437-004-2400 Arc Welding and Cutting (1) Scope. This subdivision applies to agricultural welding, except the following types that are covered by Subdivision 2/Q: (a) Production type or amount of welding. (b) Welding in confined spaces like tanks, vats, pits, or those defined in 4/J, OAR 437-004-1250(1). This section (4/Q) covers some confined space welding topics. In those cases, follow this section in addition to the rules in 2/Q. (c) Welding with toxic or dangerous coatings or fluxes. This includes manganese, lead, zinc, cadmium, mercury, beryllium, or fluorine compounds. (d) Welding or heating galvanized materials. (2) Instruction. Only trained and qualified workers will be allowed to run arc welding equipment. (3) Application of arc welding equipment. (a) General. Equipment that complies with the Requirements for Electric Arc-Welding Apparatus, NEMA EW-1-1983, National Electrical Manufacturers Association or the Safety Standard for Transformer-Type Arc-Welding Machines, ANSI/UL 551, 1993, Underwriters’ Laboratories assures consideration of safety in design. (b) Voltage. Do not exceed the following limits: (A) Alternating-current machines. (i) Manual arc welding and cutting — 80 volts. (ii) Automatic (machine or mechanized) arc welding and cutting — 100 volts. (B) Direct-current machines. (i) Manual arc welding and cutting — 100 volts. (ii) Automatic (machine or mechanized) arc welding and cutting — 100 volts. (C) Special processes. When special welding and cutting processes require higher open circuit voltages than those above, there must be a way to prevent the operator from making accidental contact with the high voltage. (4) Installation of arc welding equipment. (a) General. Installation including power supply must be according to the requirements of subdivision 4/S. (b) Grounding. Ground the frame or case of the welding machine (except engine-driven machines) according to subdivision 4/S. (5) Operation and maintenance. (a) Machine hook up. Before starting operations check all connections to the machine to make certain they are properly made. The work lead must be firmly attached to the work; magnetic work clamps must be free from adherent metal particles of spatter on contact surfaces. Coiled welding cable must be spread out before use to avoid serious overheating and damage to insulation. (b) Grounding. Check the grounding of the welding machine frame. Give special attention to safety ground connections of portable machines. (c) Manufacturers’ instructions. Follow the printed rules and instructions supplied by the manufacturers. (d) Electrode holders. When not in use place electrode holders so they cannot make electrical contact with persons, conducting objects, fuel or compressed gas tanks. (e) Electric shock. Do not use cables with splices within 10 feet (3 m) of the holder. (f) Damage. Do not use work lead cables or electrode lead cables with damaged insulation or exposed conductors. (g) Cable. Do not coil or loop the electrode cable around your body. [Publications: Publications referenced are available from the agency.] Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 654.025(2) & 656.726(3) Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 654.001 - 654.295 History: OSHA 4-1998, f. 8-28-98, cert. ef. 10-1-98