AWS Safety Procedures & PPE 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which standard governs safe practices for welding, cutting, and allied processes in the United States?
- AWS D1.1
- ANSI Z49.1 (Correct answer)
- OSHA 1910.132
- NFPA 51B
Correct answer: ANSI Z49.1
ANSI Z49.1, 'Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes,' is the primary safety standard for the welding industry.
Question 2: A welder notices that a cable insulation is cracked and the copper conductor is exposed. What is the correct action?
- Wrap the exposed area with electrical tape and continue welding
- Reduce amperage and continue the job
- Stop work immediately and replace or repair the cable before use (Correct answer)
- Notify the supervisor at the end of the shift
Correct answer: Stop work immediately and replace or repair the cable before use
Exposed conductors present a serious electrocution hazard, and work must stop until the cable is properly repaired or replaced.
Question 3: What is the primary hazard associated with welding on galvanized steel?
- Excessive spatter that damages PPE
- Generation of zinc oxide fumes that can cause metal fume fever (Correct answer)
- Increased porosity in the weld bead
- Higher arc voltage requirements
Correct answer: Generation of zinc oxide fumes that can cause metal fume fever
Heating galvanized steel releases zinc oxide fumes, which can cause metal fume fever if inhaled without adequate ventilation or respiratory protection.
Question 4: Which ventilation method is most effective for controlling welding fumes at the source?
- General dilution ventilation throughout the shop
- Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) positioned near the arc (Correct answer)
- Opening shop doors and windows
- A box fan placed behind the welder
Correct answer: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) positioned near the arc
Local exhaust ventilation captures fumes at the point of generation before they disperse into the breathing zone.
Question 5: What does OSHA's lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure require before a welder performs maintenance on welding equipment?
- Turning the machine off at the power switch
- Isolating and de-energizing the equipment and verifying zero energy state before work begins (Correct answer)
- Placing a warning cone near the machine
- Notifying other workers verbally
Correct answer: Isolating and de-energizing the equipment and verifying zero energy state before work begins
LOTO requires physically isolating energy sources, applying locks and tags, and verifying the equipment is de-energized before maintenance.
Question 6: Welding-grade compressed gas cylinders must be stored in what position to prevent valve damage and tipping hazards?
- Horizontal on a padded rack
- Upright and secured with a chain or strap (Correct answer)
- At a 45-degree angle in a cradle
- Upside down with valve guards installed
Correct answer: Upright and secured with a chain or strap
Cylinders must be stored upright and restrained with a chain or strap to prevent tipping, which can shear the valve and cause a dangerous projectile.
Question 7: What color is the oxygen cylinder and its hose typically color-coded in US welding operations?
- Red cylinder, red hose
- Green cylinder, green hose (Correct answer)
- Yellow cylinder, yellow hose
- Blue cylinder, blue hose
Correct answer: Green cylinder, green hose
In the US, oxygen cylinders are typically green and oxygen hoses are green, while acetylene cylinders and hoses are red.
AWS Safety Procedures & PPE 3
Which standard governs safe practices for welding, cutting, and allied processes in the United States?