Oxyfuel Welding Safety 105

acetylide

A highly explosive chemical compound that is created by the interaction between acetylene and copper. Copper tubing should never be used to splice oxyfuel hoses due to the risk of creating acetylide.

air purifier

A device which removes contaminants from air. When working in enclosed spaces, welders may need an air purifier or a respirator to provide clean air for breathing.

arc flash

An extremely painful condition that results from excess exposure to UV rays. Arc flash can feel like sunburn on the eye; it is usually a temporary condition.

arc welding

A fusion welding process that uses electricity to generate the heat needed to melt the base metals.

auto-darkening filter plate

A type of filter plate that automatically adjusts to the proper amount of shading for any welding process.

backfire

A torch malfunction in which the flame moves up into the tip of the torch. Backfire is fairly common and is not a major safety concern.

combustible

Any substance that is capable of igniting and burning.

cylinder truck

A two-wheeled dolly used to safely move gas cylinders. Cylinder trucks can be used to safely store gas cylinders temporarily as well.

downdraft table

A table for welding which uses suction to pull fumes downward through the table, away from the welder.

filter plate

The shaded protective lens inside the welder's helmet that filters out harmful rays and intense bright light. The amount of shading required depends on the welding process.

fire extinguisher

A portable device that uses a rapid spray of chemicals to put out small fires.

fire shield

A large, flame-resistant screen. Fire shields are placed around the area of welding to protect bystanders from spatter, the arc's harmful rays, and bright light.

fire-resistant

Made of materials which are designed to resist burning and withstand heat.

flashback

A torch malfunction in which the flame briefly or continually moves up into the torch and hoses. If a flame reaches the hoses, an explosion can occur.

flashback arrestor

A part of an oxyfuel outfit that is installed between the hoses and the torch. A flashback arrestor reduces the chances of flashback occurring while a torch is used.

fume

Metallic vapor that is emitted during the weld process. The metallic vapor solidifies to form tiny particles of metal.

fume extractor

Any device that uses suction to remove from the environment the smoke and gases generated by welding.

infrared

Invisible rays emitted during the welding process. Infrared rays can damage vision.

MAPP gas

A liquefied petroleum gas that can be used in oxyfuel processes. Some disadvantages of MAPP gas include high cost and inability to work with steel.

nonpetroleum soap

Soap that does not contain petroleum, which can be flammable.

overhead welding

Welding that is done above eye level. This type of welding requires extra safety precautions.

personal protective equipment

Any example of various safety equipment that workers wear or use to prevent injury in the workplace. Safety glasses are common personal protective equipment (PPE).

polyester

A fabric made of man-made materials that can melt in the presence of the torch's extreme heat. Jerseys are sometimes made of polyester.

rayon

A fabric made of man-made materials that can melt in the presence of the torch's extreme heat. Button-down shirts are sometimes made of rayon.

respirator

A gas mask that filters out harmful dust, fumes, and gases from the air being breathed.

sustained backfire

A torch malfunction in which the flame continually burns inside the torch, sometimes moving as far into the torch as the handle. Sustained backfire is considered extremely dangerous.

ultraviolet

Harmful invisible rays emitted by the torch during welding. UV rays can damage a welder's vision and burn skin.

valve cap

A device used to prevent the flow of gas from a cylinder while not in use.

welding hood

A stationary ventilation device installed above the weld area. The welding hood sucks up harmful fumes in its surrounding area.