Ensure that the requirements in MN471000, Pressure Safety Manual, for oxygen-fuel welding, cutting and brazing equipment and devices are implemented, including but not limited to the following:

• Approved by American Welding Society, including all manifold systems and gas handling equipment;
• Documented (pressure systems) in a formal “Data Package for Oxy-Fuel (Torch) Applications.”  Suppliers’ literature, such as an owner’s manual, suffices for the use of commercially available torch equipment. (See MN471000, Pressure Safety Manual, Chapter 9, “Documenting the Operational Safety of Pressure Systems.”);
• Properly rated and connected (hoses) for the designated service; and
• Protected by check valves and flashback prevention devices on both the oxygen and fuel lines.

Note:  4-in-1 functional safety device providing overpressure protection/automatic shutoff/flashback arrestor/backflow prevention is available for oxygen and fuel gas lines.

Use safe work practices, applicable control measures, and PPE, including, but not limited to the following:

• Inspect equipment before use and replace defective equipment before proceeding.
• Use manufacturer’s recommended procedures for lighting up and shutting off the torches.
• Do not open an acetylene cylinder valve more than 1½ turns of the handle, and preferably, no more than ¾ turn.
• Use and store acetylene cylinders valve-end up.
• Place gas cylinders and machinery outside of confined spaces when welding or cutting in a confined space.

Ensure that the requirements in MN471004, Electrical Safety Manual, for arc welding and cutting equipment and devices are implemented, including but not limited to the following:

• Approved by the National Electric Code.
• Installed with the proper power supply, connections, conductors, and grounding.
• Meet voltage limits, acceptable current paths; and
• Maintained in safe operating condition or taken out of service.

Use safe work practices, applicable control measures, and PPE, including but not limited to the following:

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions and procedures.
• Check all connections (e.g., safety ground) before switching on, and ensure no accidental contact when not in use.
• Report defects or safety hazards for correction prior to use.
• Replace any damaged or improperly spliced cables (e.g., <10 feet from holder). 

Ensure that the requirements in MN471004, Electrical Safety Manual, for resistance welding equipment and devices are implemented, including but not limited to the following:

• Equipment approved by the National Electrical Code and installed by a qualified electrician.
• Properly guarded, interlocked panels or doors, hood to control flying flash and hazardous fume, as required.
• Inspected periodically by qualified maintenance personnel.

Activity

Responsible Individual

Required Action

Ensure that:

• Contracted work involving welding, thermal cutting, or brazing meet the requirements of ESH100.1.GP.1, Manage Safety for Contracted Activities.
• Contractors have qualified, trained and authorized individuals conducting welding, cutting, or brazing activities according to OSHA requirements:
  • 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Q – Welding, Cutting, and Brazing, and/or
  • 29 CFR 1926 Subpart J – Welding and Cutting, as applicable.

• Contractors submit to the division ES&H team industrial hygienist a completed SF 2001-WLD, Contractor Welding, Cutting, Brazing Exposure Assessment Form (Word file/Acrobat file) for each unique welding, cutting or brazing activity.
• Welding, cutting, and/or brazing does not proceed without acceptance of the contractor’s exposure assessment form and proposed control measure(s) by the division ES&H team industrial hygienist.