from ARC Interiors Ltd.
Work involving welding, cutting, or burning on a construction site creates both a fire hazard as well as a breathing hazard for all workers present. Consider the following points before commencing this high-hazard type of work:
- Ensure that adequate ventilation is supplied since hazardous fumes can easily be created while welding, cutting, or burning
- When other workers are in the same area as the welding, cutting, or burning, “screens” must be used to protect them
- Always have equipment to prevent fires nearby before any welding, cutting, or burning begins
- Check the work area for combustible materials and potentially flammable vapors before starting work
- A welder should never work alone. A fire or spark watch should be maintained
- Regularly check cables and hoses to protect them from slag or sparks
- Never enter, weld, or cut in a confined space without proper gas tests and a required safety lookout
- When working overhead, use fire resistant materials (blankets, tarps) to control or contain slag & sparks
- Cutting & welding must not be performed where sparks and cutting slag will fall on cylinders (move all cylinders away to one protected side)
- Open all cylinder valves slowly. The wrench used to open these valves should always be kept on the valve spindle when the cylinder is in use
* For more information on welding, cutting, and burning, refer to the applicable section within the Guide to Alberta’s Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code.
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