Welding Safety Procedures Essay

American Welding Society

Compare and contrast the confined space recommendations made by the American Welding Society with those found in Chapter 13 of the textbook.

Chapter thirteen explains confined spaces, as open - topped areas of more than 4 feet in depth. The American Welding Society (AWS) defines this as small rooms, pits, vats, sewers and many other enclosed compartments. The differences between them, is chapter thirteen defines these areas specifically, based upon certain dimensions in contracts with the AWS. ("AWS Safety & Health Fact Sheets," 2013) (Suruda & Pettit, 1994)

Using other web resources, compare and contrast the AWS recommendations for controlling exposure to chromium and nickel welding fumes with those of other organizations. If you were the safety professional reviewing the hazards for manual welding involving exposure to these substances, what controls would you establish?

The AWS recommends not breathing gases and staying away from clouds of toxic fumes. They also state that there needs to be enough ventilation at the arc to keep the area breathable. In any situation, if ventilation is questionable, it is advisable to use area sampling to determine when corrective measures are needed.("AWS Safety & Health Fact Sheets," 2013) OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is more in depth with their recommendations than the AWS. They encourage cleaning any toxic residue from the work area. At the same time, having it well ventilated, using an effective exhaust system and using lower fume consumables. ("OSHA Fact Sheet," 2014)

If I were a safety professional, there are many changes that would be recommended. First, I would require that any welders, in a confined space, to have a local ventilation system. This means using a lower fume - generating or less toxic welding type of consumables. At the same time, respiratory protection would be required if ventilation does not reduce the exposure the welder receives to toxic fumes. Those who are working a poorly ventilated area would be fined up to $1,000.00. When welding outdoors or inside open areas, it is imperative to be aware of weather related factors such as wind. This could cause fumes to….....