By André A. Odermatt

It is probably a safe assumption that all our readers, directly or indirectly, have something to do with welding and that means automatically with safety precautions in welding. Just in case that you do not know… the American National Standard ANSI Z49.1 Safety in Welding Cutting, and Allied Processes has undergone its 9th revision this past year, after its first appearance in 1943. Please be herewith advised that ANSI Z49.1: 2005 has been available since the mid-2005. The American Welding Society Board of Directors wanted this important standard to receive the widest possible distribution and has directed that it be made available as a free download.

Please visit our website www.welding.org and click “Downloads” for a free copy of this 56-page document. It is also available on the AWS website http://www.aws.org/technical/facts.

In Section 2. Definitions, 2.10 defines “Welder” as follows: “Welder” and “welding operator” as used herein are intended to designate any operator of electric or oxyfuel gas welding or cutting equipment, or allied processes. The explanatory information E.2.10 states: This term also includes educators and students that are engaged in similar activities.

In section 3, E3.2.2 “Supervisor” is explained as follows: Supervisors, as used in this standard, include all persons who are responsible for supervising welding operations such as owners, contractors, educators and others.

In section 2, Definitions, 2.7 defines the word “Shall” as follows: Shall is used to indicate provisions which are mandatory.

Do you want to guess how many times the word “Shall” is used in this document? (See answer below)

Let’s check where the word is used in Section 3. General Provisions, Management and Supervision. (Note: For the full text of this section, please refer to the standard.)

3.1.1 Equipment shall be inspected. When found incapable of reliable safe operation, the equipment shall be repaired.

3.1.2 All equipment shall be operated in accordance with manufacturers recommendations and instructions.

3.1.3 Heavy portable equipment on wheels shall be secured.

3.2. Operators and management shall recognize their mutual responsibility for safety.

3.2.1.1 Management shall assure that welders and supervisors are trained in safety precautions.

3.2.1.2 Management shall assure that hazards and safety precautions are communicated.

3.2.1.3 Management shall designate areas for safe welding and cutting.

3.2.1.4 Management shall assure that only approved equipment and personal protective devises are used.

3.2.1.5 Management shall select welding contractors who provide trained and qualified personnel.

3.2.2.1 Supervisors shall be responsible for the safe handling of equipment and the safe use of the welding process

3.2.2.2 Supervisors shall determine what flammable and combustible materials are present and shall assure that such materials are not exposed to ignition.

3.2.2.3 Authorization for welding or cutting operations shall be obtained.

3.2.2.4 Management shall assure that proper personal protective and fire protection equipment is used.

3.2.3.1 Welders shall understand the hazards of the operation and procedures to be used to control hazardous conditions.

3.2.3.2 Welders shall have permission of management before starting to weld or cut.

3.2.3.3 Welders shall cut or weld only where all safety precautions have been met.

It quickly becomes obvious that you need to be aware of this important national voluntary safety standard in your workplaces.

With this short article, my aim is to draw your attention to this revised safety standard and the many times that the term “Shall” it is used…just in case…!

The answer to the question is 478.