SAW Safety Systems & Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which ANSI/AWS standard specifically governs safety in welding, cutting, and allied processes?
- ANSI/AWS Z49.1 (Correct answer)
- ANSI/AWS D1.1
- ANSI/AWS A5.17
- ANSI/AWS B2.1
Correct answer: ANSI/AWS Z49.1
ANSI/AWS Z49.1 is the primary safety standard covering welding, cutting, and allied processes including SAW.
Question 2: When performing SAW near combustible materials, the minimum safe clearance distance required is:
- 25 feet (7.6 m) (Correct answer)
- 10 feet (3 m)
- 35 feet (10.7 m)
- 50 feet (15.2 m)
Correct answer: 25 feet (7.6 m)
ANSI/AWS Z49.1 requires a minimum 25-foot (7.6 m) clearance from combustibles, or appropriate fire-resistant shields must be used.
Question 3: A flux recovery system on a SAW unit that recirculates flux without screening poses which primary hazard?
- Reintroduction of contaminated or slag-included flux into the weld pool (Correct answer)
- Increased flux consumption costs
- Reduced deposition rate
- Excess shielding gas buildup
Correct answer: Reintroduction of contaminated or slag-included flux into the weld pool
Unscreened recycled flux can contain slag particles that cause weld defects and trap harmful gases, compromising both weld quality and operator safety.
Question 4: Which type of fire extinguisher is most appropriate for an electrical fire involving SAW equipment?
- Class C (CO2 or dry chemical) (Correct answer)
- Class A (water)
- Class B (foam)
- Class D (dry powder)
Correct answer: Class C (CO2 or dry chemical)
Class C extinguishers are rated for energized electrical equipment and will not conduct electricity back to the operator.
Question 5: What is the purpose of an interlocking safety guard on a SAW wire feeder's drive rolls?
- To de-energize the feeder when the guard is opened, preventing crush injuries (Correct answer)
- To maintain constant wire feed speed
- To protect wire from moisture contamination
- To prevent arc start without flux coverage
Correct answer: To de-energize the feeder when the guard is opened, preventing crush injuries
Interlocking guards automatically cut power to drive rolls when opened, protecting fingers and hands from the pinch-point hazard.
Question 6: Manganese fumes produced during SAW operations are regulated under which OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL)?
- 1 mg/m³ (ceiling) (Correct answer)
- 5 mg/m³ (TWA)
- 0.1 mg/m³ (TWA)
- 2 mg/m³ (STEL)
Correct answer: 1 mg/m³ (ceiling)
OSHA sets a ceiling limit of 1 mg/m³ for manganese fumes, meaning exposure must never exceed this level at any time.
Question 7: Before entering a confined space where SAW has been performed, what atmospheric test must be conducted first?
- Oxygen content, flammable gases, and toxic vapor levels (Correct answer)
- Flux dust concentration only
- Carbon dioxide level only
- Humidity and temperature check
Correct answer: Oxygen content, flammable gases, and toxic vapor levels
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 requires testing for oxygen deficiency/enrichment, flammable atmospheres, and toxic contaminants before confined space entry.
SAW Safety Systems & Standards 2
Which ANSI/AWS standard specifically governs safety in welding, cutting, and allied processes?