Does "Subpart Q - Welding, Cutting and Brazing" Apply to You?

Subpart Q provides the requirements for welding, cutting and brazing operations. Do you have welding, cutting and/or brazing operations? If yes, then you need to comply with all or parts of Subpart Q. It provides the general requirements for welding, cutting and/or brazing including fire prevention and protection (i.e., fire watch, fire extinguishers, combustible materials, fire hazards, prohibited areas, authorizations, management and supervisor responsibilities, venting), confined spaces, personal protective equipment (reference general requirements, PPE), ventilation, securing cylinders, signage, hazard communication program (reference the hazard communication standard), working with hazardous chemicals (i.e., mercury, lead, cadmium, fluorides, zinc, beryllium), respirators, and industrial applications (i.e., piping systems, pipelines, x-ray inspections). It also references consensus standards that have been incorporated by reference.  

Other information related to the general requirements can be found on the A-Z safety and health topic pages for welding and cutting, personal protective equipment, respiratory protection, hazard communication, compressed gases, beryllium, lead and confined spaces. Additional assistance with consensus standards can be obtained by contacting the NCDOL Library. 

This subpart provides definitions related to welding, cutting and brazing operations including:

Welder and welding operator mean any operator of electric or gas welding and cutting equipment.

Are employees using oxygen-fuel gas for welding and cutting? Are employees doing arc welding and cutting? Are employees doing resistance welding? These standards apply to the specific type of welding and cutting being done and are in addition to the general requirements. Click on the appropriate tabs below for more information.