745 Welding, Cutting, and Brazing Safety

Ventilation

General Requirements for Welding and Cutting

Proper ventilation must be provided in any welding area to reduce the risk of injury and illness.

Small Space Ventilation: Mechanical ventilation must be used when welding in small rooms, low-ceiling areas, or spaces with partitions or barriers that block airflow. In these situations, ventilation systems must move at least 2,000 cubic feet of air per minute per welder to remove harmful fumes.

Use of Screens in Welding Areas: When welding in an enclosed space, screens should be placed in a way that does not block ventilation. Screens should be positioned about two feet above the floor unless a lower placement is needed to protect nearby workers from welding glare.

Keeping Fumes Within Safe Levels: Exhaust systems or general ventilation must keep the amount of toxic fumes, gases, or dust below OSHA maximum safety limits. Employers must ensure that ventilation equipment is working properly to prevent harmful exposure.

Hazard Communication for Welding Materials: Employers must include hazardous materials used in welding, such as fluxes, coatings, and filler metals, in their hazard communication programs. Workers must have access to safety labels, material safety data sheets, and proper training on how to handle hazardous materials safely.

Labeling of Hazardous Welding Materials: Suppliers must label materials with any hazards related to their use in welding, cutting, and brazing. Materials such as cadmium and fluorine compounds must include warnings about potential health risks, including cancer, lung damage, and eye irritation.

Warnings on Filler Metals and Fluxes: Filler metals and fluxes must be labeled with a warning stating that welding may produce hazardous fumes. Materials containing cadmium must carry additional warnings about poisonous fumes, while fluorine-containing fluxes must indicate the risk of respiratory irritation.

Local Exhaust Hoods and Enclosures: Welders should place exhaust hoods close to their work area to pull harmful fumes away. Fixed enclosures with at least two sides must have strong enough airflow to keep fumes from building up around workers.

Ventilation in Confined Spaces: Welding in confined spaces must have ventilation to prevent toxic gas buildup and oxygen shortages. If proper airflow cannot be provided, welders must use airline respirators or self-contained breathing devices, and a safety worker must be stationed outside to help in emergencies.

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