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.

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.