Oregon OSHA has adopted OAR 437-002-2253, the Oxygen-Fuel Gas Welding and Cutting Standard for General Industry employers and Construction employers when welding, cutting, brazing, soldering, and flame coating is performed using a combination of oxygen and a fuel-gas. This rulemaking combines the existing Division 2 and Division 3 Oxygen-Fuel Gas Welding and Cutting rules. Twelve related Division 2 rules and a single Division 3 rule were either amended or repealed in the creation of OAR 437-002-2253.
OAR 437-002-2253 makes one rule applicable to all disciplines involved in the processes of welding, cutting, brazing, soldering, and thermal coating when using a combination of oxygen and a fuel-gas except for Agriculture, Maritime and Forest Activities. Additionally, it adds a Scope to the rule.
It provides definitions for key words and terms relevant to processes covered by the rule. It creates a user friendly format by taking separate rules that had multiple requirements and consolidating them into a single rule with easy to understand sections, sections that can be used as a template for training.
The rule establishes a requirement for the training of employees to be performed by a competent person prior to allowing them to work independently.
Additionally, the rule prohibits the use of passenger vehicle trunks for transportation of cylinders and establishes requirements to perform leak tests prior to each placement of a cylinder into an enclosed vehicle.
It establishes requirements to perform drop tests on cylinders and associated equipment and explains how to perform a drop test for those instances when it is required.
Cylinders in storage and transportation must not be exposed to temperatures of 125oF or greater.
The rule permits employers to follow manufacturer’s recommendations when installing reverse flow check valves (back flow) and flashback arrestors (flashback preventers).
Finally, it updates language in the rule to reflect contemporary American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) requirements, Association for Rubber Product Manufacturers (ARPM) requirements, Compressed Gas Association (CGA) requirements, and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements.
This is Oregon OSHA Administrative Order 6-2014, adopted October 28, 2014, and effective May 1, 2015.
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