CAN/CSA-W117.2-12 (R2017)

Preface

This is the sixth edition of W117.2, Safety in welding, cutting, and allied processes. It supersedes the previous editions published in 2006, 2001, 1994, 1987, and 1974. Its subject is the health and safety of welders and welding operators.

This Standard has been developed through a consensus process that ensures that the requirements wil 

be accepted and followed throughout the welding industry. The goal is to encourage fresh thinking and attitudes. Everyone involved in the industry must become aware of the importance of welding safety and the need to make continual improvements in the welding environment over time.

This edition of W117.2 has been revised to reflect changes that have occurred in the Canadian welding industry in response to the most recent review of injuries and fatalities within the industry. These changes are presented with the expectation that they will be implemented and with the hope of preventing further injuries and fatalities.

This Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied

Processes, under the jurisdiction of the Strategic Steering Committee on Welding and Structural Metals,

and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee.

This Standard has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group.

Scope

1.1 Objective

1.1.1

This Standard provides minimum requirements and recommendations to protect persons who work in an environment affected by welding, cutting, and allied processes from illness and injury and to prevent damage to property arising from the installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment used in these processes.

1.1.2

This Standard specifies the elements of a welding health and safety program (see Clause 4) that are necessary to implement the requirements and recommendations specified in this Standard.

1.2 Applicability

1.2.1

This Standard applies to all personnel working in an environment affected by welding, cutting, and allied processes.

1.2.2

The requirements of this Standard apply to the processes illustrated in the Master chart of welding and allied processes (see Figures A.1 and A.2).

Note: One should consult the authority having jurisdiction, together with this Standard, to ensure compliance to mandatory legislative requirements.

1.3 Exclusions

This Standard does not apply to

(a) the design or manufacture of welding or safety equipment; and

(b) storage, use, and handling of natural gas and propane in accordance with CSA B149.1 and CSA B149.2.

1.4 Terminology

In this Standard, shall is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; should is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and may is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (nonmandatory) to define their application.

1.5 Units of measurement

The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Standard. The values given in parentheses are for information and comparison only.

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