W117.2-94

Preface

This is the third edition of CSA Standard W117.2, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processed, replacing the previous 1987 edition and W117.2-1974, Code for Safety in Electric and Gas Welding and Cutting Operations. This edition is based on the 1987 edition but includes numerous updates and revisions.

This Standard does not deal with design requirements of welding and cutting equipment, or of systems and their installations. Most of these requirements are already covered by a number of Standards, such as the Canadian Electrical Code, C22.2 NO. 60, Standards produced by the Compressed Gas Association, the National Fire Protection Association, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and others.

This Standard does identify the requirements for the operation of cutting and welding equipment, and equipment of related processes, and addresses specificially the operator of such equipment, the supervisor, and the employer under whose authority such operations are carried out. The Standard identifies the safety and health hazards that may be encourtered when such equipment is operated. It provides two options to the employer on how ti implement all the necessary health and safety measures:

(1) by following procedural guidelines as identified in Clauses 5 to 10; and

(2) by implementing a health and safety program as identified in Cluase 3.

It is expected that a medium to large company with occupational health and safety resources will probably choose to do an industrial assessment, while a small welding shop may prefer a procedural approach. In respect to the control of fumes and gases generated by welding or allied processes, procedural guidelines (Method 2) are given in Tables 5 and 6. They allow selection of appropriate control measures according to the process, material, production level, and degree of confinement of the operation. Welding operations not covered by the Tables should be assessed according to Method1. In Method 1 the fumes and gases associated with the welding operation are identified by using air sampling to measure the welder's exposure and to determine the adequacy of the ventilation provided. This method can be used for any welding operation and is generally preferred to Method 2.

In the course of preparing the new edition, extensive use was made of material originally prepared by the American National Standards Institute, and the National Fire Protection Association. Grateful acknowledgement is extended to these organizations.

Scope

1.1 Objective

1.1.1

This standard provides minimum requirements and recommendations for the protection of persons from illness and injury working in an environment affected by welding, cutting, and allied processes for, and for the prevention of damage to property arising from the installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment used for such.

1.1.2

This Standard provides for the elements of a welding health and safety program as specified in Clause 3 to implement the requirements of Clause 1.1.1.

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 are applicable to the processes illustrated in the Master Chart of Welding and Allied Processes (see Appendix A).

1.3 Exclusions

1.3.1

This Standard does not apply to the design or manufacture of welding or safety equipment.

1.3.2

This Standard does not include requirements for the following:

(a) building piping systems;

(b) pipeline protection systems;

(c) station outlet equipment;

(d) bulk gas supply systems; or

(e) building electrical systems.