AWS Welder Material & Equipment Handling 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended storage temperature for low-hydrogen electrodes that have been removed from their original hermetically sealed container?
- Room temperature in a dry area
- 250°F to 300°F (121°C to 149°C) in a rod oven (Correct answer)
- Below 32°F to slow moisture absorption
- 50°F to 70°F in a sealed plastic bag
Correct answer: 250°F to 300°F (121°C to 149°C) in a rod oven
Low-hydrogen electrodes must be stored in a rod oven at 250–300°F to prevent moisture absorption that would cause hydrogen-induced cracking.
Question 2: When handling a tungsten electrode for GTAW, why should you avoid touching the tungsten tip with bare fingers?
- The tungsten may be too hot to handle safely
- Skin oils contaminate the electrode and degrade arc quality (Correct answer)
- Bare tungsten is electrically charged at all times
- Contact creates a static discharge hazard
Correct answer: Skin oils contaminate the electrode and degrade arc quality
Skin oils from bare fingers contaminate the tungsten tip, causing arc instability and weld contamination during GTAW.
Question 3: What is the maximum distance a compressed gas cylinder should be moved without using a proper cylinder cart?
- Any distance is acceptable if the cap is on
- Cylinders should not be rolled or dragged at any distance without a cart (Correct answer)
- Up to 50 feet on flat surfaces
- Up to 10 feet if the cylinder is tilted at 45 degrees
Correct answer: Cylinders should not be rolled or dragged at any distance without a cart
Compressed gas cylinders should always be moved using an approved cylinder cart regardless of distance to prevent tipping and valve damage.
Question 4: A welder is setting up an oxyacetylene outfit. In what order should the regulator gauges read when opening the oxygen cylinder valve?
- Working pressure rises first, then cylinder pressure
- Both gauges rise simultaneously
- Cylinder pressure rises first, then working pressure is set (Correct answer)
- Neither gauge moves until the torch valve is opened
Correct answer: Cylinder pressure rises first, then working pressure is set
When opening the oxygen cylinder valve, the cylinder (content) pressure gauge rises first to show tank pressure, then the working pressure is adjusted via the regulator.
Question 5: Which of the following indicates that a welding cable has become unsafe for continued use?
- The cable feels warm after extended use
- The cable insulation shows cracks, cuts, or exposed copper (Correct answer)
- The cable has a slight curve from storage on a reel
- The cable connector shows minor surface oxidation
Correct answer: The cable insulation shows cracks, cuts, or exposed copper
Cracked, cut, or exposed insulation on a welding cable creates an electrocution hazard and requires immediate replacement.
Question 6: What is the purpose of using a soapstone marker on metal before cutting or welding?
- To indicate areas that have already been inspected
- To mark layout lines that remain visible under heat without contaminating the weld (Correct answer)
- To apply flux to the base metal surface
- To identify the alloy composition of the base metal
Correct answer: To mark layout lines that remain visible under heat without contaminating the weld
Soapstone (talc) markers leave layout lines that withstand heat and do not introduce contaminants that would affect weld quality.
Question 7: When cutting wire from a new GMAW wire spool, what hazard must the welder control?
- Wire sparks that can ignite nearby materials
- The wire springing back and causing injury when tension is released (Correct answer)
- Excess static electricity built up on the spool
- Wire oxidation from exposure to open air
Correct answer: The wire springing back and causing injury when tension is released
Wire on a spool is under tension, and cutting it without controlling the free end can cause the wire to spring back and cause eye or face injuries.
AWS Welder Material & Equipment Handling 3
What is the recommended storage temperature for low-hydrogen electrodes that have been removed from their original hermetically sealed container?