S A F E O P ER A T I N G PR OC ED UR E S
TIG Welder
DO NOT use this machine unless you have received
authorization from the Shop Manager
Eye protection must be Long and loose hair Oil-free leather gloves
worn at all times. must be contained. must be worn.
A hood with the correct Appropriate protective Rings and jewelry must
shade lens must be worn clothing must be worn. not be worn.
when welding.
Sturdy closed-toe Pants must not be rolled
Respiratory protection up nor tucked into
may be required. footwear must be worn.
boots.
POTENTIAL HAZARDS AND INJURIES Ensure good connection of ground cable to workpiece or
table.
Electric shock Say “EYES” or “COVER” before initiating arc.
Fumes (respiratory hazard)
Radiation (eye & skin damage) Bend upper end of rod to avoid poking hazard.
Molten metal/Hot surfaces (burn hazard) Initiate the arc and create puddle before placing the tip
of the filler rod into the weld pool.
Fire
Ensure torch is not energized and your body is not
PRE-OPERATIONAL SAFETY CHECKS completing the welding circuit before changing electrode
or servicing torch.
Locate and ensure you are familiar with all machine Lay torch with care, and position foot pedal away from
operations and controls.
traffic to avoid inadvertent arc flash.
Check workspaces, walkways, and routing of welding
cables to ensure no slip/trip hazards are present.
ENDING OPERATIONS AND CLEANING UP
Ensure the work area is clean and clear of grease, oil
and any flammable or combustible materials. Turn off the machine and fume extraction unit when
Ensure the welding equipment, work area, your gloves work is completed.
and other PPE are dry to avoid electric shocks. Close the gas cylinder valve.
Ensure your jacket, gloves, TIG torch and welding Hang up the TIG torch and leads.
cables are in good condition.
Inspect area for fire risk, and label any hot items.
Ensure other people are protected from flashes by Leave the work area in a safe, clean and tidy state.
closing the curtain to the welding bay or erecting
screens.
Ensure the fume extraction unit is operating properly DON’T
before welding. (In some cases, the Fire Marshal has
allowed welding in areas without fume extraction.
Don’t use faulty equipment; report it immediately.
Verify lens function if using an auto-darkening hood. Don’t leave the welder running unattended.
Review the SDSs for the rod and gas to be used. Don’t drape cables over body.
Ensure personal hydration as PPE and direct exposure Don’t lay or roll damaging items across torch cable.
to heat can increase risk of heat illness. Don’t weld on drums, tanks, painted or plated materials,
etc. without permission.
SAFE OPERATING PRACTICES
Ensure machine is correctly set up (e.g., amperage,
polarity, tungsten size, and gas flow).
4/17 * SOP to be used in conjunction with an effective training program UC Davis
