Subpart Q - Welding, Cutting and Brazing
Subpart Q provides the requirements for welding, cutting and brazing operations.
Welder and welding operator mean any operator of electric or gas welding and cutting equipment.
To learn if subpart Q applies to you, go to Does "Subpart Q - Welding, Cutting and Brazing" Apply to You?
Special Requirements
Scope: This standard provides the general requirements for welding, cutting and brazing operations including fire prevention, confined spaces, protection of personnel, ventilation and other requirements.
Special Requirements: Fire watchers, trained, fire watch, authorization, responsible individual, inspections, written permit, prohibited areas, procedures, supervisor, attendant, rescue procedure, determine, designate, advise contractors, test, markings, labels, safety data sheets, warning sign, tags, lifelines, reporting injuries, NIOSH approved, manufacturers instructions, personal protective equipment, references other standards
1910.252(a)(1) - Basic precautions. For elaboration of these basic precautions and of the special precautions of paragraph (a)(2) of this section as well as a delineation of the fire protection and prevention responsibilities of welders and cutters, their supervisors (including outside contractors) and those in management on whose property cutting and welding is to be performed, see Standard for Fire Prevention in Use of Cutting and Welding Processes, NFPA Standard 51B, 1962, which is incorporated by reference as specified in 1910.6. The basic precautions for fire prevention in welding or cutting work are: [Reference paragraph (a)(1)(i) - (iii)].
1910.252(a)(2)(iii)(A) - Fire watchers shall be required whenever welding or cutting is performed in locations where other than a minor fire might develop, or any of the following conditions exist: [Reference paragraph (a)(2)(iii)(A)(1) - (4)].
1910.252(a)(2)(iii)(B) - Fire watchers shall have fire extinguishing equipment readily available and be trained in its use. They shall be familiar with facilities for sounding an alarm in the event of a fire. They shall watch for fires in all exposed areas, try to extinguish them only when obviously within the capacity of the equipment available, or otherwise sound the alarm. A fire watch shall be maintained for at least a half hour after completion of welding or cutting operations to detect and extinguish possible smoldering fires.
1910.252(a)(2)(iv) - Authorization. Before cutting or welding is permitted, the area shall be inspected by the individual responsible for authorizing cutting and welding operations. He shall designate precautions to be followed in granting authorization to proceed preferably in the form of a written permit.
1910.252(a)(2)(vi) - Prohibited areas. Cutting or welding shall not be permitted in the following situations:
- 1910.252(a)(2)(vi)(A) - In areas not authorized by management.
1910.252(a)(2)(xiii) - Management. Management shall recognize its responsibility for the safe usage of cutting and welding equipment on its property and:
- 1910.252(a)(2)(xiii)(A) - Based on fire potentials of plant facilities, establish areas for cutting and welding, and establish procedures for cutting and welding, in other areas.
- 1910.252(a)(2)(xiii)(B) - Designate an individual responsible for authorizing cutting and welding operations in areas not specifically designed for such processes.
- 1910.252(a)(2)(xiii)(C) - Insist that cutters or welders and their supervisors are suitably trained in the safe operation of their equipment and the safe use of the process.
- 1910.252(a)(2)(xiii)(D) - Advise all contractors about flammable materials or hazardous conditions of which they may not be aware.
- 1910.252(a)(2)(xiv)(B) - Shall determine the combustible materials and hazardous areas present or likely to be present in the work location.
- 1910.252(a)(2)(xiv)(D) - Shall secure authorization for the cutting or welding operations from the designated management representative.
- 1910.252(a)(2)(xiv)(E) - Shall determine that the cutter or welder secures his approval that conditions are safe before going ahead.
- 1910.252(a)(2)(xiv)(F) - Shall determine that fire protection and extinguishing equipment are properly located at the site.
- 1910.252(a)(2)(xiv)(G) - Where fire watches are required, he shall see that they are available at the site.
- 1910.252(b)(2)(ii)(I) - Filter lenses must meet the test for transmission of radiant energy prescribed by any of the consensus standards listed in 29 CFR 1910.133(b)(1) - eye and face protection.
1910.252(b)(3) - Protective clothing - General requirements. Employees exposed to the hazards created by welding, cutting, or brazing operations shall be protected by personal protective equipment in accordance with the requirements of 1910.132 - personal protective equipment, of this part (1910). Appropriate protective clothing required for any welding operation will vary with the size, nature and location of the work to be performed.
1910.252(b)(4)(iv) - Lifelines. Where a welder must enter a confined space through a manhole or other small opening, means shall be provided for quickly removing him in case of emergency. When safety belts and lifelines are used for this purpose they shall be so attached to the welder's body that his body cannot be jammed in a small exit opening. An attendant with a preplanned rescue procedure shall be stationed outside to observe the welder at all times and be capable of putting rescue operations into effect.
1910.252(c)(4)(ii) - Airline respirators. In circumstances for which it is impossible to provide such ventilation, airline respirators or hose masks approved for this purpose by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) under 42 CFR part 84 must be used.
1910.252(c)(4)(iii) - Self-contained units. In areas immediately hazardous to life, a full-facepiece, pressure-demand, self-contained breathing apparatus or a combination full-facepiece, pressure-demand supplied-air respirator with an auxiliary, self-contained air supply approved by NIOSH under 42 CFR part 84 must be used.
1910.252(c)(4)(iv) - Outside helper. Where welding operations are carried on in confined spaces and where welders and helpers are provided with hose masks, hose masks with blowers or self-contained breathing equipment approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a worker shall be stationed on the outside of such confined spaces to insure the safety of those working within.
1910.252(c)(7)(iii) - Local ventilation. In confined spaces or indoors, welding or cutting operations involving metals containing lead, other than as an impurity, or metals coated with lead-bearing materials, including paint, must be done using local exhaust ventilation or airline respirators. Such operations, when done outdoors, must be done using respirators approved for this purpose by NIOSH under 42 CFR part 84. In all cases, workers in the immediate vicinity of the cutting operation must be protected by local exhaust ventilation or airline respirators.
1910.252(c)(8) - Beryllium. Welding or cutting indoors, outdoors, or in confined spaces involving beryllium-containing base or filler metals shall be done using local exhaust ventilation and airline respirators unless atmospheric tests under the most adverse conditions have established that the workers' exposure is within the acceptable concentrations defined by 1910.1000 - air contaminants, of this part (1910). In all cases, workers in the immediate vicinity of the welding or cutting operations shall be protected as necessary by local exhaust ventilation or airline respirators.
1910.252(c)(9)(i) - General. In confined spaces or indoors, welding or cutting operations involving cadmium-bearing or cadmium-coated base metals must be done using local exhaust ventilation or airline respirators unless atmospheric tests under the most adverse conditions show that employee exposure is within the acceptable concentrations specified by 1910.1000 - air contaminants. Such operations, when done outdoors, must be done using respirators, such as fume respirators, approved for this purpose by NIOSH under 42 CFR part 84.
1910.252(d)(1)(v) - Construction standards. The welded construction of transmission pipelines shall be conducted in accordance with the Standard for Welding Pipe Lines and Related Facilities, API Std. 1104 - 1968, which is incorporated by reference as specified in 1910.6.
Scope: This standard provides the requirements for oxygen-fuel gas welding and cutting operations.
Special Requirements: Approved apparatus, instructed, competent, rules, instructions (posted), marked, marking, labeling, tests, posted sign, operating procedures, material and fabrication procedures, inspections, painted, instruction card, references other standards
1910.253(a)(1) - Flammable mixture. Mixtures of fuel gases and air or oxygen may be explosive and shall be guarded against. No device or attachment facilitating or permitting mixtures of air or oxygen with flammable gases prior to consumption, except at the burner or in a standard torch, shall be allowed unless approved for the purpose.
1910.253(a)(3) - Apparatus. Only approved apparatus such as torches, regulators or pressure-reducing valves, acetylene generators, and manifolds shall be used.
1910.253(a)(4) - Personnel. Workmen in charge of the oxygen or fuel-gas supply equipment, including generators, and oxygen or fuel-gas distribution piping systems shall be instructed and judged competent by their employers for this important work before being left in charge. Rules and instructions covering the operation and maintenance of oxygen or fuel-gas supply equipment including generators, and oxygen or fuel-gas distribution piping systems shall be readily available.
1910.253(b)(1)(ii) - Compressed gas cylinders shall be legibly marked, for the purpose of identifying the gas content, with either the chemical or the trade name of the gas. Such marking shall be by means of stenciling, stamping, or labeling, and shall not be readily removable. Whenever practical, the marking shall be located on the shoulder of the cylinder.
1910.253(b)(1)(iii) - Compressed gas cylinders shall be equipped with connections complying with the American National Standard Compressed Gas Cylinder Valve Outlet and Inlet Connections, ANSI B57.1—1965, which is incorporated by reference as specified in 1910.6.
1910.253(b)(4)(iv) - Where a liquid oxygen system is to be used to supply gaseous oxygen for welding or cutting and the system has a storage capacity of more than 13,000 cubic feet (364 m3) of oxygen [measured at 14.7 psia (101 kPa) and 70 °F (21.1 °C)], connected in service or ready for service, or more than 25,000 cubic feet (700 m3) of oxygen [measured at 14.7 psia (101 kPa) and 70 °F (21.1 °C)], including unconnected reserves on hand at the site, it shall comply with the provisions of the Standard for Bulk Oxygen Systems at Consumer Sites, NFPA No. 566—1965, which is incorporated by reference as specified in 1910.6.
1910.253(b)(5) - Operating procedures. [Reference paragraph (b)(5)].
1910.253(c)(2)(v) - An oxygen manifold or oxygen bulk supply system which has storage capacity of more than 13,000 cubic feet (364 m3) of oxygen [measured at 14.7 psia (101 kPa) and 70 °F (21.1 °C)], connected in service or ready for service, or more than 25,000 cubic feet (700 m3) of oxygen (measured at 14.7 psia [101 kPa) and 70 °F (21.1 °C)], including unconnected reserves on hand at the site, shall comply with the provisions of the Standard for Bulk Oxygen Systems at Consumer Sites, NFPA No. 566-1965.
1910.253(c)(3)(iii) - The assembled manifold including leads shall be tested and proven gas-tight at a pressure of 300 psig (2.04 MPa). The fluid used for testing oxygen manifolds shall be oil-free and not combustible.
1910.253(c)(3)(v) - The following sign shall be conspicuously posted at each manifold: [Reference paragraph (c)(3)(v)].
1910.253(c)(4)(vii) - Materials and fabrication procedures for portable outlet headers shall comply with paragraphs (d)(1), (d)(2), and (d)(5) of this section.
1910.253(c)(5) - Manifold operation procedures. [Reference paragraph (c)(5)].
1910.253(d)(1)(i)(A) - Service piping systems. Piping and fittings shall comply with section 2, Industrial Gas and Air Piping Systems, of the American National Standard Code for Pressure Piping ANSI B31.1, 1967, which is incorporated by reference as specified in 1910.6, insofar as it does not conflict with paragraphs (d)(1)(i)(A)(1) and (d)(1)(i)(A)(2) of this section: [Reference paragraph (d)(1)(i)(A)(1) - (2)].
1910.253(d)(4)(i) - Underground pipe and tubing and outdoor ferrous pipe and tubing shall be covered or painted with a suitable material for protection against corrosion.
1910.253(d)(4)(ii) - Aboveground piping systems shall be marked in accordance with the American National Standard Scheme for the Identification of Piping Systems, ANSI A13.1−1956, which is incorporated by reference as specified in 1910.6.
1910.253(d)(4)(iii) - Station outlets shall be marked to indicate the name of the gas.
1910.253(d)(5)(i) - Piping systems shall be tested and proved gastight at 1½ times the maximum operating pressure, and shall be thoroughly purged of air before being placed in service. The material used for testing oxygen lines shall be oil free and noncombustible. Flames shall not be used to detect leaks.
1910.253(e)(3)(ii) - Approved protective equipment (designated PF in Figures Q-1, Q-2, and Q-3) shall be installed in fuel-gas piping to prevent: [Reference paragraph (e)(3)(ii)(A) - (C)].
1910.253(e)(4)(iv) - If the station outlet is equipped with a detachable regulator, the outlet shall terminate in a union connection that complies with the Regulator Connection Standards, 1958, Compressed Gas Association, which is incorporated by reference as specified in 1910.6.
1910.253(e)(4)(v) - If the station outlet is connected directly to a hose, the outlet shall terminate in a union connection complying with the Standard Hose Connection Specifications, 1957, Compressed Gas Association, which is incorporated by reference as specified in 1910.6.
1910.253(e)(5)(i) - Hose for oxy-fuel gas service shall comply with the Specification for Rubber Welding Hose, 1958, Compressed Gas Association and Rubber Manufacturers Association, which is incorporated by reference as specified in 1910.6.
1910.253(e)(5)(iii) - Hose connections shall comply with the Standard Hose Connection Specifications, 1957, Compressed Gas Association.
1910.253(e)(6)(i) - Pressure-reducing regulators shall be used only for the gas and pressures for which they are intended. The regulator inlet connections shall comply with Regulator Connection Standards, 1958, Compressed Gas Association.
1910.253(e)(6)(iv) - Union nuts and connections on regulators shall be inspected before use to detect faulty seats which may cause leakage of gas when the regulators are attached to the cylinder valves.
1910.253(f)(1)(i) - Generators shall be of approved construction and shall be plainly marked with the maximum rate of acetylene in cubic feet per hour for which they are designed; the weight and size of carbide necessary for a single charge; the manufacturer's name and address; and the name or number of the type of generator.
1910.253(f)(1)(ii) - Carbide shall be of the size marked on the generator nameplate.
1910.253(f)(2)(i) - The total hourly output of a generator shall not exceed the rate for which it is approved and marked. Unless specifically approved for higher ratings, carbide-feed generators shall be rated at 1 cubic foot (0.028 m3) per hour per pound of carbide required for a single complete charge.
1910.253(f)(4)(iv)(A) - The compressor or booster system shall be of an approved type.
1910.253(f)(4)(iv)(B) - Wiring and electric equipment in compressor or booster pump rooms or enclosures shall conform to the provisions of subpart S of this part (1910) for Class I, Division 2 locations.
1910.253(f)(4)(iv)(E) - Compressor or booster pump discharge outlets shall be provided with approved protective equipment. (See paragraph (e) of this section.)
1910.253(f)(5)(i)(A) - All portable generators shall be of a type approved for portable use.
1910.253(f)(7)(i) - Unauthorized persons shall not be permitted in outside generator houses or inside generator rooms.
1910.253(f)(7)(i)(A) - Operating instructions shall be posted in a conspicuous place near the generator or kept in a suitable place available for ready reference.
1910.253(f)(7)(i)(B) - When recharging generators the order of operations specified in the instructions supplied by the manufacturer shall be followed.
1910.253(f)(7)(i)(C) - In the case of batch-type generators, when the charge of carbide is exhausted and before additional carbide is added, the generating chamber shall always be flushed out with water, renewing the water supply in accordance with the instruction card furnished by the manufacturer.
1910.253(g)(1)(ii) - Packages containing calcium carbide shall be conspicuously marked “Calcium Carbide—Dangerous If Not Kept Dry” or with equivalent warning.
1910.253(g)(3)(ii) - Carbide containers to be stored outdoors shall be examined to make sure that they are in good condition. Periodic reexaminations shall be made for rusting or other damage to a container that might affect its water or air tightness.
Scope: This standard provides the requirements for arc welding and cutting.
Special Requirements: Instruction, qualified, design, rated load, checks, printed rules, manufacturer instructions, reporting, qualified personnel, tests, references other standards
1910.254(a)(3) - Instruction. Workmen designated to operate arc welding equipment shall have been properly instructed and qualified to operate such equipment as specified in paragraph (d) of this section.
1910.254(b)(1) - General. Assurance of consideration of safety in design is obtainable by choosing apparatus complying with the Requirements for Electric Arc-Welding Apparatus, NEMA EW-1-1962, National Electrical Manufacturers Association or the Safety Standard for Transformer-Type Arc-Welding Machines, ANSI C33.2 - 1956, Underwriters' Laboratories, both of which are incorporated by reference as specified in 1910.6.
1910.254(b)(2)(i) - Standard machines for arc welding service shall be designed and constructed to carry their rated load with rated temperature rises where the temperature of the cooling air does not exceed 40 °C (104 °F) and where the altitude does not exceed 3,300 feet (1,005.8 m), and shall be suitable for operation in atmospheres containing gases, dust, and light rays produced by the welding arc.
1910.254(b)(4)(i) - A controller integrally mounted in an electric motor driven welder shall have capacity for carrying rated motor current, shall be capable of making and interrupting stalled rotor current of the motor, and may serve as the running overcurrent device if provided with the number of overcurrent units as specified by subpart S of this part (1910).
1910.254(c)(1) - Installation of arc welding equipment. General. Installation including power supply shall be in accordance with the requirements of subpart S of this part (1910).
1910.254(c)(2)(i) - The frame or case of the welding machine (except engine-driven machines) shall be grounded under the conditions and according to the methods prescribed in subpart S of this part (1910).
1910.254(c)(2)(v) - All ground connections shall be checked to determine that they are mechanically strong and electrically adequate for the required current.
1910.254(c)(3)(i) - A disconnecting switch or controller shall be provided at or near each welding machine which is not equipped with such a switch or controller mounted as an integral part of the machine. The switch shall be in accordance with subpart S of this part. Overcurrent protection shall be provided as specified in subpart S of this part (1910). A disconnect switch with overload protection or equivalent disconnect and protection means, permitted by subpart S of this part (1910), shall be provided for each outlet intended for connection to a portable welding machine.
1910.254(d)(1) - General. Workers assigned to operate or maintain arc welding equipment shall be acquainted with the requirements of this section and with 1910.252(a) (welding and cutting, general requirements) - fire prevention and protection, (b) - protection of personnel, and (c) - health protection and ventilation, of this part.
1910.254(d)(2) - Machine hook up. Before starting operations all connections to the machine shall be checked to make certain they are properly made. The work lead shall be firmly attached to the work; magnetic work clamps shall be freed from adherent metal particles of spatter on contact surfaces. Coiled welding cable shall be spread out before use to avoid serious overheating and damage to insulation.
1910.254(d)(3) - Grounding. Grounding of the welding machine frame shall be checked. Special attention shall be given to safety ground connections of portable machines.
1910.254(d)(6) - Manufacturers' instructions. Printed rules and instructions covering operation of equipment supplied by the manufacturers shall be strictly followed.
1910.254(d)(9)(i) - The operator should report any equipment defect or safety hazard to his supervisor and the use of the equipment shall be discontinued until its safety has been assured. Repairs shall be made only by qualified personnel.
1910.254(d)(9)(ii) - Machines which have become wet shall be thoroughly dried and tested before being used.
Scope: This standard provides the requirements pertaining to resistance welding.
Special Requirements: Qualified electrician, qualified maintenance personnel, inspections, certification record, signatures, instructed, unauthorized persons, competent personnel, reporting, references other standards
1910.255(a)(1) - Installation. All equipment shall be installed by a qualified electrician in conformance with subpart S of this part (1910). There shall be a safety-type disconnecting switch or a circuit breaker or circuit interrupter to open each power circuit to the machine, conveniently located at or near the machine, so that the power can be shut off when the machine or its controls are to be serviced.
1910.255(a)(3) - Personnel. Workmen designated to operate resistance welding equipment shall have been properly instructed and judged competent to operate such equipment.
1910.255(b)(3) - Interlocks. All doors and access panels of all resistance welding machines and control panels shall be kept locked and interlocked to prevent access, by unauthorized persons, to live portions of the equipment.
1910.255(b)(4) - Guarding. All press welding machine operations, where there is a possibility of the operator's fingers being under the point of operation, shall be effectively guarded by the use of a device such as an electronic eye safety circuit, two hand controls or protection similar to that prescribed for punch press operation, 1910.217 - mechanical power press, of this part. All chains, gears, operating bus linkage, and belts shall be protected by adequate guards, in accordance with 1910.219 - mechanical power-transmission apparatus, of this part.
1910.255(b)(5) - Shields. The hazard of flying sparks shall be, wherever practical, eliminated by installing a shield guard of safety glass or suitable fire-resistant plastic at the point of operation. Additional shields or curtains shall be installed as necessary to protect passing persons from flying sparks. (See 1910.252(b)(2)(i)(C) - welding and cutting, general requirements).
1910.255(d)(1) - Ventilation and flash guard. Flash welding machines shall be equipped with a hood to control flying flash. In cases of high production, where materials may contain a film of oil and where toxic elements and metal fumes are given off, ventilation shall be provided in accordance with 1910.252(c) - welding and cutting, general requirements, of this part.