Arc Welding & Cutting Requirements

Workers designated to operate arc welding equipment must be properly trained and qualified to operate and maintain such equipment. The following training requirements must be observed:

• When electrode holders are to be left unattended, the electrodes must be removed and the holders must be so placed or protected that they cannot make electrical contact with employees or conducting objects
• Hot electrode holders must never be dipped in water
• When the arc welder or cutter leaves his work or stops work for any appreciable length of time, or when the arc welding or cutting machine is to be moved, the power supply switch to the equipment must be left opened
• Any faulty or defective equipment must be reported to the supervisor

When arc welding work is to be suspended while working in a confined space for any substantial length of time, such as during lunch breaks or overnight, all electrodes must be removed from the holders. The holders must be carefully placed so that accidental contact cannot occur, and the machine must be disconnected from its power source.

Only manual electrode holders that are specifically designed for arc welding and cutting, and are of a capacity capable of safely handling the maximum rated current required by the electrodes, must be used.

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