Fire extinguishers . You must maintain suitable fire extinguishing equipment in a state of readiness for instant use. Such equipment may consist of pails of water, buckets of sand, hose or portable extinguishers depending upon the nature and quantity of the combustible material exposed. ## (3) Fire watch . - (a) Fire watchers must be required whenever welding or cutting is performed in locations where other than a minor fire might develop, or any of the following conditions exist: - (i) Appreciable combustible material, in building construction or contents, closer than 35 feet to the point of operation. - (ii) Appreciable combustibles are more than 35 feet away but are easily ignited by sparks. - (iii) Wall or floor openings within a 35-foot radius expose combustible material in adjacent areas including concealed spaces in walls or floors. - (iv) Combustible materials are adjacent to the opposite side of metal partitions, walls, ceilings, or roofs and are likely to be ignited by conduction or radiation. - (b) Fire watchers must have fire extinguishing equipment readily available and be trained in its use. They must be familiar with facilities for sounding an alarm in the event of a fire. They must watch for fires in all exposed areas, try to extinguish them only when obviously within the capacity of the equipment available, or otherwise sound the alarm. A fire watch must be maintained for at least a 1/2 hour after completion of welding or cutting operations to detect and extinguish possible smoldering fires. - (4) Authorization . Before cutting or welding is permitted, the area must be inspected by the individual responsible for auth…

[2] Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC)

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\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ 09/01/99. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94; Order 73-5, 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 5/7/73.] ## WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code] Fluorine compounds. General . In confined spaces, you must perform welding or cutting involving fluxes, coverings, or other materials which contain fluorine compounds in accordance with WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code] (1) through (5). A fluorine compound is one that contains fluorine, as an element in chemical combination, not as a free gas. - Note: Maximum allowable concentration. The need for local exhaust ventilation or airline respirators for welding or cutting in other than confined spaces will depend upon the individual circumstances. However, experience has shown such protection to be desirable for fixed-location production welding and for all production welding on stainless steels. Where air samples taken at the welding location indicate that the fluorides liberated are below the maximum allowable concentration, such protection is not necessary. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 15-24-100 (Order 15-04), § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 12/01/2015, effective 01/05/2016. Order 73-5, 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 5/7/73.] ## WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code] Zinc. - (1) Confined spaces . In confined spaces you must perform welding or cutting involving zincbearing base or filler metals or metals coated with zinc-bearing materials in accordance with WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code] (1) through (5). - (2) Indoors . Indoors, you must perform welding…

[3] Occupational Health and Safety Code

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## Part 18 Personal Protective Equipment ## Duty to use personal protective equipment 228 (1) If the hazard assessment indicates the need for personal protective equipment, an employer must ensure that - (a) workers wear personal protective equipment that is correct for the hazard and protects workers, - (b) workers properly use and wear the personal protective equipment, - (c) the personal protective equipment is in a condition to perform the function for which it is designed, and - (d) workers are trained in the correct use, care, limitations and assigned maintenance of the personal protective equipment. ## 228 (2) A worker must - (a) use and wear properly the appropriate personal protective equipment specified in this Code in accordance with the training and instruction received, - (b) inspect the personal protective equipment before using it, and - (c) not use personal protective equipment that is unable to perform the function for which it is designed. 228 (3) An employer must ensure that the use of personal protective equipment does not itself endanger the worker. ## Eye Protection ## Eye and face protectors 229 (1) If a worker's eyes may be injured or irritated at a work site, an employer must ensure that the worker wears personal protective equipment to protect the eyes that is - (a) approved to CSA Standard Z94.3-15, Eye and face protectors , and - (b) appropriate to the work being done and the hazard involved. 229 (2) Prescription eyewear may be worn if it - (a) is personal protective equipment to protect the eyes, - (b) meets the requirements of CSA Standard Z94.3-15, Eye and face protectors , and - (c) is appropriate to the work and the hazard involved. 229 (2.1) Prescription personal protective equipment to protect the eyes having glass lenses must not be used if there is danger of impact unless it is worn behind equipment meeting the requirements of subsection (1). 229 (2.2) If the use of plastic prescription lenses is impracticable, and …

[4] Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC)

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\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ during overhead welding or cutting operations. Leather skull caps may be worn under helmets to prevent head burns. - (g) For overhead welding and cutting, or welding and cutting in extremely confined spaces, ear protection is sometimes desirable. - (h) Where there is exposure to sharp or heavy falling objects, or a hazard of bumping in confined spaces, hard hats or head protectors must be used. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 15-24-100 (Order 15-04), § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 12/01/2015, effective 01/05/2016. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 05/09/01, effective 09/01/01. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 94-20-057 (Order 94-16), 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 9/30/94, effective 11/20/94; Order 73-5, 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 5/7/73.] ## WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code] Work in confined spaces. - (1) General . As used herein confined space is intended to mean a relatively small or restricted space such as a tank, boiler, pressure vessel, or small compartment of a ship. - (2) Ventilation . Ventilation is a prerequisite to work in confined spaces. For ventilation requirements see WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code] through 296-24-[redacted postal code]. - (3) Securing cylinders and machinery . When welding or cutting is being performed in any confined spaces you must leave the gas cylinders and welding machines on the outside. Before operations are started, you must securely block heavy portable equipment mounted on wheels to prevent accidental movement. - (4) Lifelines . Where a welder must enter a confined space through a manhole or other smal…

[5] Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC)

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\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ - Note: In gas welding or oxygen cutting where the torch produces a high yellow light, is not desirable to use a filter or lens that absorbs the yellow or sodium line in the visible light of the operation. - (j) All filter lenses and plates must meet the test for transmission of radiant energy prescribed in ANSI Z 87.1-1968--American National Standard Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection. - (3) Protection from arc welding rays . Where the work permits, the welder should be enclosed in an individual booth painted with a finish of low-reflectivity such as zinc oxide (an important factor for absorbing ultraviolet radiations) and lamp black, or must be enclosed with noncombustible screens similarly painted. Booths and screens must permit circulation of air at floor level. You must protect workers or other persons adjacent to the welding areas from the rays by noncombustible or flameproof screens or shields or they must be required to wear appropriate goggles. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 15-24-100 (Order 15-04), § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 12/01/2015, effective 01/05/2016. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 05/09/01, effective 09/01/01. Statutory Authority: Order 73-5, 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 5/7/73.] ## WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code] Protective clothing. - (1) General requirements . You must protect employees exposed to the hazards created by welding, cutting, or brazing operations by personal protective equipment in accordance with the requirements of chapter 296-24 WAC, Part I, and WAC [redacted identifier]. Appropriate prote…

[6] Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC)

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\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ - (1) Hoods . Freely movable hoods intended to be placed by the welder as near as practicable to the work being welded and provided with a rate of airflow sufficient to maintain a velocity in the direction of the hood of 100 linear feet per minute in the zone of welding when the hood is at its most remote distance from the point of welding. The rates of ventilation required to accomplish this control velocity using a 3-inch wide flanged suction opening are shown in the following table: - (2) Fixed enclosure . A fixed enclosure with a top and not less than 2 sides which surround the welding or cutting operations and with a rate of airflow sufficient to maintain a velocity away from the welder of not less than 100 linear feet per minute. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 15-24-100 (Order 15-04), § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 12/01/2015, effective 01/05/2016. Order 73-5, 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 5/7/73.] ## WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code] Ventilation in confined spaces. - (1) Air replacement . You must adequately vent all welding and cutting operations carried on in confined spaces to prevent the accumulation of toxic materials or possible oxygen deficiency. This applies not only to the welder but also to helpers and other personnel in the immediate vicinity. All air replacing that withdrawn must be clean and respirable. - (2) Airline respirators . In such circumstances where is not impossible to provide such ventilation, you must use airline respirators or hose masks approved for this purpose by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) under 42 CFR Part 84. - (3) Self-contained units . In areas immediately hazardou…

[7] Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC)

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\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ hour or overnight. Where practicable, you must also remove the torch and hose from the confined space. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 15-24-100 (Order 15-04), § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 12/01/2015, effective 01/05/2016. Order 73-5, 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 5/7/73.] ## WAC 296-24-700 Protection of employees. [Order 73-5, 296-24-700, filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, 296-24-700, filed 5/7/73.] ## WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code] General. - (1) Railing . You must protect a welder or helper working on platforms, scaffolds, or runways against falling. This may be accomplished by the use of railings, safety belts, life lines, or some other equally effective safeguards. - (2) Welding cable . Welders must place welding cable and other equipment so that is clear of passageways, ladders, and stairways. [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 15-24-100 (Order 15-04), § 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 12/01/2015, effective 01/05/2016. Order 73-5, 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, 296-24-[redacted postal code], filed 5/7/73.] ## WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code] Eye protection. ## (1) Selection . - (a) You must use helmets or hand shields during all arc welding or arc cutting operations, excluding submerged arc welding. Goggles should also be worn during arc welding or cutting operations to provide protection from injurious rays from adjacent work, and from flying objects. The goggles may have either clear or colored glass, depending upon the amount of exposure to adjacent welding operations. You must provide helpers or attendants with proper eye protection. - (b) You must use goggles or oth…

[8] Occupational Health and Safety Code

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- (a) ANSI Standard Z87.1-2003, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices , or - (b) ANSI Standard Z87.1-1989, Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection . 229 (2.3) Despite subsection (2), prescription personal protective equipment to protect the eyes may consist of frames that meet the requirements of ANSI Standard Z87.1-2003, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices provided the lenses meet the requirements of CSA Standard Z94.3-15, Eye and face protectors . - 229 (3) If a worker must wear full face piece respiratory protective equipment and the face piece is intended to prevent materials striking the eyes, an employer must ensure that the face piece - (a) meets the requirements of CSA Standard Z94.3-15, Eye and face protectors , or - (b) meets the impact and penetration test requirements of section 9 of - (i) ANSI Standard Z87.1-2003, Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices , or - (ii) ANSI Standard Z87.1-1989, Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection . AR 191/2021 s229;242/2022 ## Contact lenses 230 An employer must ensure that, if wearing contact lenses poses a hazard to the worker's eyes during work, the worker is advised of the hazards and the alternatives to wearing contact lenses. ## Electric arc welding 231 A worker must not perform electric arc welding if it is reasonably possible for another worker to be exposed to radiation from the arc unless the other worker is wearing suitable personal protective equipment to protect the eyes or is protected by a screen. ## Flame Resistant Clothing ## Use of flame resistant clothing 232 (1) If a worker may be exposed to a flash fire or electrical equipment flashover, an employer must ensure that the worker wears personal protective equipment that includes flame resistant outerwear and uses other personal protective equipment appropriate to the hazard. 232 (2) A worker must…

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