WCL Safety Standards & Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252, what minimum distance must combustible materials be kept from welding operations, or what alternative must be used?
- 10 feet, or use fire-resistant shields (Correct answer)
- 25 feet, or use fire-resistant shields
- 5 feet, or use fire-resistant shields
- 15 feet, or use fire-resistant shields
Correct answer: 10 feet, or use fire-resistant shields
OSHA 1910.252 requires combustibles be moved at least 35 feet away or protected by fire-resistant guards/shields.
Question 2: Which ANSI standard governs the selection, care, and use of respiratory protection equipment used during welding?
- ANSI Z88.2 (Correct answer)
- ANSI Z49.1
- ANSI Z87.1
- ANSI Z41.1
Correct answer: ANSI Z88.2
ANSI Z88.2 sets the standard for respiratory protection practices, including those used in welding environments.
Question 3: A welder notices a small fuel-gas leak at a hose fitting. What is the correct immediate action?
- Stop work, shut off the gas supply, and ventilate the area before repairing (Correct answer)
- Apply tape over the leak and continue welding
- Increase gas pressure to see if the leak self-seals
- Continue welding and report the leak at end of shift
Correct answer: Stop work, shut off the gas supply, and ventilate the area before repairing
Any fuel-gas leak requires immediate shutdown and ventilation to prevent fire or explosion.
Question 4: What is the maximum oxygen concentration (by volume) at which a space is considered oxygen-enriched and presents an elevated fire hazard?
- Above 23.5% (Correct answer)
- Above 21%
- Above 25%
- Above 19.5%
Correct answer: Above 23.5%
OSHA defines an oxygen-enriched atmosphere as one containing more than 23.5% oxygen by volume.
Question 5: California's Cal/OSHA Title 8 Section 4848 specifically addresses welding safety. Which authority enforces this regulation in Los Angeles County?
- Cal/OSHA Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Correct answer)
- Los Angeles Fire Department
- AWS Certification Board
- Federal OSHA Region 9
Correct answer: Cal/OSHA Division of Occupational Safety and Health
Cal/OSHA's Division of Occupational Safety and Health enforces Title 8 welding regulations throughout California including Los Angeles.
Question 6: When welding on metals coated with zinc (galvanized), which primary hazard must be controlled through adequate ventilation or respiratory protection?
- Metal fume fever from zinc oxide fumes (Correct answer)
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Nitrogen narcosis
- Lead poisoning
Correct answer: Metal fume fever from zinc oxide fumes
Heating galvanized metal releases zinc oxide fumes, which cause metal fume fever if inhaled in sufficient quantities.
Question 7: According to NFPA 51B, a hot work permit system must include which essential element?
- A fire watch posted for at least 30 minutes after work ends (Correct answer)
- Supervisor approval obtained verbally
- Work completed only during daylight hours
- Use of a CO2 extinguisher regardless of fire class
Correct answer: A fire watch posted for at least 30 minutes after work ends
NFPA 51B requires a fire watch maintained for a minimum of 30 minutes after hot work is completed to detect smoldering fires.
WCL Safety Standards & Regulations 2
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252, what minimum distance must combustible materials be kept from welding operations, or what alternative must be used?