Safety, Practices, and Advanced Topics
PPE requirements, fume extraction, welding hazards, welder continuity, weld repairs, and fabrication practices.
- Identify PPE requirements and fume extraction methods for SMAW
- Describe welding hazards including confined spaces and fire prevention
- Explain welder continuity requirements and qualification maintenance
- Perform weld repairs and understand fabrication practices
- Identify advanced topics including run-on tabs, mismatch, and lamination
Lección 1
PPE and Fume Extraction
Welding PPE Requirements
Every welder must wear proper PPE at all times. The hazards include arc radiation, hot metal, fumes, and noise.
Always Required
Welding helmet - auto-darkening or fixed shade
Safety glasses - worn under the helmet
Leather gloves - heat and spatter protection
Leather jacket/sleeves - UV and spatter protection
Steel-toed boots - foot protection
Lens Shade Selection
Shade 10 - up to 100A
Shade 11 - 100-175A
Shade 12 - 175-300A
Shade 14 - over 300A
Welding Fumes
SMAW produces fumes containing iron oxide, manganese, chromium, and other metals depending on the electrode and base metal. Prolonged exposure causes respiratory disease and neurological damage.
Fume Hazard
Welding fumes contain manganese, which at high exposure levels causes permanent neurological damage similar to Parkinson's disease. Always ensure adequate ventilation or use local exhaust extraction.
Fume Control Methods
- Natural ventilation - open areas with adequate air movement
- Local exhaust - extraction arm or hood positioned near the arc
- Respiratory protection - powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) when ventilation is inadequate
- Positioning - keep your head out of the fume plume; position so fumes blow away
SMAW requires a welding helmet (shade 10-14 based on amperage), safety glasses underneath, leather gloves, and protective clothing. Welding fumes contain manganese and other toxic metals - use local exhaust extraction or respiratory protection. Never weld without adequate ventilation.