PPE
What piece of PPE protects your eyes and face from sparks, spatter, and harmful radiation during welding?
Welding helmet
What common workspace condition can cause slips, trips, or falls around a welding station?
Cluttered floor, debris, cables or wet surfaces causing slips.
What simple item should always be within reach when welding in case sparks start a small fire?
Fire extinguisher.
What should you check on an electrode holder and cables before starting to weld?
Check for damaged insulation, exposed wires, secure connections, and proper electrode holder condition.
Why is it important to remove jewelry and watches before welding?
Jewelry can conduct electricity and cause burns or get caught, causing injury.
Besides a welding helmet, name two other PPE items that protect the welder from burns and sparks.
Welding gloves, FR pants, FR Shirt or apron, leather work boots.
Why should welding be avoided near compressed gas cylinders that are not secured?
Unsecured cylinders may fall or be damaged, causing leaks, fire, or explosion.
Why must flammable materials be removed or covered before beginning a welding operation?
Flammable materials can ignite from sparks or hot metal.
Why is it important to use the correct electrode type and size for a welding job?
Correct electrode ensures proper current, penetration, and reduces defects or unsafe conditions.
What is the purpose of a welding procedure specification (WPS)?
WPS provides parameters and instructions to ensure consistent, safe, quality welds.
What is the shade range for welding?
9-13
Describe the hazard posed by confined spaces during welding.
Confined spaces can accumulate toxic gases and have limited ventilation.
Describe how a fire watch works during and after hot work; how long should a fire watch typically continue after welding stops?
A fire watch watches for smoldering fires during and typically 30–60 minutes after hot work (often 30 min minimum; follow site policy).
Describe one electrical hazard associated with welding equipment and a safety practice to prevent it.
Shock from damaged cables; keep cables insulated, dry, and use ground clamps.
Describe the correct order for starting and stopping an oxy-fuel cutting setup to reduce hazards.
For oxy-fuel: open acetylene valve slightly then oxygen; lighting with striker; shutting down—close acetylene first, then oxygen; bleed lines and close regulators.
Describe why respirators might be required for certain welding tasks.
Respirators protect from harmful fumes/particulates (e.g., galvanized steel produces zinc oxide fumes).
Explain why ventilation is important in a welding area.
Ventilation removes fumes and heat.
Explain how a cutting torch or arc can start a fire. What can you use to control or prevent such fires.
They produce heat and sparks; use fire-resistant blankets, water hose to wetten the area and maintain a clear area.
Explain the importance of proper grounding for welding machines and how improper grounding can create hazards.
Proper grounding prevents stray currents; improper grounding can energize metal parts and shock workers.
Explain the importance of fit and joint preparation in producing safe, quality welds and how improper preparation can create safety issues.
Proper fit/joint prep ensures complete fusion and reduces rework or defects that could cause failures; gaps and contaminants cause poor welds and possible weak points.
Explain three inspection steps you should take before using PPE (helmet, gloves, and jacket) to ensure they provide adequate protection.
Check for cracks/damage in helmet lens, ensure auto-darkening works or lens is correct shade; inspect gloves for holes/wear; check jacket for tears, wetness, or combustible contamination.
Identify a health hazard from long-term exposure to welding fumes and what preventive measures reduce those risks.
Respiratory illness or metal fume fever; use ventilation, respirators, and process controls.
Outline the steps to take immediately if clothing catches fire while welding.
Stop, drop, and roll; smother flames with jacket or extinguisher if safe; call for emergency help if needed.
Describe the steps for safely performing maintenance on welding equipment (lockout/tagout, inspection, and testing) before returning it to service.
De-energize and lockout/tagout the machine, verify zero energy, perform maintenance, inspect parts, test operation, remove lockout and return to service.
Create a brief pre-weld safety checklist (5 items) a welder should complete before striking an arc.
1) Inspect PPE; 2) Clear work area of combustibles; 3) Check ventilation; 4) Inspect cables and equipment; 5) Remove jewelry; 6) Have a fire extinguisher.