AWS Welder Safety & Compliance 2

Question 1

What is the minimum safe distance OSHA recommends between welding operations and flammable materials?

Accepted Answer

10 feet (3 meters)

Answer

OSHA 1910.252 requires flammable materials to be moved at least 35 feet away or shielded with fire-resistant guards, but the minimum clearance from the work itself is 10 feet.

Question 2

Which type of fire extinguisher is most appropriate for a welding shop where electrical equipment and flammable metals may both be present?

Accepted Answer

Type D or ABC combination

Answer

A Type D extinguisher handles combustible metals, while an ABC combination extinguisher covers ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical fires common in welding environments.

Question 3

Under ANSI Z49.1, what is the recommended air change rate for natural ventilation in a welding area with a ceiling height of 16 feet?

Accepted Answer

At least 2,000 cubic feet per welder

Answer

ANSI Z49.1 specifies that natural ventilation is acceptable when the welding area provides at least 10,000 cubic feet (approximately 2,000 cfm per welder) with no more than 200 cubic feet per minute air movement.

Question 4

A welder is about to weld on a drum that previously held a petroleum solvent. What is the FIRST required step?

Accepted Answer

Clean, purge, and verify the drum is free of flammable vapors

Answer

AWS and OSHA require that containers that held flammable or combustible liquids be thoroughly cleaned, purged, and tested with a combustible gas detector before any hot work begins.

Question 5

What does the term 'hot work permit' primarily ensure in a welding safety program?

Accepted Answer

Supervisory approval and hazard assessment before ignition sources are introduced

Answer

A hot work permit system ensures that a qualified person has assessed and documented the hazards, controls, and fire watch requirements before welding or cutting begins in non-designated areas.

AWS Practice Test

AWS Practice Test

AWS Welder Safety & Compliance 2