Certified Welder Safety Practices & Equipment Handling 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum safe distance bystanders should maintain from arc welding operations without proper eye protection?
- 10 feet
- 25 feet
- 50 feet (Correct answer)
- 5 feet
Correct answer: 50 feet
OSHA recommends bystanders stay at least 50 feet from arc welding operations or use appropriate shielding/screens to prevent arc flash injuries.
Question 2: Which color code indicates an oxygen cylinder in the US welding industry?
- Red
- Green (Correct answer)
- Yellow
- Blue
Correct answer: Green
In the US, oxygen cylinders are typically painted green, though always verify by reading the cylinder label since color coding is not universally standardized.
Question 3: When welding on a container that previously held flammable materials, what is the safest first step?
- Weld quickly to minimize exposure time
- Fill the container with water before welding
- Test with a combustible gas indicator only
- Purge and clean the container, then test for residual vapors (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Purge and clean the container, then test for residual vapors
Containers must be thoroughly purged, cleaned, and tested for residual flammable vapors before welding to prevent explosions.
Question 4: What does a 'hot work permit' require the welder to document before starting work?
- Welder's certification number only
- Hazard assessment, fire watch assignment, and equipment checks (Correct answer)
- Material purchase receipts
- Supervisor's work history
Correct answer: Hazard assessment, fire watch assignment, and equipment checks
A hot work permit requires documentation of hazard identification, fire watch arrangements, fire suppression availability, and equipment inspection results.
Question 5: Which type of glove is specifically designed for TIG (GTAW) welding?
- Heavy leather stick welding gloves
- Thin, flexible leather or deerskin gloves (Correct answer)
- Rubber-coated work gloves
- Cotton knit gloves
Correct answer: Thin, flexible leather or deerskin gloves
TIG welding requires thin, flexible gloves (often deerskin) to allow the dexterity needed to manually feed filler rod while maintaining control.
Question 6: What is the primary hazard associated with welding on galvanized steel?
- Increased spatter
- Zinc oxide fume generation causing metal fume fever (Correct answer)
- Weakened weld joint
- Electrode contamination
Correct answer: Zinc oxide fume generation causing metal fume fever
Galvanized steel coatings release zinc oxide fumes when heated, which can cause metal fume fever, a flu-like illness, requiring enhanced ventilation or respiratory protection.
Question 7: How should compressed gas cylinders be stored when not in use?
- Horizontally on the floor
- Upright and secured with chains or straps, caps installed (Correct answer)
- Near heat sources to prevent condensation
- Grouped together regardless of gas type
Correct answer: Upright and secured with chains or straps, caps installed
Cylinders must be stored upright, secured to prevent tipping, with protective caps installed, and separated by gas type and flammability.
Certified Welder Safety Practices & Equipment Handling 2
What is the minimum safe distance bystanders should maintain from arc welding operations without proper eye protection?