Welding Safety in Agriculture OSHA Standard Produced by Idaho State University Office of Workforce Training

“This material was produced under grant SH22228SH1 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.” 2

OSHA and Agriculture Not all farms fall under OSHA jurisdiction Who is exempt: Farms that only employ immediate family members or farms with 10 or less employees (this exemption, however, does not apply if the operation has maintained a temporary labor camp within the last twelve months, OSHA directive CPL ) Additional state guidelines may apply

Welding Safety Overview CFR PPE: noise, fume, and light protection Machine safety: cables, connections Setting the machine: polarity, amps/volts Base metal identification Filler metal selection Electrical safety Safe welding practices

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for Ag welding Cotton shirt/pants Tapping jacket, leathers, burn protection Gloves CFR (b) Footwear CFR (b) Welding hat Safety glasses CFR Other things not to wear

PPE continued Hearing protection CFR Fume protection CFR Have an A, B, C rated fire extinguisher on hand Have a fire watch available

Pre-operational ag welding checks Welding cables “leads” Connections Ground clamp Electrode holder “stinger” Inert gas requirements, flow meter, hoses GMAW, GTAW, and SMAW applications

Setting up the machine Polarity: AC, DCRP, or DCEN Process: SMAW, GTAW, or GMAW Read the owner’s manual Amperage adjustments: too hot/cold Adjusting inert gas flow/coverage Wire speed, pulse, HF options Portable welding considerations

Typical AC/DC machine found in ag repair shops

Stinger and ground clamp

End connectors

Process specific equipment

Inert gases

Inverter welder

Producing a safe, strong weld in agriculture applications Select the process best suited to the task Properly identify the base metal Determine which filler metal to use Application of welding techniques

Ag Welding process selection SMAW: most common, versatile GMAW: high deposition, low penetration GTAW: dairy applications, stainless, aluminum OFW: brazing, cutting, some welding apps Considerations: HAZ, ferrous or non- ferrous, service or use of item

Base metal identification for ag welding Carbon steel: low, medium, and high Cast iron: implement parts Stainless steel: dairy applications, parts Aluminum: sprinkler pipe, parts

Base metal identification File test for hardness: scale 1 to 10 Magnet for iron content: low carbon steel Color of metal: aluminum or stainless Weight Application(s) Owner’s manual, manufacturer, ask questions

Filler metal selection for ag welding Low carbon steels or mild steels: E6010, E7018, ER70S-6 series for GTAW or GMAW applications Medium carbon steels: E8018 or higher tensile strength, pre-heat/post heat Follow a welding procedure or recommended practice from the manufacturer

Electrical safety in ag welding Cable insulation integrity Hardwire or pigtails Solid connections: soldered Serviceable stinger and ground Covers on quick connects Compressed gas cylinder safety Water issues Grounding

Ag shop welding considerations prior to welding Shielding: UV/IR light, grinder sparks Protect floor Cover vital parts of equipment Ventilation Noise abatement Fire extinguisher, fire watch Clean work area, combustibles, trip hazards

Mobile repair/field service in agriculture Proper fuel for welding machine Secure cylinders, upright position Protect gauges Inspect leads prior to operation Ground properly: bearings, fuel cells, electronics—consult owner’s manual Fume from welding, motors Combustibles: fuels, crops, clothing

Mobile repair, cont. Chock wheels Park on level of terrain if possible Fire watch Fire extinguisher Communications Contingency plan: where, when, what,...

Other welding safety in agriculture Welding/cutting on tanks, vessels, or cylinders Confined space Grain dust and/or other combustibles Grounding: damage to electronics, bearing, and fuel

Evaluation 25 Produced by Idaho State University Office of Workforce Training