Safety Procedures & PPE Flashcards
7 cards from real AWS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Safety Procedures & PPE flashcards as text
A welder develops a dry cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath after working in a poorly ventilated area. These symptoms most likely indicate exposure to:
Answer: All of the above are possible causes
Ozone, hexavalent chromium, nitrogen dioxide, and other welding byproducts can all cause respiratory symptoms when exposure levels are elevated.
What minimum safe distance should combustible materials be kept from an active welding or cutting operation?
Answer: 35 feet
NFPA 51B and ANSI Z49.1 specify that combustibles must be kept at least 35 feet from welding and cutting operations, or shielded with fire-resistant guards.
Which respiratory protection is required when welding stainless steel in a confined space with inadequate ventilation?
Answer: A supplied-air respirator or SCBA
Confined spaces with inadequate ventilation may be oxygen-deficient or have toxic concentrations of fumes, requiring supplied air or SCBA.
What is 'welder's flash' (photokeratitis) and how is it primarily prevented?
Answer: Painful inflammation of the cornea from UV exposure, prevented by using the correct lens shade
Welder's flash is UV-induced inflammation of the cornea, prevented by always using a properly shaded welding lens before striking an arc.
When using oxygen-acetylene equipment, what must be done if a backfire occurs?
Answer: Close both valves immediately, allow the torch to cool, and investigate the cause before relighting
Both valves must be closed immediately during a backfire to extinguish the flame and prevent a flashback, then the cause must be identified before relighting.
What is the purpose of a fire watch during and after a welding operation?
Answer: To observe for fires for a minimum of 30 minutes after welding stops in an area with combustibles
A fire watch monitors the work area for smoldering fires for at least 30 minutes after welding ends, as fires can start in hidden combustibles.
Which type of glove provides the best dexterity for TIG welding while still offering adequate heat protection?
Answer: Thinner, lighter leather TIG gloves
TIG welding requires precise finger control, so lighter, thinner leather gloves designed for TIG offer the necessary dexterity with adequate heat protection.