Cutting, Brazing, and Soldering Controls
Another part of the welder's job involves cutting, brazing, and soldering tasks.
Brazing and Soldering Safety
Observe these hazard control measures when performing any cutting operation.
Control Measures When Cutting
When performing cutting operations, follow these precautions in accordance with OSHA guidelines:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide and ensure the use of appropriate PPE such as safety goggles, gloves, and flame-resistant clothing to protect against sparks and flying debris.
- Ventilation: Ensure the workspace has proper local exhaust ventilation systems to capture fumes and particulate matter generated during cutting.
- Secure Workpiece: Use clamps or vices to firmly secure workpieces to prevent movement that may lead to injuries.
- Fire Prevention: Remove combustible materials from the area or protect them with fire-resistant blankets, and maintain a fire watch if necessary. Keep an approved fire extinguisher ready for instant use.
Control Measures When Brazing
When brazing, follow these OSHA requirements:
- Ventilation: Provide mechanical ventilation or local exhaust hoods to remove fumes produced by fluxes and heated metals.
- Flux Handling: Label all flux materials properly and provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Ensure employees are trained on chemical hazards.
- Heat Protection: Use heat-resistant gloves, face shields, and protective clothing to guard against burns from hot metals and molten flux.
- Fire Safety: Brazing areas must be inspected for flammable materials and equipped with suitable extinguishing equipment, such as Class ABC or D fire extinguishers, which must be readily available for immediate use, in accordance with OSHA requirements.
Control Measures When Soldering
For soldering activities, apply these OSHA safety requirements:
- Ventilation Utilize fume extractors or proper general ventilation to reduce exposure to lead or rosin-based flux fumes.
- Flux and Solder Handling: Ensure employees are informed about the chemical hazards of solder and flux, and follow safe handling procedures per the SDS.
- Heat Protection: Wear safety glasses and heat-resistant gloves to protect from solder splashes and burns.
- Fire Safety: Maintain accessible, inspected, and approved fire extinguishers suitable for electrical fires (Class ABC or C) ready for instant use.
General Control Measures
These general safety measures apply across cutting, brazing, and soldering operations:
- Training: Provide workers with proper training on hot work safety, including emergency procedures and the use of fire extinguishers.
- Workspace Organization: Keep work areas clean and free of hazards such as obstructions, spills, or unorganized tools.
- Equipment Inspection: Regularly inspect all equipment (torches, hoses, regulators) for damage or leaks, and implement Lockout/Tagout procedures when needed.
- Combustible Materials: Keep appreciable combustible material at least 35 feet (10.7 m) from the point of operation.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-5. According to OSHA, what is the requirement for fire extinguishers during brazing?
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